YORKTON - Yorkton Council finalized amendments to the city’s Zoning Bylaw to allow for child care centres in residential zoning districts.
The amendment was given unanimous second and third reading support at the regular meeting of Council March 3, after first reading support Feb. 10.
The bylaw was referred to the Planning and Infrastructure Commission at their January 29, 2025 meeting, explained Carleen Koroluk – Land Use Planner with the city.
The Planning and Infrastructure Commission plays an important part in civic government by providing representation from a broad spectrum of the community to assist City Council in their decision making. City Administration provides recommendations for the Commission to consider which are based on sound land use planning practices, including relevant policies and procedures. The Commission, however, is not bound by the Administrative recommendation and is free to carry any motion they see fit, including recommendations either to approve, to approve with conditions, or to deny applications, she added.
“The Commission acknowledged the need for, and lack of, child care spaces in the city and was supportive of Administration proceeding with zoning amendments that would allow for additional opportunities in residential zoning districts, with additional special use development standards to mitigate potential impacts on the residential neighbourhoods. As such, a recommendation that Council approve the amendment was carried unanimously,” stated Koroluk.
The proposed bylaw was advertised and circulated in accordance with the City’s public notification requirements, including advertisement in the local paper, at City Hall and on the City website. At the date of the report March 3, no inquiries had been received and written submissions and persons wishing to speak to the amendment had the opportunity to present to Council during the Public Hearing, she added.
In February Koroluk told Council the changes were being proposed because of a community need.
“Because so many parents work outside the home today, quality childcare provides much needed services where children can enjoy a variety of benefits academically, socially, and physically. However, despite recent legislation to reduce costs, parents continue to struggle with the shortage of child care spaces within the city,” she said.
“A recent inquiry regarding the conversion of an unoccupied residential dwelling to a day care centre to offer more child care spaces in the city prompted review of Zoning Bylaw provisions for child care facilities. The review was brought to the Planning and Infrastructure Commission at the January 29 meeting for their input. The Commission acknowledged the need for, and lack of, child care spaces in the city and was supportive of Administration proceeding with zoning amendments that would allow for additional opportunities.”
The amendment details:
* that Day Care Centres for up to 30 individuals on locations on corner lots that abut arterial, major or minor collector streets (see Attachment 2) be Permitted Uses in Single Detached Dwellings in the R-1 General Residential, R-2 Low Density Residential, R-3 Medium Density Residential and R-5 Mixed Density Residential zoning districts;
* that parking requirements be based on the approved number of individuals under care;
* that Day Care Centres outside of the above parameters be Discretionary Uses considered by Council on a case by case basis;
* to delete Zoning Bylaw Section 7.2.1.C requiring on-site fenced outdoor play for Day Care Centres as this requirement is addressed through provincial licensing.
