Port Moody families will soon have a new child care option in the city’s downtown.
On Tuesday, July 23, council agreed to grant a temporary use permit that will allow a new daycare that can accommodate 36 children to set up shop in a pre-fabricated building.
The 810 sq. m. residential lot at 2901 St. Johns St. is currently vacant after the home that used to occupy it was moved to a new location by retired restaurateur and heritage advocate Fred Soofi.
He told council he’s been waiting for the right opportunity to make use of the property while it awaits eventual redevelopment.
“I think this would be a good use,” Soofi said. “Let’s go for it.”
The daycare will be operated by Acorn Early Childhood Education, with a range of services for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten and even out of school care as well as summer camps.
Port Moody development planner Salwa Albayaty said the daycare lot, which has already been vetted by Fraser Health, is large enough it will accommodate a sizeable outdoor play area.
The temporary use permit will initially apply for three years, but it can be renewed for another three.
Councillors were quick to endorse the project. Some even enquired if the permit could go beyond the two three-year periods if the daycare proves a success, although staff replied that would likely require the property be rezoned.
“Childcare is desperately needed in this community,” said Coun. Kyla Knowles. “It’s pretty scary out there for people looking for childcare.”
Coun. Amy Lubik said she hopes other property users might consider a similar arrangement.
“I hope this could be a precedent if we have more under-utilized land,” she said.
