A bid by owners of a Port Coquitlam shopping mall will likely see their daycare proposal turned down by city council — again.
Last night (Tuesday), the city’s smart growth committee voted 4-3 to reject the application by Terracap Management Inc. despite the urgent need for childcare spaces in the Tri-Cities.
Two years ago, Terracap — which owns the Shaughnessy Station shopping centre — asked for a rezoning to the former Canadian Tire store for a daycare for up to 136 kids; it was thrown out because of the playground location and potential traffic conflicts.
Its revised edition calls for the daycare’s outdoor playground to be placed at the back of the downtown property, next to Summit Tools and close to the CP Rail tracks.
Committee chair Coun. Brad West told The Tri-City News today (Wednesday) that the site isn’t suitable as it’s too close to rail noise and fumes.
PoCo’s fire department has also voiced concern about safety with the possible playground being sited on the south side.
“Just because [a daycare] is needed doesn’t mean that it can go anywhere,” said West, who is a father to a toddler. “The location of where children play is important.”
City council will consider the committee’s recommendation at its Tuesday meeting.
