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In the first test of its new childcare regulations, North Vancouver city council has approved the expansion of a commercial daycare facility.
Behzad Assadi already operates Future Scholars Group Daycare out of his home on the 2000-block of Mahon Avenue. He came before council July 27 seeking permission to expand from 12 spaces to 20.
Council brought in a series of new childcare bylaws in April in response to ongoing noise and traffic disputes between another daycare and its neighbours. The bylaws were hotly debated at the time and passed by a 4-3 vote. Mayor Darrell Mussatto and Couns. Craig Keating and Mary Trentadue argued the requirements were too onerous and would deter potential daycare operators.
As required by the new bylaws, Assadi developed a plan to minimize traffic and noise in the neighbourhood. Pick-up and drop-off times will be staggered and parents will be encouraged to walk or use transit. Assadi will also provide subsidized transit passes to his employees to keep his two parking spots available for parents.
Assadi visited each of the 57 houses within 100 metres of his business to consult with residents, some as many as four times. Of the 57 neighbours, Assadi said 39 supported the expansion, two opposed it, three were neutral and the remaining 13 could not be reached.
The bylaws also required Assadi to attend the regular public meeting where council would decided whether or not to grant him a business licence.
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Coun. Bob Fearnley asked Assadi what his experience was as the first person to go through the new process.
"The process was too long and kind of hard," said Assadi, who declined to comment further.
"Well I think for once council got this exactly right," said Coun. Rod Clark. "Yes, he had to spend four days knocking on doors and he had to jump through some hoops at city hall but I think the process has served us well. I see no one here complaining. This has been a stellar first case."
Keating said council shouldn't dismiss Assadi's comments.
"Not everyone is like the seven of us," he said. "Some people are distinctly uncomfortable with having to go knocking on doors and making the case to do something we as a city always wanted people to do, which is to establish daycares. We shouldn't make light of the difficulties that some people may have. Hats off to Mr. Assadi."
Council voted unanimously to approve Assadi's business licence application.
- reprinted from North Shore News