Council loosened rules further before passing a revised day homes bylaw last night that will make them a permitted use in all Cochrane residential areas and some commercial zones.
Day Homes will now be allowed to hire outside workers, and don't require designated drop off/pick up parking spots.
The regulations will also allow day homes to accommodate six children at any time, as opposed to six specific children a day.
That may sound like a minor change, but it makes a huge difference, says Mayor Jeff Genung.
"It is a significant change to allow day homes to provide services at different times of the day for the shifting needs of our community in how they work,"
They'll also be able to post a sign up to half a metre square.
Mayor Jeff Genung says the changes not only reduce red tape for applicants but also saves time for planning services.
Alex Reed was the sole councillor in opposition and says cutting red tape shouldn't be done at the expense of restricting the democratic rights of residents.
"To be very clear, my vote against this bylaw was not a vote against day homes, but rather a vote against denying the right of a citizen to be heard," says Reed. "I am totally sympathetic and sincerely appreciate our community’s need for more day homes."
"My belief is that the democratic process of good government enables a citizen the right to be heard. By approving this bylaw, we have denied that basic democratic right. With the passing of this bylaw, democracy is now defined as cutting the red tape and being efficient."
He found it ironic that the council went on to spend 15 to 20 minutes discussing increasing the size of the one sign allowed from an 8 1/2" v 11" to 0.5 square metres, the size of a typical poster board.
While the application process has been simplified, day homes will need to meet established regulations and acquire a business licence to operate.
Fri, Apr 19, 10:30 AM
Full-time, Hourly, Permanent, Labour, Professionals, Skilled Trades