Update: Chilliwack council approves temporary use permit for daycare connected to local realtor

UPDATE: Chilliwack Councillor Chris Kloot says councillors have approved a temporary use permit for a residential day care in Fairfield Island following considerable discussion at today’s public hearing.

Original story: 

CHILLIWACK – Chilliwack councillors will hold a public hearing today on a proposed residential daycare application in Fairfield Island brought forward by a local realtor.

According to item 11.3.2 on today’s Chilliwack City Council agenda, applicant Rickneel Maharaj, a Chilliwack realtor, has applied to have a child care facility for up to 24 children permitted at 10015 Fairview Drive in Fairfield Island.

The 10000 block of Fairview Drive, home to the proposed residential daycare facility. (Image Credit: Google Maps.)

A city staff report from city planner Navdeep Sidhu indicates the proposed use is not currently permitted with the R1-A zone. As a result, a temporary use permit is required. After three years, the temporary use permit would be required to continue using the site for an additional three years.

Once the proposed temporary use permit has been subject to a public hearing, staff are recommending that council approve the temporary use permit at 10015 Fairview Drive.

Sidhu’s report indicates the applicant would like to provide child care for toddlers ages 30 months up to five years old. The proposed child care facility will occupy the entire residence of 10015 Fairview Drive and have up to two on-site staff members for operating hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A building permit application will also be required to make sure upgrades to the structure are completed pursuant to the city’s policies for child care facilities offering services for 17-24 children, Sidhu noted.

The applicant has successfully operated a child care facility on an adjoining property at 46265 Hope River Road since 2022 under an approved temporary use permit and rezoning, Sidhu stated. The applicant has presented to city staff a public engagement package revealing support from seven neighbours for the proposed child care facility.

The public hearing to consider the daycare will be held today (Tuesday, July 21) at 4 p.m.