The city is considering a rezoning application to convert a commercial space on Scott Road into a new daycare.
Council last week granted preliminary approval for the application by Highmark Homes to convert a ground floor unit at 9015-120 St. into a daycare that can accommodate up to 50 children ranging from infant and toddlers through primary ages.
The mixed-use building consists of commercial and townhouse units on the ground floor and condo units above.
The childcare facility would include 3,380 square-feet of indoor area and an adjacent 3,810 square-foot outdoor play area.
Several parking spaces would be converted into the outdoor play space.
After a lengthy discussion about the parking situation, council agreed to send the application to a public hearing.
A report to council notes Delta's Childcare Needs Assessment identifies North Delta as an area for high need for childcare spaces for children ages three-to-five.
North Delta is most underserved for childcare spaces in the age range compared to Ladner and Tsawwassen, the report notes.
Delta's Childcare Strategy and Action Plan, approved by council last year, enables council and staff to work with community partners and stakeholders to develop specific actions aimed at increasing childcare accessibility and affordability.
It also identifies a goal of adding 1,051 childcare spaces over the next 10 years to reach the Canadian average of 27.2 spaces per 100 children with a focus on infant/toddler and school age spaces.
The virtual public hearing for the proposal will take place on Tuesday, June 29 at 4 p.m.
