As Saanich’s population grows, council has chosen to increase the number of childcare spaces permitted in the district to meet demand.
At the March 24 meeting, the district approved bylaw changes to expand home-based childcare, increasing the maximum number of children allowed from five in multi-family units and eight in single- and two-family homes to 12.
Council also removed rules that restricted outdoor play, limited business space, prohibited hiring non-resident staff, and set noise limits during operating hours (typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Saanich staff noted that home-based childcare can be a more affordable option for parents than childcare centres, as it usually has lower operating costs, flexible pricing, and a more personalized approach within the community.
The move aims to lower barriers for providers and help address a shortage of more than 2,500 spaces highlighted in a 2020 report.
In the past six months, Saanich staff has received approximately 20 inquiries from childcare providers wishing to expand their home operations
For Coun. Nathalie Chambers, the decision is a step toward meeting the municipality's needs while exploring other ways to address the situation.
“I think that we can look at other benefits and incentives for people who have in-home care in the future,” she said.
Although home-based childcare makes up 13 per cent of the space in the municipality, Mayor Dean Murdock estimated that this decision could result in the creation of 100 additional spaces.
“Childcare in [our] growing community is desperately needed," he said. “Certainly, this is not the last stop on the tour of creating more space for childcare in our community, but I think this is making great headway towards that effort.”
