Photo by Whitehorse Star
Pictured above: MAGGIE POWTER
Decision pending on preschool operator’s plans
A local preschool operator should know next Monday whether the program can go ahead with its plans to operate out of a Metropolit Lane property.
A local preschool operator should know next Monday whether the program can go ahead with its plans to operate out of a Metropolit Lane property.
That’s when city council is scheduled to vote on the final two readings of a rezoning bylaw that would allow Little Wonders Preschool, currently based downtown, to operate out of the Highway Commercial zoned property at 8 Metropolit Lane.
On Tuesday evening, city planning manager Mélodie Simard brought forward the recommendation that council move the bylaw forward to the final two readings.
She pointed out that a public hearing was held in July following first reading of the rezoning bylaw. No presentations nor written submissions came forward.
“No issues were raised,” Simard said.
If the rezoning is approved, she added, “the applicant will finalize their purchase of the lot and proceed through the development approval process for a child care centre.”
Little Wonders operator Maggie Powter addressed council in an earlier presentation when the rezoning came forward. She called the site ideal for the preschool and the families who bring their children to the program.
At 1,929 square metres, the property has enough room for both the proposed building and the 150 square metres of suitable landscaped outdoor space required for the 30 children expected to attend the preschool, Powter said.
The location is just off Hamilton Boulevard near the Alaska Highway and Robert Service Way. That makes it beneficial for parents driving to work downtown from neighbourhoods like Copper Ridge, Granger and Hillcrest, Powter pointed out.
Parents could easily drop off their youngsters on the way to work and pick them up on the way home without any impact on traffic in more residential neighbourhoods, Powter added.
There’s also access to greenspace on the site.
The building would be constructed to suit the business, allowing for a safe, stimulating environment for children from the onset, Powter told council.
She also pointed out that Metropolit Lane is a cul-de-sac. Thus, it provides additional safety in not being located on a busy, major street.
The territory’s environmental health branch has also reviewed the plans and has no concerns.
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Comments (2)
Up 2 Down 2
Jonathan Colby on Sep 10, 2018 at 12:00 am
Yes, Lorne is a perennial villain because of the land usage and rezoning on that property. But let me make a few things clear:
YG and CoW are ultimately responsible for this sort of thing. If I were a capitalist, I would take advantage wherever I could. Don't blame the guy for basically taking advantage of your crappy elected officials.
Second, a lot of streets are named for the primary business or landholder that the street serves, and there's a few that are names for various Yukon capitalists. They're everywhere. Open your eyes.
And last, Lorne doesn't want to grow MJ. I told him he should when I helped him build that new greenhouse. He politely declined.
Up 3 Down 0
My Opinion on Sep 8, 2018 at 2:51 pm
Sure. Change more Zoning. It seems the official Community plan only effects some people. Metropolit has changed zoning several times to suit himself. Was supposed to have a Show garden, then was not allowed to build on the property, had to build for security purposes. Ultimately shut the Garden down in a few years and had the land for free. Named the streets after himself, where does it stop? Keep in mind he has his Eye on a MJ grow op. Look at all the fancy new green houses and heating systems. That ain't for lettuce. Good spot for kids???????