The city of Cold Lake is moving forward with a proposal to permit 24-hour childcare services, a move designed to support families with non-standard work schedules, such as shift workers.
At the January 15, council meeting, officials reviewed an amendment to Land Use Bylaw No. 766-LU-23, which would remove restrictions on overnight care at childcare facilities. This amendment would enable round-the-clock operations, providing much-needed flexibility for parents.
“The matter before us for the public hearing was first raised on November 26, where council supported the first reading of a bylaw amendment to allow a childcare facility to operate 24-hours,” said Andrew Jabbs, manager of Land Use Planning, Development and Regulatory Services for the city. Currently, the bylaw defines a childcare facility as a “provincially regulated facility for the care, educational services, or supervision for seven or more children, excluding family day homes or group hones.” added Jabbs.
The proposed change would eliminate the eliminate the demand that such facilities operate only during the day or evening, aligning with the Provincial Early Learning and Child Care Act, which does not restrict operating hours. The initiative is a response to feedback from local families and employers, particularly those in shift-driven industries, who have emphasized the need for more adaptable childcare options.
Public consultation on the amendment was conducted by the city’s website, but no feedback was received. “We have not received any feedback from the public in support or opposition to the proposed amendment,” said Jabbs. The revised definition would now say: “Child Care Facility means a provincially regulated facility used for the provision of care, educational services, or supervision for severn or more children. This use foes not include a family day home or group home.”
With no public opposition to the proposal, the bylaw amendment will proceed to additional readings in upcoming council meetings.
