A new daycare that will also offer after-school programs could go into a newly constructed building in the plaza at the southeast corner of Bayview and Stonehaven, if Newmarket council approves the developer’s proposal.
The proposed child-care facility would join Ranch Fresh Supermarket, Shoppers Drug Mart, a drive-through Tim Hortons, and other small retailers in the commercial plaza that is now fully built out.
Speaking on behalf of developer Garden Commercial Property, Groundswell Urban Planners’ Brad Rogers said the standalone building in which the daycare would be located is the last to be leased out, along with one unit of retail.
“The 2012 zoning (for the property) specifically prohibits daycares/commercial schools, hotels, and places of worship,” Rogers said. “The proposed amendment application would request the addition of a daycare and commercial school, which (means) after-school programs, as permitted uses to the zoning for the property.”
Councillor Grace Simon, in whose ward the plaza is located, said she was pleased to see the retail spaces being filled.
“There’s nothing worse than having a development sitting there empty and, being a resident of the area, we definitely are benefiting every time a new retail store opens,” she said.
The day care proposal also includes the construction of a fenced playground area for the children, where some parking spaces are now located near the building. It’s expected the daycare and after-school programs would run Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Town staff have recommended that a public meeting be scheduled on the daycare proposal to solicit resident feedback.
To read the staff report, visit here.
