Chilliwack councillors deny variance permit for day care on Young Road, citing parking concerns

The applicant proposed converting four parking spaces to construct an enclosed outdoor play area for a child care facility in a rear parking lot, triggering the need for a development variance permit.

The city received at least two emails of concern about the proposed day care. One nearby resident said she had concerns about neighbourhood safety due to transients gathering in the rear parking lot, including litter and after-hour activity.

“A child care facility in this building, though a great idea, is inviting security issues for the families and the neighborhood; until the city does something to secure this back alley, which we have advocated to secure with lighting, etc. We need more details,” one resident wrote.

A second resident had similar concerns in an email to the city. “While I support childcare initiatives, the location of this specific play space is somewhat questionable. It should be noted that this specific alley has been, and continues to be, a well-known, high-traffic area for loitering, illicit drug use, and overnight encampments. Consequently, the area frequently contains drug paraphernalia, human waste, and garbage. This specific parking area targeted for the proposal has been a huge problem in the past.”

The rear of the building where a daycare was proposed. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack.)

During Tuesday’s meeting, councillors learned that the applicant purchased the property at 9094 Young Road in April 2026. BC Assessment records indicate 9094 Young Road was bought for $1,850,000.

Councillor Jeff Shields asked the applicant whether she felt the rear parking lot was a suitable location, given concerns from two local residents.

Virk, the applicant, said she would have a six-foot fence enclosing the day care, security cameras and qualified staff to maintain site security. She also said Fraser Health had signed off on the daycare, which would house up to 27 kids, and she would operate it as opposed to leasing it out.

Virk said the day care would require three parking spaces, while the upstairs portion of the building would require five parking spaces. She confirmed there would be no dedicated parking space for drop-off.

Councillor Chris Kloot asked whether the applicant would consider additional lighting in the rear of the building once children leave for the day. Virk said she was receptive to that idea.

One of the owners of Nuway Deals at 9110C Young Road voiced concern at Tuesday’s meeting around the suitability of a child care in that location and the lack of parking availability if four parking spaces were converted for the proposed daycare. She said she’s watched customers circle the parking lot and leave due to a lack of parking, costing her potential customers.

The outside of 9094 Young Road in Chilliwack. (Image Credit: Google Maps.)

Later in the meeting, councillors coalesced around concerns there was insufficient parking.

“The math for parking doesn’t work for me; we don’t know what the lease opportunity will be upstairs,” Councillor Bud Mercer said. “It just doesn’t seem to fit.”

Councillor Bud Mercer. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack.)

Speaking to a broader issue around daycares in the community, Mercer said the city has met its daycare targets but council continues to receive daycare applications meeting after meeting.

“At least two recently are up for sale,” Mercer said. “I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I’m wondering if we’re just approving these so that the properties are worth more money for sale. We really need to look at how many licenses we have, and how many of these daycares are actually active or empty, and are we continuing to approve daycares for reasons other than children? I’m not suggesting that is the case with this one. I think we need to have a better understanding of where we’re at, at this moment in time. We’re seeing these applications every single meeting.”

Mayor Popove said child care availability in the past was an issue, but said the city has caught up to the wants and needs of the local market. He said he knew of four or five daycare applications that were approved but were not being utilized.

“There are no kids in them,” Popove said. “I, too, would like to get staff to have a look at this. It just doesn’t feel right. I know there’s a need for them…this location in our downtown area is not a good location, of course with the parking variances.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack councillors deny variance permit for day care on Young Road, citing parking concerns

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