Child Care Zoning Change Rejected

Summary#

Council rejected the proposed land-use change for 6 Somerglen Road SW in Somerset, Ward 13. The defeated motion would have changed the 0.04-hectare lot from Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill (R-CG) to Direct Control (DC), allowing a child care service as an additional discretionary use. The City’s stated goal was to allow child care in the neighbourhood.

  • The motion to approve the change was defeated 7 to 8. Councillors McLean, Dhaliwal, Kelly, Tyers, Pantazopoulos, Ward, Jamieson and Johnston voted against it.
  • The proposal was for a child care service for 60 children; the related development permit application was under review in the City staff report.
  • Council separately voted 15 to 0 to keep two public submissions confidential.

What it means for you#

  • Nearby residents: The requested zoning change was not approved. The lot remains in the R-CG district, which allows residential uses described in the City staff report.
  • Child care operator and families: This decision does not grant permission for the proposed child care service through the requested land-use change.
  • Neighbours and the wider community: City staff reported 20 letters opposing the change and five supporting it. One member of the public spoke at the hearing.

Money#

City staff reported no anticipated financial impact from the proposed land-use change; no cost estimate for the proposed child care service is provided.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not say what will happen next with the development permit application after Council rejected the land-use change.
  • The materials do not give details about the proposed service’s parking or drop-off arrangements.

Case for#

  • City staff said the change would allow a child care service in the residential community, which they described as an essential service and community amenity.
  • City staff said the location was near schools, parks, shops, services and transit, and that the proposed use could fit with the neighbourhood.
  • The five letters supporting the proposal cited difficulty finding affordable child care in the area.

Case against#

  • Twenty letters opposed the change. Concerns included more traffic, road safety and reduced street parking.
  • Some residents described Somerglen Road as narrow and raised concerns about cars entering and leaving near the proposed site.
  • The motion was defeated 7 to 8, with the eight councillors listed above voting against it.

Votes

Defeated15 members voted · Division No. 201001

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.1 (Land Use Amendment in Somerset (Ward 13) at 6 Somerglen Road SW, LOC2025-0094, CPC2025-0769): That with respect to Report CPC2025-0769, the following be adopted, after amendment: That Council: - Give three readings to Proposed Bylaw 160D2025 for the redesignation of 0.04 hectares ± (0.11 acres ±) located at 6 Somerglen Road SW (Plan 9812594, Block 23, Lot 2) from Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill (R-CG) District to Direct Control (DC) District to accommodate a Child Care Service use, wit…

AGAINST · 8FOR · 7

Each dot is one member. Hover or tap one to see who.

8Against

  • Communities First3
  • Independent3
  • A Better Calgary Party1
  • The Calgary Party1

7For

  • Independent6
  • Communities First1

Passed15 members voted · Division No. 201002

Public Hearing Meeting of Council, item 7.2.1 (Land Use Amendment in Somerset (Ward 13) at 6 Somerglen Road SW, LOC2025-0094, CPC2025-0769): That with respect to Report CPC2025-0769, the following be adopted, after amendment: That Council: - Direct that the Confidential Public Submissions be held confidential pursuant to Section 20 (Disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of the Access to Information Act.

FOR · 15

Each dot is one member. Hover or tap one to see who.

15For

  • Independent9
  • Communities First4
  • A Better Calgary Party1
  • The Calgary Party1

0Against