HOA Concerned About Daycare

It came to the attention of the homeowners association in early June that the City of Edmonton had approved a licence for a daycare replacing the grocery store occupancy in the Shoppes at Blackburne.

The matter was discussed at a Board meeting recognizing that our prime concern would be parking and parking lot access during rush hours. It was agreed that we were likely to receive feedback from Blackburne residents regarding the parking as the intersection is very busy at those times and no parking is allowed on the north side of Blackburne Drive.

We approached the city expressing our concern that the intersection is already congested at rush hour and the daycare traffic would be increasing the hazard that already exists.  We have been advised that current zoning meets all requirements of the parking aspect, consequently it was not circulated to Transportation Services. The Applicant also consulted nearby property owners (i.e., within 60 metres, or essentially a few condos in Horizon Harbour and possibly 40 Blackburne Drive and reportedly received a letter of support.

Nonetheless, the Board is not convinced that a daycare of this size is a good fit for a small shopping centre with only 16 parking stalls, particularly when parking on Blackburne Drive is already at a premium.

David Morris

Board Member

Blackburne Creek Homeowners’ Association