Strathmore Town Council has voted against opening a new childcare facility.
The request to amend Land Use Bylaw 24-23 to allow the daycare was brought before council at a meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 19.
The daycare was planned for 416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail, next to the Strathmore Arby's. The proposed facility would have the capacity to hold 50 children with seven staff members.
At the public hearing, Strathmore business owner Jason Hollingsworth spoke against the facility, saying he is not opposed to the daycare itself, but rather to the location.
"The issue at hand is ultimately traffic flow and parking for people using the space," Hollingsworth said. "There are only three operational businesses at the lot currently, and parking and traffic flow are already a nightmare."
Coun. Brent Wiley asked about adding a roundabout near the daycare to help with traffic, but administration said that it is not part of the town's current plan.
"If anyone has been to Starbucks, you know it can be a nightmare to turn out of that parking lot," Hollingsworth added. "Practically speaking, with just three bays open, it's daunting already."
The first reading of the bylaw took place on Feb. 19. Mayor Pat Fule was not present at the Mar. 19 council meeting.