Rezoning of the Sikh Temple on Ash Street has passed one hurdle in a possible transformation.
Nechako Valley Community Services Society (NVCSS) applied for potential rezoning of the Sikh Temple property in order to purchase the building to use it as a “community hub.”
The temple would be renovated into a combination of daycare facility and counselling services centre for children, youth and families.
Currently, the property is zoned for institutional use, but mayor and council voted to pass a bylaw through it’s first and second readings to amend the zoning to the recently created social services congregate care zoning. A third reading would take place after a public hearing on June 13 at 7 p.m. to give an opportunity for the public to provide input or ask questions, council can then vote to adopt or reject the rezoning bylaw.
The proposed facility would potentially operate with seven staff in the childcare side and seven staff assisting in the counselling services.
The childcare facility is applying to tend up to 48 children.
NVCSS said for the most part, the hours of operation would be weekdays from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. with some evening programming, but no plans for overnight use. Third and final reading would take place after a required public meeting is held in order to pass the bylaw.
The new facility could help a serious shortage in licensed child care in the community.