Enabling Greater Flexibility for Child Care in Residential Zones – Amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw — Public Hearing, February 10, 2026

Summary

Staff proposed amending the Zoning and Development Bylaw to allow a child daycare facility (9 or more children) and one dwelling unit to coexist on a single residential property — something previously prohibited in most residential zones.
New options introduced: a dwelling unit sharing a house with a child care facility (e.g. upper/lower split), or a full house conversion to child care while a laneway house serves as the residential unit; only conversions of existing buildings are permitted under the amendment, not new builds.
Supporters argued the change addresses a shortage of 6,700 child care spaces in Vancouver, reduces barriers for providers who currently must choose between living on-site or expanding capacity, and keeps child care accessible within neighbourhoods.
Vancouver Coastal Health's medical health officer spoke in support, noting child care near home reduces commute burdens and that licensing requirements will still apply through the province.
One walk-in speaker raised concerns that the change could incentivise converting houses to commercial child care businesses primarily for financial gain, without sufficient economic analysis.
Council approved unanimously; councillors noted the shortage of child care, benefits for working families (especially women), and the value of smaller-scale neighbourhood-based care options.