TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: November 16, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-046
TO: Council
FROM: Alex Tang, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Rezoning Application - 474 Admirals Road
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first and second reading to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3197 and authorize the scheduling of a Public Hearing.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant is requesting to permit the additional use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on a property that is zoned RD-4 [Two Family DADU Residential]. This change is required to accommodate the proposed children’s day care centre.
Evaluation of this application should focus on issues related to zoning such as the proposed land use, parking, fit with the neighbourhood, and consistency with the overall direction contained within the Official Community Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Applicant and Owner: Morgan Ambrose
Parcel Size: Metric: 651 m2 Imperial: 7007 ft2
OCP Land Use Designation: Low Density Residential
Zone: RD-4
Existing Land Use: Single-Family Residential
Proposed Land Use: Group Children’s Day Care Centre
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: Single Family Residential
South: Single Family Residential
East: Single Family Residential
West: Single Family Residential
Chronology:
• May 7, 2026 - Rezoning application received
• August 18, 2026 - Advisory Planning Commission
Advisory Body Recommendations:
Advisory Planning Commission:
• Members were supportive of the additional permitted use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on the subject property.
• Members thought that the proposed use was appropriate for the location.
• The Advisory Planning Commission resolved that the application be forwarded to Council with a recommendation of approval as it provides a much-needed amenity.
ANALYSIS:
OCP ANALYSIS:
The Economic Development section of the Official Community Plan speaks to supporting daycare uses:
16.1.8. Works towards creating a complete community for families and seniors, including banking, medical and support services, daycare, an accessible trail system, public transit and recreational opportunities
ZONING ANALYSIS:
The RD-4 zone for this property allows for the following permitted uses:
a) Single Family Residential
b) Two Family Residential
c) Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit
d) Home Occupation
e) Boarding
f) Urban Hens
The applicant is proposing the additional use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre specifically for the subject property.
PARKING ANALYSIS:
Parking Bylaw, 2025, No. 3089 requires 1 parking space for the residential portion of the single-family dwelling. In addition, it requires 1 parking space per 5 children permitted as licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. The RS-1 zone, the RD-1 zone, and the RD-3 zone allow the use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on specified properties and do not require any additional parking spaces.
The subject parcel contains a garage with a corresponding driveway to Admirals Road. The driveway will serve as the parking space for residential use (due to its 3.8 m length, the garage does not count as a parking space). The proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw includes a clause that would require no additional on-site parking space for the Group Children’s Day Care Centre use. This is consistent with the parking requirements in the RS-1, RD-1, and RD-3 zones.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial implications associated with the proposal.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council give first and second reading to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3197 and authorize the scheduling of a Public Hearing.
2. That Council postpone consideration of Amendment Bylaw No. 3197 pending receipt of additional information.
3. That Council defeat Amendment Bylaw No. 3197.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
One sign indicating that the property is under consideration for a change in zoning has been installed on the Admirals Road frontage.
The applicant held a public information session on August 18, 2026; the notice for which was mailed to properties within 100m of the parcel. Staff confirm that the applicant has provided the required submissions [Appendix G].
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Should Council give first and second reading to Amendment Bylaw 3197, the bylaw will proceed to a Public Hearing.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Bill Brown, Director of Development Services, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Appendix A: Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3197
2. Appendix B: Aerial Map
3. Appendix C: Site Plan
4. Appendix D: Floor Plans
5. Appendix E: Landscape Plan
6. Appendix F: Applicant’s Letter
7. Appendix G: Applicant’s Public Consultation Summary
8. Appendix H: Public Input