BONNYVILLE – Two applications to operate group homes for young children in a Bonnyville neighbourhood received different decisions from the Town’s Municipal Planning Commission on Aug. 25, following discussion around neighbourhood concerns and the Town’s separation requirements.

The applications sought to convert existing single-family homes at 4717 43 Avenue and 4715 42 Avenue into group homes caring for children four years old and younger.

Each proposed home would accommodate a maximum of six people, including the children and staff.

After considering the applications separately, the Municipal Planning Commission approved the group home proposed for 4717 43 Avenue, subject to conditions, while denying the application for 4715 42 Avenue.

Neighbours raise concerns

The applications drew considerable feedback from nearby residents.

Concerns raised through the notification process included parking and traffic, the concentration of group homes in the neighbourhood, potential impacts on property values and questions about whether the proposed developments were appropriate for the residential area.

Council, sitting as the Municipal Planning Commission, discussed those concerns while also considering the purpose of the proposed homes and the requirements contained in the Town’s Land Use Bylaw.

The homes are intended to provide a residential setting for young children requiring care rather than operating as institutional facilities.

Separation distance becomes key issue

A significant factor in the decisions was the Town’s requirement for separation between group homes.

An existing permitted group home is already operating in the area.

The proposed group home at 4717 43 Avenue is approximately 275.3 metres from that existing facility, falling short of the 300-metre separation requirement.

Despite the variance, administration recommended approving the application with conditions, and the Municipal Planning Commission ultimately supported the permit.

The second proposed home, at 4715 42 Avenue, is approximately 234.5 metres from the existing permitted group home and is also located close to the other proposed facility.

Administration recommended refusing the application because it did not meet the separation requirement, and the Municipal Planning Commission agreed.

The two decisions mean one additional group home can proceed in the neighbourhood, subject to the conditions attached to its development permit, while the second application will not move forward as approved.