Cheakamus Crossing could have a daycare facility in its commercial core in the coming months.
Council has started the rezoning process for space in the Falls commercial building that would allow a day care as a permitted use, as well as office space.
When asked why council was being asked to consider this, municipal CAO Mike Furey confirmed that there was interest from a perspective operator.
"That's why we want to be able to take this step," he said.
Council approved the first step in the rezoning with Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden and Councillor Duane Jackson excusing themselves from the vote due to concerns over conflict of interest as both sit on the board of the Whistler Development Corporation, which made the rezoning application.
"It's a tough one," said Shannon Story, manager of legislative services when asked for advice on the conflict.
She referenced the recent B.C. Court of Appeal ruling that overturned a B.C. Supreme Court decision that two trustees on Salt Spring Island were in conflict when they voted to approve funds for non-profits in which they were members.
"This isn't a direct financial matter but it's council's call," said Story.
Out of an abundance of caution, Wilhelm-Morden and Jackson declared a conflict of interest.
The rezoning process to allow the daycare use will include a public hearing, giving members of the public a chance to comment on the rezoning.
