The facility would have capacity for around 60 children, and the region says downtown Brampton is one of seven areas identified \u201cas a priority\u201d for additional childcare options.<\/p>\n
The region has secured just under $700,000 in funds for the project through the province\u2019s Early Learning and Childcare Program \u2013 funds that would be returned to the province if the project isn\u2019t built.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774544471_208_awZCW3rPmWvxPqZHnBCKLu.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-30-at-1.55.02-PM-1024x513.png\")
<\/p>\n
And even though local residents said they\u2019re not opposed to daycare opening downtown, they don\u2019t think Chapel Street property isn\u2019t the place to open one.<\/p>\n
One resident who lives adjacent to the property said the addition and 1.5-metre setback would obstruct his view, while others said the neighbourhood can\u2019t support the pick-up and drop-off of children.<\/p>\n
A city report found there was \u201cample\u201d parking to support the daycare in the John Street parking garage, and said the area has a \u201cconsistently low complaint volume\u201d for parking issues.<\/p>\n
![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/17-chapel-st-brampton-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Data collected by the city showed there were 35 complaints between December and January from 2020 to 2026.<\/p>\n
The area isn\u2019t zoned for daycares, but developers asked the city for a minor variance adjustment to allow for a childcare centre and a rear yard setback of 1.5 metres for the proposed addition, rather than the usual 6-metre setback.<\/p>\n
Brampton\u2019s Committee of Adjustment approved the application on Tuesday, despite feedback from locals concerned about traffic impacts, parking, and child safety.<\/p>\n
Developers will also have to work with the owners of other nearby heritage buildings, including the Brampton Armory and the old Bell Telephone Exchange building. The heritage property most recently housed a beauty salon.<\/p>\n
The second daycare proposal approved on Tuesday also drew criticism from locals, with some shouting down the decision and forcing the committee to go into recess.<\/p>\n
Located on Mill Street, the Bramalea Islamic Culture Centre also asked the city to allow for a day nursery with an outdoor play area at its facility even though it\u2019s not zoned for that use. The centre also plans to build a porch landing that required a minor variance adjustment allowing for a setback of 1.92 metres in the front yard down from 4.2 metres.<\/p>\n
Residents who spoke at the meeting were also concerned about parking, traffic impacts and the safety of children, among other issues. Those residents opposed to the project weren\u2019t shy about their disappointment of the approval, breaking Council Chambers rules to yell at the committee following the decision.<\/p>\n
Child-care wait lists have ballooned across Ontario since the province signed on to the national $10-a-day program, as demand due to the lower fees appears to be far outpacing the creation of new spaces in many regions.<\/p>\n
The region says there are around 2,000 childcare spaces in Brampton, with plans to add another 1,200 by the end of the year.<\/p>\n