Picture Butte Council hears concerns over proposed daycare location

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

A Town of Picture Butte resident is raising concerns over the proposed location for a new daycare and its proximity to the local dog park.  

Town of Picture Butte Council discussed a letter of concern from Picture Butte resident, Rita Palawaga, regarding the matter, at the July 27 Town of Picture Butte regular council meeting.    

Council ultimately directed administration to write a letter to Palawaga, thanking her for her concern and informing her that the project will be considered at the Municipal Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 10, 2026. At the meeting, residents will have a chance to speak in support or opposition of the project. 

In her letter to council, Palawaga said she is an active user of the local dog park and recently noticed ground markings that have begun to section off a portion of the dog park, for the new daycare centre  

“While I fully support adding childcare spaces to our community, our dog park is a vital, heavily used green space. Losing a portion of it will significantly impact local pet owners,” Palawaga stated in her letter. “As well as add a significant risk factor to the dogs using the park with the added traffic.”

Palawaga requested that Town Council temporarily pause the project to review alternative layouts or locations. 

During council’s discussion of the letter, Picture Butte CAO Keith Davis noted  something council could look at, regarding the location of the daycare. 

“Another thing to consider council, with this feedback is, the child care centre is a discretionary use on the land that we’re proposing, so we do have that in our Municipal Planning Commission,” said Davis, noting people in the area, on Inlet Ave., will be notified about the proposed bylaw amendment. “It’s possible, if we have to have another opportunity to come to the Municipal Planning Commission and present the same letter or a different letter or provide feedback,” he added. 

Palawaga also requested information on public engagement and neighbourhood consultations, that were conducted prior to the start of work on the daycare. She inquired about how zoning and land use re-designation was handled for the project and whether or not there was an opportunity for residents’ input on the matter. 

“I am not sure if you realize how important and how well used this space is. There is hardly a time during the day when there is not a dog or several dogs in the park,” she said in the letter, adding that the changes will impact users as will the loss of green space in Picture Butte. 

“In the Lethbridge area our dog park is considered top notch because of its size and features,” said Palawaga. “A compromise that preserves our dedicated dog park while still delivering the daycare would be a true win-win for everyone in Picture Butte.”