FAQs
What is a Group Home?
A group home is a staffed residential care facility that is authorized, licensed, or certified by a public authority to provide care and/or supervision to a small number of residents. Group Homes may have 5-8 residents and Limited Group Homes may have 3-4 residents (see sections 2.96 and 2.116 of the City’s Land Use Bylaw). Group homes serve a variety of residents including children in care, people with disabilities, and seniors requiring non-medical support services.
Under Wetaskiwin’s Land Use Bylaw, “Group Home” does not include extended medical treatment services such as alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers, crime rehabilitation treatment centers, or temporary shelter services. These types of facility would fall under different use classes that are not allowed in any residential zones in Wetaskiwin.
How are Group Homes regulated?
Group homes are regulated by the Province under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act or the Continuing Care Act, depending on the purpose of the facility. Services are provided based on an agreement between the Province and the group home operator. Based on provincial standards, they determine if a home is suitable for the proposed facility, how many residents can live there, and how many staff will be needed. They are responsible for the standards of care within the home.
The City issues a development permit and business license and is responsible for regulating and enforcing development standards per the Land Use Bylaw, such as ensuring sufficient on-site parking and that the group home maintains a residential appearance. The City also enforces community standards such as noise levels and property maintenance in the same way as with other residential properties
Where are Group Homes and Limited Group Homes currently allowed?
Group Homes are allowed as a discretionary use in R3 Medium Density Residential, R4 High Density Residential, and US Urban Services.
Limited Group Homes are allowed as a discretionary use in RMX Residential Mixed Use, R3 Medium Density Residential, R4 High Density Residential, C1 Downtown Commercial, C2 General Commercial, and DDO Downtown District Overlay, and as a permitted use in US Urban Services.
A permitted use means that the City must approve an application for that use that meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw (section 3.4(1)(d)).
A discretionary use means that the City may approve or refuse an application for that use and has more discretion to set conditions of approval. The decision would be based on the potential impacts of the specific development being applied for, keeping the overall requirements of the Land Use Bylaw in mind (section 3.4(1)(f).
Why is this amendment being proposed?
This amendment was initiated by an applicant who wants to operate a group home in a property zoned R2. If the amendment passes, the applicant will then need to apply for a development permit and a business license.
To read Administration’s recommendation and report to Council, click here.
What is the process for opening a Group Home in Wetaskiwin? Are notices issued?
To operate in Wetaskiwin, group homes must be licensed by a Provincial agency and obtain a development permit and a business license from the City of Wetaskiwin.
Where Group Homes are a discretionary use, if a development permit is issued, a notice is sent to residents within 76 metres of the property. Neighbours have 21 days to appeal the development permit.