Just before Christmas, Joy Dawdy got a huge reprieve.
At the Dec. 8 meeting of city council, members unanimously agreed to direct staff to design a temporary bylaw, that would potentially allow Dawdy to continue offering swimming lessons in her backyard pool, likely for a period of three years.
Something she has done for more than three decades.
Staff were not recommending Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments in a report to council from Michelle Knieriem, Manager of Planning Services.
Knieriem observed, “Staff understand and appreciate that the swimming lessons provided by the applicant are valued by many members of the community. While this value is noted, staff recommend refusal of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications due to issues of compatibility.”
The temporary bylaw was on the agenda for Monday’s (March 2) meeting of city council.
The bylaw includes the following conditions:
- Up to six students are permitted per lesson.
- In addition to the swimming instructor, an additional person who does not regularly reside at the dwelling unit may also provide instruction.
- Lessons may run in June, July, August, and September on any day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Leadership courses may be offered either inside or outside Dawdy’s residence, Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in June and August.
- The bylaw will expire on a yet-to-be-determined date in 2029.
In her report to council, Knieriem advised, “Staff are seeking direction to hold a public meeting on April 13, 2026. Following the public meeting, staff will prepare a follow-up report providing a summary of feedback received and including any recommended revisions to the draft Bylaw.
“Staff are of the opinion that a Temporary Use Bylaw would not conform to the Official Plan and are bringing forward this proposed Amendment at the direction of council.
“Staff will be reviewing the proposed Bylaw, including consideration received through the consultation process, and will make recommendations for a Bylaw that balances the business needs of the proponent and the impacts on neighbours.”
Written by Ian McCallum
