Leasing Daycare and Childcare Space in Calgary

1. Define the licensed program before the property

Identify whether the program is daycare, preschool, out-of-school care or a combination. Record the proposed number and ages of children, hours, staffing, food service, nap areas, inclusive-care needs, outdoor programming, transportation and the opening sequence.

Build a room-by-room program brief rather than applying one area ratio to the entire premises. Entrances, circulation, offices, storage, staff space, washrooms, kitchens and building-service areas may not support licensed program capacity in the same way as activity rooms.

• Program type and age groups
• Proposed licensed capacity
• Room and staffing plan
• Food, rest and sanitation
• Outdoor play
• Pick-up, drop-off and transportation

2. Confirm Calgary's Child Care Service use

Calgary identifies day cares, preschools, kindergartens, out-of-school care and similar commercial programs as Child Care Service under its Land Use Bylaw. A facility-based program may not require a City business licence, but it still requires municipal location approval and the applicable planning and building-safety approvals.

Check whether Child Care Service is permitted or discretionary in the district and confirm the current approved use for the exact premises. Calgary's bylaw was amended in 2025 for Child Care Service in specified residential districts, so use the current consolidated bylaw and obtain address-specific guidance.

3. Coordinate provincial licensing early

Alberta requires a licence for a childcare program caring for more than six children, excluding the operator's own children. The province's application process requires program information and collateral municipal, health and safety approvals.

The provincial licensing handbook is the working source for application and operating requirements. Prospective operators can seek early guidance from licensing staff, but should not represent a proposed capacity as approved until the relevant authorities have completed their reviews.

4. Test capacity with the actual floor plan

Prepare an accurate measured plan showing rooms, doors, circulation, washrooms, sinks, storage, staff areas, food areas, utility spaces and outdoor access. Test the proposed age groups and room assignments with the current licensing requirements and municipal occupancy review.

Existing childcare furniture or a previous operator's capacity is not proof of the capacity available to a new licence holder. Layout changes, program changes, prior conditions and current standards can alter the result.

5. Design safe arrival and outdoor use

Map peak pick-up and drop-off, staff parking, pedestrian routes, accessible access, school-bus or van movements, snow storage and conflicts with other tenants. A workable plan should protect children from moving vehicles and avoid relying on parking or curb space the lease does not control.

Identify outdoor play areas, access, fencing, screening, surfacing, shade, storage and supervision. Confirm that proposed outdoor areas are legally available to the program and compatible with the municipal approval, lease and provincial requirements.

6. Inspect building and life-safety suitability

Review exits, fire separations, alarms, sprinklers, accessibility, washrooms, handwashing, hot water, ventilation, natural light, temperature control, finishes, security and emergency access. Children of different ages and mobility levels can affect how a design and evacuation plan function.

Have qualified professionals assess required construction and building systems before finalizing the lease economics. A retail or community space can require material work even when its open floor plan appears suitable.

7. Model the full delivery schedule and budget

Sequence site control, municipal planning, building and trade permits, provincial licensing, design, landlord review, construction, inspections, furnishing, staffing and opening. Include time for complete submissions, revisions and dependencies rather than working backward from an assumed opening date alone.

Budget rent and recoveries with professional fees, permits, accessibility, washrooms, plumbing, fire systems, outdoor improvements, fencing, security, furnishings, equipment, financing carrying cost and contingency. Test the business plan at a supportable capacity, not only the requested maximum.

8. Make the lease conditional on a viable program

Legal counsel should address the intended childcare use, proposed capacity, investigation and approval conditions, landlord cooperation, construction, outdoor areas, parking and drop-off rights, signage, security, operating hours, exclusivity where appropriate and restoration.

Define what happens if the approved capacity, opening date or required construction differs materially from the business plan. Commercially can coordinate the site search and information request, while municipal, provincial and safety authorities determine approvals.