Little Semlin Montessori

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Reviewed the work done retrofitting the aging play structure. Licensee and contractors have completed the following: *Replaced the twisting tube slide, replaced and lowered the top platform to meet the tube slide, replaced the second platform, repainted existing hand rails along the third platforms and replaced two access elements one facing north and the other on the west end. Hand grasps were added. Retrofit measures on the play structure are of sturdy construction and meet regulatory requirements with the following exceptions. Discussed how the spaces between the existing rails on the first platform facing north have been "grandfathered" since the 90s when standard was 4 inch gaps between rails. The standard required is now 3.5 inches as per DOLSOP. Rails can be brought to current standard when complete replacement is required. It is not required at this time. Noted the gap between the wood beams in each of the risers connecting the two platforms is 4 inches - these elements are newly added and could present a safety hazard - child's arm or leg slipping in to gap and difficulty removing. Discussed options for remedying this - wire netting as was previously secured in the openings or adding another strip of wood to close the gap to no more than 3.5 inches as per the DOLSOP. Licensee stated she would discuss this with her contractor and follow up asap. Licensee will send a photo of mitigation. In the meantime, Licensee assured me that educators will supervise the area closely. Noted the recessed placement of the pipe and the elevated lip of the pavers has not yet been addressed by the Landlord / Church Board despite Licensee's efforts. Licensee stated she will move forward and remedy this tripping hazard on her own, via hiring contractors. Licensee will inform CCFL when the work is complete. In the meantime, if the lip proves to be a problem, Licensee can use an orange cone to draw attention to the hazard. Also observed the growing cracks and fissures in the plaster of the north church building have not yet been addressed by the Landlord / Church Board despite Licensee's efforts. The growing cracks have worsened since October 2025 when CCFL first called attention to this hazard. Licensee will follow up with the Board once more and call attention to the need to address this hazard. Licensee will report back by October 13, 2026. If the issue has not been addressed by that time, CCFL will consult with City of Vancouver Building Inspections re further steps to be taken.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Over the past month, the Licensee and CCFL have been in touch re plumbing repairs that required digging up part of the court yard and the south side of the building (near East 1st). The work in the court yard required cordoning off part of the yard and the daycare having to use public park. The plumbing work is done but the restoration of the pavers has been completed in a substandard manner with resulting hazards to the children. Licensee communicated these concerns to CCFL and on Monday June 6, 2026 CCFL wrote an email for Licensee to share with the landlord, see attached. Today, observed that no further repair has taken place to rectify the hazards. The pavers have not been replaced in a smooth, even manner. There is a recessed area cut around the pipe resulting in a tripping hazard. Licensee said she shared the email and has discussed the matter with the landlord on several occasions. In addition, the church has left a ladder out within access to the children. Licensee stated she has requested the landlord remove the ladder, they said they would. However ladder was present in same location today. Also observed the condition of the stucco on the side of the building has deteriorated further since by October 2025 routine inspection, The smooth plaster over the stucco on the north building continues to crack with a chunk now off exposing the original stucco. This is a safety concern for children at play. Licensee stated they have spoken with church landlord on a number of occasions about this but there has been no further action. Discussed upcoming retrofit of the aging play structure. Discussed CSA and Director of Licensing Standard of Practice. Licensee said that planks on the various platforms will be replaced as well as the ladder. The large corkscrew slide has aged in place with numbers of bandaid fixes. It has now reached end of life and Licensee must replace. . Licensee can only locate a 5 foot corkscrew slide and not a 6 foot replacement. Licensee plans on lowering the top platform from 6 to 5 feet to accommodate. Clarified that the slide must be corkscrew otherwise it will not fit into resilient ground cover area. Licensee is in agreement with this. Licensee will contact me for a follow up inspection once the repairs have taken place. Licensee anticipates the work will occur in August.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Noted the new pavers in the centre of the yard. This has enhanced play value and safety. The previous path was uneven and narrow. The new path was laid over the summer closure in August. The outdoor play structure and many other elements of the yard pre-existed this Licensee. The play structure is aging but the posts appear to be in solid condition. The Licensee/ Manager has been maintaining the structure to the best of her ability. We observed the condition of the twisting yellow tunnel slide - cracking has continued and the bolts are wearing. At present, Licensee/ Manager is addressing the emerging safety hazard via duct tape. This is an acceptable bandaid in the short term. Licensee/ Manager has investigated replacing the tunnel but has been unable to source the same tunnel for replacement. This presents a challenge re next steps. Licensee/ Manager stated she has sourced other closed tunnel slides but most only fit for a five foot platform and the existing platform is higher than that. Licensee / Manager will work with a contractor to review options and provide CCFL with a plan to scale of proposed changes. It is a tricky space given that it is narrow and traditional requirements for fall zones cannot be met without using a closed tube slide. CCFL must review and approve the proposed retrofit prior to installation and or construction. Licensee/ Manager committed to this. The top two platforms - metal railings are rusting and paint peeling. Licensee/ Manager stated they will address this when the retrofit occurs for the slide. Noted the front gate self closing device is no longer working. The gate swings open and hangs open. Licensee/ Manager is having a contractor come to make adjustments. Noted that the smooth stucco siding on the church to the north has more cracks and fissures. Expressed concern that for safety given that part of the smooth stucco has come away in other sections of the siding. This could present a safety hazard for the children playing in the yard. Licensee/ Manager stated she understood, shared the concern and would speak with the church about it.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGPlay Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. The outdoor play structure and many other elements of the yard pre-existed this Licensee. The play structure is aging but still in solid condition and may have more years of life, if well maintained. Licensee/ Manager and I discussed current condition and maintenance required. Reviewed condition of the uneven cement walk way and Licensee/ Manager's plans to address this hazard. Any required actions are cited below.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.