City Council will soon vote on zoning changes that would allow many types of businesses — bars, restaurants (sit-down and take-out), cannabis shops, cafés, and more — to open in houses and attached garages across Toronto. Patios in front or side yards could also be automatically permitted. Onevery street in the city, corner properties as well as homes beside schools, parks, or existing shops could be turned into businesses.
It’s not just small grocers or cafés. Because liquor and cannabis are licensed by the province, the City would have no ability to prevent cafes and corner stores from later becoming bars or cannabis shops.
If approved, businesses could open without any public consultation, notice, or approval process. And once a house is converted, the commercial use would be permanent.
It doesn’t stop at corner lots. On all “Major streets,” every house could be converted into a business — not just shops or restaurants with patios, but gyms, dance studios, workshops, repair shops, offices, even billiard halls. These streets may be labelled “Major,” but in reality, many are quiet residential streets, lined with homes. Please note that Meadowvale Rd is identified as a major street in Centennial.
Have you heard about these zoning changes? Most residents still haven’t.
These are the most significant changes to residential zoning in 70 years.
Please take 6 minutes to fill out this important survey by September 12th
This important survey gives residents across Toronto a chance to share their perspectives and provide feedback. This will help Councillors understand city-wide views before any decisions are made.
Further Information about Neighbourhood Retail and Services
Neighbourhoods and Retail Study Phase 2- Supplementary (December 2024)
Neighbourhoods and Retail Study Phase 2 (May 2024)