Proposed amendments to open small-scale retail and service uses in residential zones
The initiative would permit a range of businesses with patios, including cafés, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and professional offices. This would apply residential properties currently located on Major Streets, and selected corner lots on Community Streets. The by-laws allowing these uses were adopted and partially adopted on November 12, 2025.
1. Amendments for Retail and Services on Major Streets
Final Result: ADOPTED, WITH EXCLUSIONS
The by-law to permit small-scale retail on major streets was approved.
- However, Council voted to exempt numerous specific streets from these new permissions (e.g., sections of Huntingwood Drive, Sheppard Ave, Wilson Ave, Brimley Road, and many others listed in the motions).
- A directive was added to explore limiting these permissions only to newly constructed buildings.
2. Amendments for Retail and Services in Neighbourhood Interiors
Final Result: PARTIALLY ADOPTED (Pilot Project)
This is the most significant change from the prior PHC decision to delete this item. The by-law for corner stores was reinstated, as a pilot project on community streets in eight designated wards:
- Ward 4 Parkdale-High Park
- Ward 9 Davenport
- Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York
- Ward 11 University-Rosedale
- Ward 12 Toronto-St. Paul’s (added by amendment)
- Ward 13 Toronto-Centre
- Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth
- Ward 19 Beaches-East York
3. Amendments to permit additional Home Occupations
Final Result: ADOPTED
The by-law amendment to update rules for home-based businesses was approved without further changes from the PHC recommendation.