Neighbourhood Retail Services: What the City’s Proposed Zoning Changes Mean Now

Toronto Will Allow Commercial Uses Inside Residential Homes — In Some Areas

On November 13–14, City Council approved the largest change to residential zoning in 70 years through the Neighbourhood Retail & Services (NRS) plan.

What was the Final Decision of City Council

The final outcome is a hybrid model:

• Suburban neighbourhoods are largely protected, with more than 40 Major Street segments removed and zero Neighbourhood Interior permissions.
• Downtown, midtown, and waterfront neighbourhoods will see significant new permissions, including commercial uses inside houses on certain interior streets and along all Major Streets.

These changes allow businesses — including retail shops, take-out restaurants, cannabis and alcohol retailers, gyms, and personal service shops — to operate inside houses on residential streets without any public notice, application, or approval process.

City Planning describes this as a way to support “small, local businesses” in neighbourhoods. Many residents, however, continue to ask how these changes fit within the City’s housing goals.

Read a Summary of What Changed.  Read HERE

COTRA Insights

Fact Sheet

A one-page fact sheet that describes the COTRA survey results and highlights the key concerns of our residents. Read the Fact Sheet

What’s Being Rezoned?

Find out if your street is affected and what types of businesses would be allowed. Find out more

Resident Survey Results

See what over 3,400 residents said about the City’s proposal. Find out more

Adverse Impacts of the Proposal

Learn about the real-world risks this plan creates for neighbourhoods — from noise and parking to housing loss and enforcement issues. Find out more

COTRA Recommendations

Read our recommendations to Council based on city-wide feedback. Find out more

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