We need you to email City Council and our Councillors before November 12
City Council votes on the revised NRS proposal on November 12 — this will be the final opportunity for residents to speak up again.
If passed, the Neighbourhood Retail and Services (NRS) proposal would allow retail and service businesses — including bars, cannabis shops, restaurants, and take-out or delivery-based businesses, with patios—to operate out of residential homes without community consultation or approval. It would also give landlords the ability to evict tenants to convert homes into commercial space.
Use the message below, or create your own. Personalized messages carry more weight.
Email Addresses:
councilmeeting@toronto.ca; Mayor_Chow@toronto.ca
Copy the Councillors: email addresses can be found HERE
Subject line:
My comments for 2025.PH25.3 on November 12, 2025 City Council
Email Body
Dear Mayor and Councillors,
I am writing to express strong opposition to the Neighbourhood Retail and Services (NRS) proposal.
For the first time in 70 years, this initiative would allow retail and service businesses — including bars, cannabis shops, restaurants, and take-out or delivery-based businesses, with patios—to operate out of residential homes without community consultation or approval. It would also give landlords the ability to evict tenants to convert homes into commercial space.
Toronto residents have been clear. A city-wide survey by the Coalition of Toronto Residents’ Associations (COTRA) found overwhelming opposition to the blanket rezoning called for by this NRS proposal.
I stand with the COTRA in asking Council to:
- Remove Neighbourhood Interiors from the proposal and from future consideration.
- Adopt a targeted approach for rezoning some Major Streets based on demonstrated need and developed in consultation with residents, Residents’ Associations, and local ward councillors.
- Prioritize the development and support of existing commercial areas.
Sincerely,
Your Name