The Neighbourhood Retail and Service (NRS) proposal represents the most significant change to Toronto’s residential zoning in seventy years. On behalf of the Coalition of Toronto Residents’ Associations (COTRA), this letter outlines concerns about the proposal’s shortfalls and, respectfully offers recommendations to Council when it votes on November 12th.
Find the full text of the submission HERE.
Summary of Submission
Based on extensive resident feedback obtained with our city-wide survey, COTRA recommends:
1. Remove Neighbourhood Interiors from the proposal and from future consideration.
Residents are clear: retail and commercial don’t belong on quiet residential streets.
- 90% of survey respondents oppose changing zoning rules to allow businesses to operate in Neighbourhood Interiors without consultation or approval.
- 80% want the city to stop proposing bylaw changes that would permit businesses to operate in residential neighbourhoods.
2. 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.
- 57% of survey respondents supported this measured approach.
Suggested criteria:
- Limit retail conversion to stretches of Major Streets more than 500m from an existing Main Street or plaza – this is the same distance Planning prescribes in its report (p. 19).
- Streets having sidewalks and safe pedestrian access.
- Streets serviced by transit.
- Permit retail on the ground floors of apartment buildings citywide.
3. Prioritize the development and support of existing commercial areas.
City investment and small-business supports should concentrate on established retail
corridors, not on converting existing housing in other areas.
- 80% of respondents support this rationale.