Toronto Wants to Allow Commercial Uses Inside Residential Homes — With No Notice or Approval Required
Photo Credit: COTRA Team
The City is proposing the biggest change to residential zoning in 70 years through the Neighbourhood Retail & Services (NRS) plan.
Businesses — including retail shops, take-out restaurants, cannabis and alcohol retailers, gyms, and personal service shops — could operate inside houses on residential streets without any public notice, application, or approval process.
City Planning says this will make it easier to open “small, local businesses” in residential neighbourhoods but many residents are asking how does this help solve the housing crisis in the City.
Quick Overview
We have prepared a one-page fact sheet that describes the COTRA survey results and highlights the key concerns of our residents.
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What’s Being Rezoned?
Find out if your street is affected and what types of businesses would be allowed.
Resident Survey Results
See what over 3,400 residents said about the City’s proposal.
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.
What COTRA is Asking For
Read our recommendations to Council based on city-wide feedback.
About COTRA
Learn more about COTRA and our City-wide Advocacy