06/06/2025
The City Planning Division is launching summer consultations on the EHON Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study, with city-wide online meetings in the evening of Wednesday June 18th and the afternoon of Thursday June 19th. A detailed meeting notice is attached, which can be shared with anyone who may be interested in participating. The meeting details and links are also included here:
June 18th from 6-8pm https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r8fb7ecd3301829685a2caaf313d295e6 or
June 19 from 1-3pm https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r1fb3a684d29f3500902aa33a12b828af
Staff will present an overview of the proposed amendments that would make it easier to open small-scale retail, service and office uses in low-rise residential areas across Toronto. This will also include revisions to the staff recommendations considered by City Council in December 2024.
These meetings are part of staff’s consultation with the public and residents’ associations and, consistent with Council direction, will be accompanied by a professional communications campaign through mainstream media channels to explain the proposal and gather public opinion.
Consultation will include City Planning staff at in-person community events throughout the City, outreach through a variety of media, and detailed information and feedback opportunities including a survey on the Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study page. Additional virtual consultation meetings will be held in September.
About the Project:
City Council is considering zoning bylaw amendments that would make it easier to open small-scale retail, service and office uses in low-rise residential areas across Toronto. This initiative, part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) program, supports the creation of great neighbourhoods by allowing amenities like small stores, cafés, and medical offices to open in and around neighbourhoods, bringing services closer to where people live.
The proposed changes would allow a broader range of commercial uses on residentially zoned properties along major streets and introduce limited permissions on certain interior neighbourhood sites such as corner lots or locations near schools or parks. The zoning amendments also update permissions for home-based businesses by allowing up to two employees, permitting some customer visits and enabling the use of detached garages and laneway structures for business purposes.
If you have further questions, please reach out to [email protected] or the staff contacts listed in the attached meeting invitation.
Please share this information with others who may be interested in participating. We look forward to hearing from you through the various consultation events.
Sincerely,
Lillian
(On behalf of the EHON Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study Team)
Lillian D’Souza (she/her)
Coordinator, Engagement and Special Projects
Strategic Initiatives, City Planning Division
City of Toronto
P: 416-392-9435
C: 647-460-5461
