Council Clears Path for Corner Stores in Central and East End Wards
AI Article Summary
Toronto City Council has approved major zoning updates which will allow corner stores and other small-scale retail operations in residential areas of Toronto. This change is part of the Phase Three Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods study. The new permissions will apply to select downtown and East End wards, as well as city-wide major streets, supporting low-impact retail formats like convenience shops and cafés. The council will monitor the impact of these changes over the next two years or until 100 permits are issued.
What This Means for Canadian Contractors
For Canadian builders, this means new opportunities for constructing small-scale retail spaces in residential areas, particularly in Toronto. Builders might see an increase in demand for services that align retail functions with residential aesthetics. The need for permits will likely rise as developers look to capitalize on these new zoning permissions, requiring efficient project management and coordination with city planning regulations.
