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Upcoming Consultations on Neighbourhood Retail & Services

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Last December, members of the Guildwood Village Community Association (GVCA) voiced concerns before Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee about a proposed policy change that could significantly affect our neighbourhoods.


The “corner stores” policy—part of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative—would allow small businesses like cafés, convenience stores, and even offices to set up shop in residential zones, including Guildwood.


What’s Being Proposed

City Planning is calling this the most significant change to residential zoning in more than 70 years. Under the proposed rules:

  • Houses and apartments across Toronto could be converted into small businesses with patios.

  • No application to the Committee of Adjustment would be required, unlike the process in place now.

  • Businesses could apply for liquor or cannabis licenses through the province, without local say.

  • There would be no restrictions on operating hours, as the City does not have legal authority to impose them.


Supporters argue this could make neighbourhoods more walkable and lively. Opponents point out it could also mean more noise, traffic, and potential loss of housing stock if landlords choose to convert residential units into commercial ones. Some councillors and residents worry about issues such as liquor licenses, noise control, and the City’s limited ability to enforce bylaws with already stretched enforcement staff.


You can read more about the policy background in this Toronto Star article: “Council pulls back on rule change allowing neighbourhood corner stores”.


Virtual Community Consultation Meetings: Have Your Say

City Council decided late last year to slow down the process and ask for more analysis before moving forward. Since then, City staff have been refining the proposal and presenting it back to councillors and the public for feedback.

The next step is a series of Virtual Community Consultation Meetings hosted by the City of Toronto this month. These sessions are part of the Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study under EHON.


Two virtual sessions are scheduled:

Both meetings will cover the same material, including a staff presentation followed by a Q&A and discussion period. Residents are encouraged to attend whichever session best fits their schedule.


Your feedback will help shape the final recommendations going to City Council later this year.


Take The City-Wide Survey To Voice Your Thoughts

A city-wide survey on the proposed zoning changes is also open. It is anonymous, takes about 6 minutes to complete, and results will be shared with City Planning, Councillors, and other stakeholders.



This survey is an important opportunity for residents to share their views before the proposal returns to Council this fall.


Why This Matters for Guildwood

Policies like this could shape the future of our neighbourhoods for decades to come. Neighbourhoods like Guildwood already benefit from nearby shops and services, while in other areas additional options may be needed. A single city-wide approach may not reflect these differences.


Councillor Paul Ainslie has also flagged these consultations in his community updates, underscoring their importance for Scarborough residents.


Whether you support or oppose the changes, it’s important to stay informed and share your perspective. Please consider:

  1. Completing the survey

  2. Attending one of the virtual consultations in September

  3. Encouraging neighbours to do the same


Your input will help shape what happens when Council revisits this proposal later this year. Let’s make sure Guildwood’s voice is heard.


For more details on the “corner stores” policy, visit the city website.

 
 
 

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