The Commercial Zones Review recommendations were adopted as bylaw amendments by Council on July 6, 2020.
For more information, review the report to Council or watch a recording of the Council meeting online here.
The City’s Zoning Bylaw has 13 commercial zones that permit a wide variety of commercial uses, from local shops in residential areas, to large-scale retail and service stations in vehicle-oriented areas, to offices and restaurants in higher density pedestrian- and transit-oriented areas. The City initiated the Commercial Zones Review to make commercial zoning regulations:
Based on direction received from Council, along with feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders, these key changes were made to the Zoning Bylaw in July 2020:
For more information, view the summary graphic and approved changes in the Commercial Zones Review (PDF).
While existing commercial regulations work well for many businesses, the Zoning Bylaw was reviewed to accommodate changing commercial needs and preferences.
The review covered the Commercial, Service Commercial, and Service Station zones, as well as other relevant regulations and definitions in the Zoning Bylaw. The review does not cover industrial zones, parking and loading requirements, signage, business licensing costs and procedures, or commercial taxation rates.