C016-2026

Background

This new zoning by-law has greater emphasis on a more sustainable city covering requirements for:

Simpler and Fewer Zones: The city is divided into clear zones such as Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use, Employment, Institutional and Open Space. Each zone has specific rules about what can be built and where. 

Mixed-Use Zones: New mixed-use zones encourage shops, offices and homes to be close together, especially near transit, to create walkable communities. 

Major Transit Station Areas: Encourages vibrant, high-density, walkable places around transit stations with open spaces and attractive public areas by pre-designating height, density and use permissions. 

More Housing Options: The By-law allows a wider variety of housing types, including semi-detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, garden suites and apartments, while protecting neighbourhood character. 

Protection for Existing Homes and Businesses: If your home or business was legal before this By-law, it is protected and can continue operating even if new rules are stricter. 

Driveway and Parking Rules: The By-law updates driveway width and parking requirements. For example, driveways have maximum widths depending on lot size, and new developments near transit may require less car parking but more bicycle parking. 

Home Occupations: You can run certain small businesses from your home, such as offices or studios, with limits on size, clients and employees to keep neighbourhoods peaceful. 

Environmental Protection: Parks, natural areas and floodplains have special protections to preserve green space and safety. 

Transition Rules: Projects with approved permits or applications before the By-law’s start date can continue under old rules for a limited time.

Proposed by

Regional Councillor Palleschi