As most of you are aware, Interim Control By-Law to prohibit new restaurants and second floor expansion for one year on Queen Street West between Roncesvalles Ave and Dufferin St (Parkdale BIA area) was introduced on October 26, 2012 (link to the city council page). (and also see Inside Toronto article on this topic).

Over the past few years, Parkdale area has seen rapid commercial change – emergence of new restaurants and bars – that have resulted in “land use conflicts with the adjacent residential area and other business owners” such as noise, vandalism, garbage, late night activity and parking congestion. The same Interim Control Bylaw was put in place before in Ossington area. Also, the city has been conducting a Restaurant  and Bar study to respond to these concerns since summer 2010.

Taken together, the city is holding a community consultation meeting as follows to inform city’s direction and study recommendations. This study and interim bylaw are a response to aforementioned “land use conflicts”, while paying limited attention to the impacts on food accessibility and affordability for community members, and businesses providing affordable essential services and products to wider community members. Yet, this may be an opportunity to have your voice heard.