Expanding Uses in Employment Areas

The City is undertaking a study to consider expanding permitted uses in Employment Areas to include places of assembly, places of worship, and sports and recreation uses on a site or area-specific basis.

This study will assess the appropriateness of locating these uses in Employment Areas, the challenges faced by existing establishments and establishments intending to locate in Employment Areas, and the potential impact on surrounding employment uses.

Please note that proposed Provincial Bill 97, Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 introduces a new definition for “areas of employment”. Bill 97 and the new definition will help inform the study upon the Bill becoming law.

On July 19, 2022 City Council directed staff to consider potential and appropriate site or area specific Official Plan Amendment(s) that could expand permitted uses in Employment Areas to include sport facilities, places of assembly (including bingo halls and banquet halls), and places of worship (PH35.15).

This study will consider expanding permitted uses in Employment Areas to include places of assembly, places of worship, and sports and recreation uses on a site or area specific basis by assessing the appropriateness of these uses in Employment Areas the challenges faced by existing and new establishments and the potential impact on surrounding employment uses.

The study will be conducted in three phases:

  • Phase one – data analysis and background research;
  • Phase two – engagement with industry stakeholders and existing places of assembly, places of worship, and sports and recreation establishments in Employment Areas and the development of policy options; and
  • Phase three – continued stakeholder engagement and arrival at policy recommendations to be heard at the Planning and Housing Committee in fourth quarter of 2023.

More information on engagement and events will be posted here.

Contact or submit feedback by email to Rory McNeil.