Review of Zoning Regulations: Nightclubs on Lake Shore Boulevard West in Etobicoke

City Council adopted Item PH8.2 at its meeting on December 13, 2023 and directed staff to initiate a review of zoning regulations, including community consultation and engagement, for nightclubs on Lake Shore Boulevard West between Palace Pier Court and Forty Third Street.

Nightclubs are premises used to provide amplified music for patron entertainment and dancing, such as a dance hall, dance club, or disco, and where food and beverages may also be served. Prior to City Council adopting Item PH8.2 at its meeting on December 13, 2023, nightclubs were generally not permitted outside of the downtown area.

City Council has since removed this zoning restriction and as of January 1, 2025, nightclubs will be permitted across the City in the Commercial Residential (CR) Zone in City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013, and equivalent zones in former General Zoning By-laws. Establishing a nightclub in these zones requires compliance with the following zoning conditions:

  • It must be located in a non-residential building;
  • The permitted maximum interior floor area for each nightclub located on a lot within 6.1 metres of a residentially zoned lot is 400 square metres (4,300 square feet);
  • It must be the only nightclub in the building; and
  • It is not permitted above the first storey of the building, except for associated offices, storage rooms and staff rooms.

During the City’s Night Economy Review, City staff and the Ward Councillor’s office heard particular concerns about the opportunity for new nightclubs along Lake Shore Boulevard West. Concerns expressed included the effect nightclubs on Lake Shore Boulevard West in close proximity to dwelling units also located on Lake Shore Boulevard West, or close to residentially zoned lands abutting Lake Shore Boulevard West.

This review responds to City Council’s motion for staff to initiate a review of zoning regulations, including community consultation and engagement, for nightclubs on Lake Shore Boulevard West between Palace Pier Court and Forty Third Street and to report back to the Etobicoke Community Council by the end of 2024.

Information on meetings and events will be added to this page as they are scheduled.