The sex doll brothel that planned to set up shop in a North York plaza has been shut down just over a week before its proposed opening day on Sept. 8.

Aura Dolls brothel will no longer operate out of 4632 Yonge St. thanks, in part, to a decades-old bylaw. The address has been removed from the company’s website.

In a letter sent to residents obtained by CityNews on Wednesday, Coun. John Filion said he met with city staff to determine if the business was legal in the chosen location in his ward following a large number of complaints about the brothel.

City staff ruled that the business falls under the “adult entertainment parlour” category and as such, is not allowed anywhere in Willowdale. Filion said the ruling is based on a motion he introduced about 20 years ago that restricts sex retail shops in North York to industrial areas.

“Both the business owner and property owner were advised by city staff that the proposed use is illegal and that, if the business opened, they would be charged,” said Filion. “As a result, I am pleased to advise you that city staff were told that the lease has been cancelled.”

In addition, Filion said the same plaza currently hosts two other illegal businesses — a pot dispensary and an illegal massage parlour — which he hopes the building owner will get rid of.

Earlier this week Aura Dolls told CityNews it doesn’t believe the company is breaking any laws and has a licence from the city. City officials said the company does not have any sort of licence with the city.

The City of Toronto issues licences to businesses like adult entertainment clubs and body rub parlours which could be subject to zoning bylaws. It does not license sex workers or brothels.

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