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The planning committee has endorsed a new bylaw designed to clear the way for more small-scale shops and restaurants in residential neighbourhoods within the urban core.

The bylaw, which stills needs council’s approval, also identifies dozens of non-conforming stores currently operating and assigns them the rightful zoning to continue operating.

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In all, 315 residential properties were rezoned to permit small-scale commercial businesses, such as corner stores, retail food stores, artist’s studios and restaurants.

Any commercial use must be restricted to the ground floor and basement, and not exceed a total of 100 square metres. The businesses cannot offer parking and are only allowed a small outdoor patio or seating area.

According to the city, there are 5,200 businesses in residential areas, employing about 28,500 people.

The bylaw identified several properties on Armstrong Street in Hintonburg, but Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper requested a hold be placed on those specific rezonings until a larger study about the street’s future can be conducted later this year, in partnership with the Hintonburg Community Association and the West Wellington Business Improvement Association.

“We want to see what we can do with Armstrong Street,” Leiper said.

A portion of Osgoode Street in Sandy Hill identified for future small-scale business potential was also removed from the proposal.

The area is well-served by existing businesses along Laurier and Somerset streets, said Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury, adding there was also a concern that a possible commercial zoning could negatively affect the elementary school across the street.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com

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