Commercial activity in residential areas

Permitting commercial activities within residential areas enriches community life, increases job opportunities, and fosters innovation.

Commercial activity within residential areas is not new. Many companies have emerged from living rooms, basements, or garages of entrepreneurs who had a good idea and used their homes to develop their startups.

Neighborhood planning terms

The neighborhood planning terms will stipulate that various types of activities will be permitted within residential areas in all neighborhoods of the district. This is believed to promote the more efficient use of infrastructure and more sustainable neighborhoods with diverse services within walking distance. Such activities can also boost community vibrancy, increase pedestrian and cyclist traffic, create job opportunities, and inspire innovation.

However, activities classified as polluting and requiring a permit from the Environmental Agency or Public Health Committee are not allowed in residential areas. This applies to activities in both commercial and residential properties. In designated commercial, service, and central areas, more extensive permissions for business activities would be granted.