http://www.coquitlam.ca/NR/exeres/5...D-93F7FF4DEFC9,frameless.htm?NRMODE=Published
Coquitlam Takes the Next Step in Restricting Undesirable Businesses
COQUITLAM, BC, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 – The City of Coquitlam is steadily moving forward with bylaw amendments that will regulate Undesirable businesses in Coquitlam.
“Coquitlam is ‘Open for Business’ but these are not the types of businesses City Council wants in our community,” says Mayor Richard Stewart. “These bylaw changes were requested by residents and businesses, and are aimed at protecting the character and safety of our neighbourhoods and business districts.”
The most notable changes to the zoning bylaw will prohibit non-registered massage (except bodywork), pawnshops, methadone clinics, escort services and exotic dancing throughout the City. There will also be a minimum distance required between any two businesses such as methadone dispensaries, tattoo parlours, adult video stores, adult toy stores, cheque cashing businesses and scrap metal dealers. The distance requirement will prevent “clusters” of these businesses.
“We are working hard to promote walkable, family-friendly retail areas throughout our city. Across Greater Vancouver, we can see neighbourhoods that we would not want to take our children to, neighbourhoods with a proliferation of undesirable businesses. City Council is really trying to be preemptive, to protect both our residents and our existing businesses," says Mayor Stewart.
These changes reflect public feedback from an Open House held in April and a recent Public Hearing. The bylaw recently went through its third reading, and has been referred to the Province of British Columbia for approval before coming back to Coquitlam Council for consideration of fourth and final reading.
Coquitlam Takes the Next Step in Restricting Undesirable Businesses
COQUITLAM, BC, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 – The City of Coquitlam is steadily moving forward with bylaw amendments that will regulate Undesirable businesses in Coquitlam.
“Coquitlam is ‘Open for Business’ but these are not the types of businesses City Council wants in our community,” says Mayor Richard Stewart. “These bylaw changes were requested by residents and businesses, and are aimed at protecting the character and safety of our neighbourhoods and business districts.”
The most notable changes to the zoning bylaw will prohibit non-registered massage (except bodywork), pawnshops, methadone clinics, escort services and exotic dancing throughout the City. There will also be a minimum distance required between any two businesses such as methadone dispensaries, tattoo parlours, adult video stores, adult toy stores, cheque cashing businesses and scrap metal dealers. The distance requirement will prevent “clusters” of these businesses.
“We are working hard to promote walkable, family-friendly retail areas throughout our city. Across Greater Vancouver, we can see neighbourhoods that we would not want to take our children to, neighbourhoods with a proliferation of undesirable businesses. City Council is really trying to be preemptive, to protect both our residents and our existing businesses," says Mayor Stewart.
These changes reflect public feedback from an Open House held in April and a recent Public Hearing. The bylaw recently went through its third reading, and has been referred to the Province of British Columbia for approval before coming back to Coquitlam Council for consideration of fourth and final reading.
