In response to widespread community support and public outcry, the City of Toronto has decided to postpone enforcement of a zoning bylaw that had threatened to disrupt operations at Finch Store, a neighborhood grocer near Ossington and College streets.
Owner Yana Miriev expressed gratitude for the reprieve, stating that the outpouring of support from locals was instrumental in achieving this “partial positive outcome.”
Earlier this year, Miriev mobilized her neighbors to sign a petition after the city notified her that the store was not in compliance with local zoning regulations by selling coffee in a residential area. Despite having a license for coffee and takeout foods, the city indicated that a hearing at the Toronto Licensing Tribunal might jeopardize this permission.
Simultaneously, the city had initiated consultations on a policy aimed at facilitating the operation of small businesses in residential zones. However, it wasn’t until recently that officials informed Miriev of their decision to allow Finch Store to continue serving coffee until a definitive ruling on the zoning bylaw is reached or until her license comes up for renewal next June.
According to a letter from Municipal Licensing and Standards viewed by the Star, during this interim period, Finch Store’s business license is deemed to be valid, allowing it to maintain its current operations without immediate repercussions.
Miriev welcomed the decision but remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that the future implementation of zoning changes still hangs in the balance. “It gives us time just to … work on our business instead of trying to survive,” she remarked. “It’s still a possibility that the (zoning) changes might not be implemented. So it’s just an extension.”
The City of Toronto has assured ongoing dialogue with stakeholders as it navigates the complexities of zoning policies affecting local businesses in residential areas, with further developments expected in the coming months.