Coquitlam Takes the Next Step in Restricting Undesirable
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.
