A Cruel Truth From The ‘Bungalow Belt’

I attended a meeting with our councillor and several city staff last week going over the new planning regime. I asked if there were any restrictions on what businesses could go into the strip malls being included as part of the 15 minute neighborhoods. I was concerned that they could be dominated by pot shops, tattoo parlours or vape shops. My concern was correct – the city planners said they cannot restrict what companies come into these stores. I thought it was supposed to be convenience stores, cutesy cafe’s, or delis. Instead we may get massage parlours. There are rumours of a hidden chain of massage parlours called Happy Endings. With 15 Minute neighborhoods, this may be the only happy ending we get!