Mississauga will limit number of restaurants at Ridgeway Plaza

Mississauga city council approved a bylaw change that stops new restaurants from opening at Ridgeway Plaza and aims to reduce the total number of restaurants by about 15 percent over time.

Mississauga city council has amended zoning rules for Ridgeway Plaza to address complaints about parking, traffic and noise. The change specifically restricts new restaurants and prevents existing restaurant spaces from expanding. City officials say the reduction in restaurants will occur gradually as businesses close or change use. Key points: - Council passed a bylaw amendment that stops new restaurants from opening in Ridgeway Plaza and bars expansions of current restaurant spaces. - The stated goal is to reduce the overall number of restaurants at the plaza by about 15 percent over time, achieved as units change use. - A city-commissioned study cited a parking shortfall as a contributor to traffic and noise concerns during evenings and weekends. - Plaza owners, organized as a condominium corporation, are responsible for managing parking; a prior gathering bylaw allows fines up to $100,000 for failures to control large, disruptive gatherings. Summary: The bylaw change is intended to curb restaurant growth at Ridgeway Plaza and address local parking and noise issues by relying on gradual turnover of commercial units. Undetermined at this time.