The town just confirmed they are changing the bylaw to allow small business vehicles in driveways. I am genuinely stunned that this actually happened and I know this is entirely because you chose to speak up. Please stay alert as we watch them finalize the new language.
September 11, 2015
Final supporters
The Town of Richmond Hill prohibits owners of small and home-based businesses from parking their commercial vehicles in their driveways.
This is prejudicial and obstructionist to small businesses.
Our town has made a big push about being a place to set up and grow your business.
And why wouldn't it? Small businesses have taken over from large corporations as the sector responsible for the most employment and job creation; and small businesses account for a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product in Ontario (Source: Industry Canada).
I am a Housecall Veterinarian, and I invested in a decommissioned ambulance to move forward my level of care and grow my business. It fits comfortably in my driveway on my property. Now I am facing a bylaw complaint.
I feel that the commercial vehicle by-law is a remnant of a bygone era. It used to be that a commercial vehicle would be associated only with a big corporations.
Well, now we have small businesses responsible for 69.7% of employment, and 77.7% of new job creation (Source: industry Canada). Many of these will be entrepreneurial; they may be based out of leased office space, or out of the home like my business. They are not in possession of property where a vehicle can be kept. So why should they be prohibited from having vehicles that could aid the growth of their business?
Are we so offended by the presence of tools of business in our neighbourhoods? I can not imagine getting upset by a delivery van, tow truck, ambulance, or truck with a commercial box in my neighbour's driveway.
And to top it off, the by-law process is complaint-driven – if no one complains, no one cares. This makes the bylaw inequitable and a tool of malice.
I would propose that bylaw 100-10 section 1(c), describing commercial vehicles not allowed in residential areas, be amended:
- To determine a maximum wheel-base allowed based on the length of the driveway in question
- To alleviate concerns about a vehicle crowding a neighbour's property (such as in a shared townhouse driveway) by specifying a minimum clearance from a shared property line.
I would like to see this by-law reviewed and updated to reflect the modern business climate.
Let's move business in Richmond Hill forward!
Updates
June 18, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people agree that our small businesses deserve better. This momentum belongs entirely to you because I never imagined so many neighbors would care about this issue.
Reached 100 supporters
June 18, 2015
88 Comments
I love that vet truck. i own a small mobile business as well and I would be devasted if someone complained about my vehicle. so this is why i am signing. The person complaining should be ashamed of themselves
I had my own business from my home for years. It bothered no one. The law here should be changed. This Vetmobile provides a huge service to York Region. Especially for the elderly who can't get to the Vet office. She should be congratulated on the service she provides.
Small business owners drive a lot of the economy but if we can't have our business vehicles in our own driveway (which we paid for in the price of our housing) - then perhaps we should relocate to some place that wants us!
This bylaw is antiquated and needs changing to reflect today's modern business model. If the government is funding small business to aid the economy then they need to update all aspects related to small business...Such as this law.
We all know that by-laws need to be revisited as our needs change. This is one that needs attention immediately! Myself and many of my neighbours have home based/small businesses and we require the township to adjust with us as we grow & develop strong support in buying local and working local.
This is a horrible by law as it hurts the working class and small business owners.
It’s about time that Canadians will mind their business and NOT abuse the failing stupid system! “ACTING ON COMPLAINT” All City’s copy bylaws from each other –the dummies we elected do not learning nor improving those bylaws (what can WE expect from people we elected once THEY GOT THEIR POSITION). WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE OUR OWN PROPERTY THAT WE OWN AND PAID FOR! WE PAY HIGH TAXES, till when and how far WILL THE CITY CONTROL US!?
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The town just confirmed they are changing the bylaw to allow small business vehicles in driveways. I am genuinely stunned that this actually happened and I know this is entirely because you chose to speak up. Please stay alert as we watch them finalize the new language.
September 11, 2015
Final supporters
The Town of Richmond Hill prohibits owners of small and home-based businesses from parking their commercial vehicles in their driveways.
This is prejudicial and obstructionist to small businesses.
Our town has made a big push about being a place to set up and grow your business.
And why wouldn't it? Small businesses have taken over from large corporations as the sector responsible for the most employment and job creation; and small businesses account for a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product in Ontario (Source: Industry Canada).
I am a Housecall Veterinarian, and I invested in a decommissioned ambulance to move forward my level of care and grow my business. It fits comfortably in my driveway on my property. Now I am facing a bylaw complaint.
I feel that the commercial vehicle by-law is a remnant of a bygone era. It used to be that a commercial vehicle would be associated only with a big corporations.
Well, now we have small businesses responsible for 69.7% of employment, and 77.7% of new job creation (Source: industry Canada). Many of these will be entrepreneurial; they may be based out of leased office space, or out of the home like my business. They are not in possession of property where a vehicle can be kept. So why should they be prohibited from having vehicles that could aid the growth of their business?
Are we so offended by the presence of tools of business in our neighbourhoods? I can not imagine getting upset by a delivery van, tow truck, ambulance, or truck with a commercial box in my neighbour's driveway.
And to top it off, the by-law process is complaint-driven – if no one complains, no one cares. This makes the bylaw inequitable and a tool of malice.
I would propose that bylaw 100-10 section 1(c), describing commercial vehicles not allowed in residential areas, be amended:
- To determine a maximum wheel-base allowed based on the length of the driveway in question
- To alleviate concerns about a vehicle crowding a neighbour's property (such as in a shared townhouse driveway) by specifying a minimum clearance from a shared property line.
I would like to see this by-law reviewed and updated to reflect the modern business climate.
Let's move business in Richmond Hill forward!
Updates
June 18, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people agree that our small businesses deserve better. This momentum belongs entirely to you because I never imagined so many neighbors would care about this issue.
Reached 100 supporters
June 18, 2015
88 Comments
I find it offensive that a person trying to make a living is being told that they have to relocate their vehicle but someone who has a driveway full of junk is fully within their rights!
I love that vet truck. i own a small mobile business as well and I would be devasted if someone complained about my vehicle. so this is why i am signing. The person complaining should be ashamed of themselves
I had my own business from my home for years. It bothered no one. The law here should be changed. This Vetmobile provides a huge service to York Region. Especially for the elderly who can't get to the Vet office. She should be congratulated on the service she provides.
Small business owners drive a lot of the economy but if we can't have our business vehicles in our own driveway (which we paid for in the price of our housing) - then perhaps we should relocate to some place that wants us!
This bylaw is antiquated and needs changing to reflect today's modern business model. If the government is funding small business to aid the economy then they need to update all aspects related to small business...Such as this law.
We all know that by-laws need to be revisited as our needs change. This is one that needs attention immediately! Myself and many of my neighbours have home based/small businesses and we require the township to adjust with us as we grow & develop strong support in buying local and working local.
This is a horrible by law as it hurts the working class and small business owners.
It’s about time that Canadians will mind their business and NOT abuse the failing stupid system! “ACTING ON COMPLAINT” All City’s copy bylaws from each other –the dummies we elected do not learning nor improving those bylaws (what can WE expect from people we elected once THEY GOT THEIR POSITION). WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE OUR OWN PROPERTY THAT WE OWN AND PAID FOR! WE PAY HIGH TAXES, till when and how far WILL THE CITY CONTROL US!?
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I find it offensive that a person trying to make a living is being told that they have to relocate their vehicle but someone who has a driveway full of junk is fully within their rights!