Toronto launches survey to cut red tape for local business owners

Mayor Olivia Chow speaks at Red Tape Brewery in East York on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025.

The City of Toronto is launching a new survey to hear from local business owners on how to cut red tape.

Mayor Olivia Chow announced details of the survey during a news conference at Red Tape Brewery in East York on Monday.

“Toronto businesses are facing pressures on many fronts, from global tariffs to rising costs. By cutting red tape, we are making it easier for them to succeed, create jobs and keep our neighbourhoods vibrant. This survey is about listening to businesses and making real changes to remove barriers and modernize how the City works with them,” Chow said in a statement.

Business owners must submit the survey before Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.

A staff report on the findings, including recommendations for possible bylaw changes, will be tabled to the Economic and Community Development Committee in early 2026, the city said.

In the summer, the city launched a Red Tape Hotline, a pilot project that allows business owners “a direct channel” to report barrier they face at the municipal level, including permitting issues and outdated bylaws.