Massage parlour proposed for The Kingsway area

A business owner looking to open an adult massage parlour has submitted a rezoning application for a location in the area of The Kingsway in Peterborough.

Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell have confirmed the application was made and that the intent of the business owner is to meet the city’s requirements to open the adult entertainment venue.

The exact location of the proposed business has not been officially disclosed.

“(It is in a) very discrete building in a properly zoned location, fulfilling a demographic need,” Parnell said.

Parnell said the business, run by a woman, would be for adults only, both men and women, and would not have sex or alcohol.

Both Parnell and her wardmate, Coun. Kim Zippel, have said they met with the business owner prior to the pandemic and provided guidance on pursuing a rezoning, as they have with other businesses.

The proposal meets all of the city’s strict requirements, Parnell said. The application has been submitted and is being “circulated to agencies for comment as required under the Planning Act,” Therrien stated in a text.

The business would be a licensed facility and would meet all health criteria and be monitored by the health unit, Parnell said.

The city’s Official Plan has a number of requirements for “adult entertainment parlours.”

They can only be placed in the area of The Queensway, The Kingsway and parts of Harper and Rye streets.

They can also not be located within 120 metres of a residential property, schools, parks or recreational facilities. Also they must adhere to the city’s sign bylaw, limiting any explicit imagery.

Peterborough has not had any strip clubs since Thursday’s, behind the Trentwinds International Centre on Lansdowne Street East, closed its doors in May 2010 after nearly 45 years in business.

There is no word on when the application will go to the planning committee.