Tibet Kitchen has operated in the Parkdale community for over 13 years. Recently, a multinational chain restaurant offered a large amount to lease Tibet Kitchen's current location. As a result, the rent for this location more than doubled, forcing the owner of Tibet Kitchen to find another location.

The owner found another location at 1558 Queen St. W, which is currently unoccupied. The only barrier is that this location isn't licensed for food distribution. By changing the licensing, Tibet Kitchen could continue to operate as a pillar in this community.

There is currently a by-law in place limiting the number of restaurants allowed to operate on Queen Street West between Dufferin and Roncesvalles. The by-law is intended to reduce some of the issues created by late night drinking establishments. As a family restaurant, which typically closes at 10 PM, Tibet Kitchen does not fall into this category.

We have a collective responsibility to maximize economic growth in our neighbourhood without eliminating the fundamental character that makes Parkdale a unique, close-knit community. I am confident you are well aware of this often-difficult balancing act. A simple change of licensing ensures that a local entrepreneur is able to maintain his business, while reinforcing the community that makes me a proud resident of Parkdale.

While no one wants a neighbourhood that is overrun by clubs and bars, this is an instance where the application of this by-law limits the prosperity of a local entrepreneur, who has worked for years to build Parkdale's community, and has actively raised money for numerous international and local causes.

We are therefore asking you, Councillor Perks, to change the license at 1558 Queen Street West, to allow Tibet Kitchen to continue to operate.​