Council Considers Changing Name of 'Massage Parlour' to 'Body Rub Parlour' - VOCM

[massage]

When the moratorium is lifted, massage parlours in the capital city area may soon be known as “body rub parlours.”

Tonight, city council will be voting to consider a text amendment which, if approved, will allow the establishments as a permitted use in a number of commercial areas.

Part of the mandate of the city during the moratorium was to create a new definition of a massage parlour. That is where the new name comes into play.

The name “body rub parlour” was suggested following concerns from registered massage therapists, and is a term used by a number of municipalities in western Canada.

Under the new regulations, if approved, the parlours will be defined and separated from other definitions. As well, a number of standards will be put in place to keep them away from schools, daycares, places of worship, residential neighbourhoods and the war memorial.

New developments will only be allowed in certain commercial areas and, as a permitted use, applications would not have to be advertised.

If council votes in favour, the amendment will go out for public comment and a public meeting in November.

The matter will then come back to council for further consideration.