Le zonage et la classification des usages de restauration et de commerces d'alimentation : une mesure d'urbanisme poux diminuer l'épidémie d'obésité?

This research project, which links the disciplines of urban planning and public health, studies land use for commercial food establishments and restaurants permitted by municipal zoning policies and relates this question to the problem of obesity. This article looks at the classification system of land use for commercial food establishments and restaurants, complementary food uses and other uses, as well as the restrictions placed on certain activities. The analysis of zoning by-laws shows that there are different ways to classify land use where commercial food and restaurant activities are permitted, and several of these classifications are very broad. The public health impact of these zoning policies and the issues raised by possible solutions such as the improvement of zoning classifications or the restriction of fast food availability will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]