Ottawa councillor wants to crack down on payday loans

Ottawa city councillor Mathieu Fleury wants to limit the number of payday loan stores in low-income areas and wants the province to give the city the tools to make it happen.

Fleury — who represents Rideau-Vanier — introduced a motion that was passed in council Wednesday calling on stricter regulations.

Fleury says he will be asking the provincial government to amend the Municipal Act so that the city can control the zoning of payday lenders in an effort to limit their location and number.

He also wants to look at amending the licensing requirements for these types of businesses.

Fleury said on his website he recognized the impact that high interest loans have on the financially vulnerable. At council, he acknowledged several community groups who helped develop the motion.

"I wanted to thank the members of ACORN, members of the community association in Vanier -- as well as the BIA in Vanier — in helping us," said Fleury.

The motion would only apply to payday loan stores that open in the future. It does not impact existing establishments.