Winnipeg's zoning bylaws could further limit where people can find adult entertainment, CBC News has learned.

The current bylaw, which came into force in 1993, prevents adult video stores from setting up shop within 300 metres of residences, schools and churches.

The city is now proposing a new bylaw that could apply the same buffer zone to escort services, massage parlours, adult-only saunas, lingerie modelling studios and other adult entertainment venues, as well as keep all such establishments away from parks and recreation centres.

"People get very defensive that this is the beginning of the end for their community, because for better or for worse, they associate those types of businesses with decline," said St. Vital Coun. Gord Steeves, who said he likes the idea.

But Coun. Harvey Smith, who represents the inner-city Daniel McIntyre ward, said he is upset that the same buffer zone rules would not apply downtown, where most of the city's adult entertainment businesses are concentrated.

Smith said in his area, the existing businesses are already located near homes, churches and schools.

"To me, it's just ludicrous. It's discriminatory against residents in the downtown area," Smith said. "We get hit enough with massage parlours and everything else already."

City officials declined to talk to CBC News about the proposed new zoning bylaw, except to say it's in the works and a public consultation process will begin in the next few months.