City of Toronto | Retail business holiday shopping policy consultation

Retail holiday shopping consultation

Share your opinions on holiday shopping

We want to hear from you. We are asking the public, business owners, employees and other interested groups to share their views on the City's Holiday Shopping by-law.

Background

The City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 510, Holiday Shopping and the Ontario Retail Business Holidays Act generally require retail stores to be closed on Public or Retail Holidays (i.e. New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).

Both the Municipal Code and provincial statute provide for exemptions by type and size of retail store that enable some stores to open while others must remain closed. In addition to exemptions by type and size of store, five areas within the City of Toronto and many other areas throughout Ontario have been granted 'tourist area' exemptions allowing stores located within those areas to open on retail holidays.

The current regulations in effect in the City of Toronto were adopted in 2006 as a temporary measure. City Council is now seeking to develop a long term policy.

Have your say

Take a few minutes to share your views by completing an online survey.

Resources

Frequently asked questions

Holiday Shopping Consultation Process, Economic Development Committee, September 14, 2011

Holiday Shopping - City Council Decision, May 11, 2010

Key highlights from Toronto's Holiday Shopping by-law

Retail Holidays

Toronto Holiday Shopping By-law requires that all retail businesses be closed on the following nine retail business holidays:

New Year's Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

Exemptions

Certain types of businesses are permitted to open on Retail Holidays, including:

Retail businesses less than 2,400 square feet that sell: foodstuff; tobacco; antiques; handicrafts; fresh fruit and vegetables; books, magazines or newspapers; and art
Pharmacies less than 7,500 square feet
Gas stations
Nurseries
Laundromats
Retail businesses licensed under the Liquor License Act
Retail businesses licensed under the Tourism Act
Retail businesses that provide vehicle or boat rental or repair