Holiday Shopping

The Holiday Shopping By-law (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 510) was enacted and passed by City Council on December 6, 2006.

The By-law 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).

For 2012, unless exempted, retail business establishments are required to be closed on Monday, July 2, in observance of Canada 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 City is currently reviewing the By-law and is seeking the public's view on the matter.

You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view PDF files.