The city is asking the public if retail stores should stay open during holidays in an online survey as part of a long term policy plan.
Under Toronto’s Holiday Shopping by-law, retail businesses are to be closed on the nine retail business holidays: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Those that are exempted include certain retail business establishments such as gas stations, laundromats, and retail businesses licensed under the Liquor License Act.
Under the Ontario Retail Business Holidays Act, there are five tourist areas that are also allowed to remain open, namely Queen Quay West, the Toronto Eaton Centre and the Hudson’s Bay Company, the Downtown Yonge Street Business Improvement Area, the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area, and the Distillery Historic District.
The survey, posted on the city’s website, consists of six questions, which ask whether retail businesses should open on either one of the nine retail holidays, and if there are any other retail stores “that should have the option to open” on the holidays, among other questions.
The survey is available online and can be accessed at toronto.ca/holidayshopping. The city is also consulting with stakeholders, including business owners and community groups, as well as conducting a public opinion poll.
The results of the consultations will be presented to the Economic Development Committee in spring 2012.
