ServiceOntario Locations Are Closing, Kiosks Opening in Staples Stores Instead

A Staples store is seen in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 7, 2017. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Some ServiceOntario locations are closing as the provincial government pilots kiosks in Staples Stores where residents can apply for driver’s licences and health cards.

The decision was announced in a government news release on Dec. 7, 2023, saying the move would make it easier and more convenient for families and businesses to access government services.

Residents of Ontario apply for driver’s licences, health cards, licence plates, birth certificates, and other government documentation through ServiceOntario.

Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Todd McCarthy said ServiceOntario was a “critical link” for Ontario residents to access government services.

“We are working to make it easier to live and work in Ontario, with in-person access as a fundamental component of excellent service delivery,” he said in the release.

“That is why we are partnering with Staples Canada, an experienced retailer with a strong presence in Ontario, to help provide services where people already live, work and shop.”

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A spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford’s office told the media that there were several factors considered when the government was looking for a retail partner.

“A number of factors were considered when our government conducted lengthy consultations with retail partners on the pilot, including the size of stores, parking availability, number of locations across Ontario, and willingness to participate,” a spokesperson told CityNews.

“Staples Canada was selected as all locations met this criteria and customers will be able to benefit from a 30 per cent improvement to current service accessibility hours.”

The government has not identified the service centres that will be closing, nor the kiosk locations.

The goal, according to the Ontario government, is to cut some of the costs of delivering government services to residents and to provide a central hub for those services.

“Our partnership with ServiceOntario will make it easier and more convenient for communities to access the government services they need,” said David Boone, CEO, Staples Canada.

“We look forward to launching this in the new year.”

ServiceOntario completes 59 million transactions each year in person, on the phone, and online, the government said.

Twenty-four million of those transactions are done in person at a ServiceOntario centre, according to the release.

Residents have the option to book an appointment for an in-person visit at ServiceOntario’s centres.

Services available can be different at each centre, so it’s important to be sure the location you book an appointment at offers the service you need.

The government also allows eligible residents to renew their health card from home with a live virtual appointment. It is available for those who have a health care card that has not expired, are 18 years of age or older with a photo health card, or have completed a permanent photo and signature exemption form.