The Holiday Shopping Bylaw outlines when retail businesses in Toronto must close during the year for holidays.
New Year’s Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Exemptions
The following are some examples of retailers who can remain open on holidays:
small retail establishments less than 2,400 square feet selling only specific types of goods, e.g. foodstuffs
pharmacies less than 7,500 square feet
art galleries; nurseries; gas stations; liquor licensed businesses
retail businesses for education; recreation; and amusement
business in relation to prepared meals, living accommodations, laundromats, vehicle or boat rentals
Businesses located in the following tourist areas are also exempt from the bylaw:
Queens Quay West (207 Queen’s Quay West)
Toronto Eaton Centre and the Hudson’s Bay Company (Yonge & Queen location)
Downtown Yonge Street Business Improvement Area
Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area
Distillery Historic District
These Tourist Area Exemptions are a legacy from the previous version of the legislation. There is no formal process to add new Tourist Area Exemptions.
City Council’s Directive in 2023
In 2023, City Council directed staff to assess whether to retain as is or change the list of nine specified holidays in Chapter 510. Additionally, City Council directed staff to develop criteria and a process for the designation of Tourist Area Exemptions. Such criteria and process, if established, would provide a pathway for retail businesses to apply to open on holidays.
The City is now consulting the public and relevant stakeholders on their views. The consultations include an online survey, a virtual town hall, as well as key informant interviews and focus groups. The feedback will contribute to City staff’s recommendations to City Council.
More information about the virtual town hall will be shared on this page when available.
Comments