Requesting a report on allowing retail stores to open on statutory holidays
General Committee makes recommendations; City Council makes the final decision.
Council approved this on August 10, 2026 as part of its consent agenda, without a separate vote. See the consent vote →
Councillor Votes
Full Resolution Text
Whereas the City of Peterborough has been approached by local retailers asking that they be permitted to open on statutory holidays such as Canada Day and Labour Day; Whereas many local businesses are reporting lower sales due to the uncertainty caused by tariff wars and inflation, and assert that opening on some statutory holidays would allow them to benefit from consumer spending on those days; Whereas The Retail Business Holidays Act, R.S.O., 1990, which prohibits most retail businesses from opening on statutory holidays, allows municipalities to pass a by-law to render the Act inapplicable in their jurisdiction; Whereas City Council last considered a report on this matter in 2011; Whereas the Government of Ontario passed legislation this year to allow retailers across the province to open on Family Day and Victoria Day; Now therefore be it resolved that City staff be directed to bring a report to Council in the first quarter of 2027 with information on the considerations of retail businesses being permitted to open on various statutory holidays, and outlining the options and required next steps should Council wish to proceed further at that time.