The Station Mall and its retailers will be closed during Monday’s Victoria Day holiday, but other retailers can now choose to stay open
New legislation recently passed by the province allows retailers to decide if they will be open for business on Victoria Day and Family Day holidays.
In years past, most retailers have been required to close on Victoria Day, with the exception of some pharmacies, garden centres, gas stations, among others.
Now, after the Ontario government passed changes to the Retail Business Holidays Act, retail businesses across the province can choose whether or not they will open on those dates.
La-Na Fragomeni, president of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, told SooToday that her organization supports businesses having that choice.
“In this case, businesses have the ability to make their own decisions based on their particular circumstances, taking into account their own understanding of their customers and the additional costs associated with opening on a public holiday,” said Fragomeni.
She noted that businesses must also factor in employee protections and additional costs associated with being open.
As part of the legislation, Victoria Day and Family Day remain public holidays, but retailers may now choose to open on those days. If they do, eligible retail employees who work those days would earn time‑and‑a‑half premium pay, in addition to automatically receiving their full public holiday pay.
In a news release announcing the changes, the Ontario government said “these changes would create a fairer, more consistent approach for businesses and workers while allowing families to enjoy the convenience of select retail stores on these days.”
The Ontario government said the changes only apply to Victoria Day and Family Day, meaning the Sault by-law closing retailers on Boxing Day would not be affected by the new legislation.
“Existing provincial and municipal authority to require retail business closures on all other public holidays would be maintained,” said the province in its release.
Sault Ste. Marie is the only municipality in Ontario that has a Boxing Day by-law prohibiting retailers from being open.
During the 2010 municipal election, voters were asked on the ballot “are you in favour of retail establishments opening on Dec. 26?” Of respondents, 14,975 said no, compared to 9,749 who indicated yes.
Asked about the new legislation and what possible effect, if any, it could have on the Sault’s Boxing Day by-law, Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said “stat holidays exist so workers can step away from their jobs and spend time with their families.
“That’s why I’ve long opposed Boxing Day retail openings, and why I don’t support extending that to other statutory holidays.”
Station Mall announced on its Facebook page that it will be closed during Monday’s holiday, with the exception of Galaxy Cinemas. Walmart on Great Northern Road will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
