Toronto residents with a hunger to haggle and a love of store lineups could be in luck if Toronto city councillors decide to reopen the debate on holiday shopping.
The city's economic development committee is considering a proposal to discuss whether to give store owners an option to stay closed or open up for business on statutory holidays.
If the committee decides to go ahead with the consultation process, meetings will be set up with retail shop owners, business improvement groups and labour organizations.
Retail stores are currently required to be closed on six public holidays including Christmas, Good Friday and Canada Day.
There are some exceptions; pharmacies and gas stations are allowed to stay open, as are stores located in designated tourist areas such as the Eaton Centre.
A city staff report suggests there may be the need for a level playing field for stores outside tourist areas, and recommends reopening a debate on the issue.
"There was a day when Sunday shopping was unheard of, but I think we're moving in the direction that we are going to have many more shopping days than not," Coun. Josh Colle told CTV News.
Coun. Mary Fragedakis agreed on Wednesday, saying the city might need to reassess its guidelines to balance the city's diversity with family values.
"Not everyone celebrates Christmas so the dynamics have changed," she said. "Certainly the demographic has changed. But at same time I think we need to be respectful of people wanting to stay and rest and be with their family."
There are currently six provinces and territories in Canada that allow retailers to stay open on public holidays, including British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson
