Retail Closings on Canada Day

Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under the Retail Business Holidays Act, Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, is among the holidays when most stores must be closed.

The Retail Business Holidays Act provides limited exceptions for retail outlets that may be open, including stores that sell handicrafts and book or magazine stores that are less than 2,400 square feet with a maximum of three employees, pharmacies under 7,500 square feet, flower shops and gas stations. Stores may also remain open in locations established as tourist areas by specific municipal by-laws. Businesses should contact their municipal offices for information.

Minimum fines for opening businesses on prohibited days of retail operation are $500 for the first offence, $2,000 for a second offence and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offence. Retail outlets may be fined up to $50,000 or the total amount of gross sales for the holiday, whichever is greater. Stratford’s designated tourism season is May 1 to November 12 each year and includes the Canada Day Holiday.

Stratford City By-law 149-92 permits certain retail establishments in Stratford that meet the tourism criteria established by the Province and that provides goods and services primarily to tourists in Stratford, may open for business on Canada Day under the following provisions:

• The retail business establishment does not open prior to 10:00 am and does not remain open after 4:00 pm;
• The number of persons engaged in the serving of the public does not at any time, exceed four (4);
• The total area used for serving, selling or displaying goods or services to the public inside the establishment is less than 278.71 m² (3000 square feet);
• Certain larger retail business establishments listed in Schedule “A” to By-law 149-92 as amended, may also open on Canada Day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Enforcement of the Retail Business Holidays Act in Stratford is the responsibility of Stratford Police Services.

To find out which retail operations are exempted by the Act, please call the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services toll-free at 1-844-286-8404. For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/retail-business-holidays