Retail Business Holidays Act

Under the Retail Business Holidays Act, the City of Orillia permits smaller businesses (less than 2,400 square feet with three or fewer employees) to operate on statutory holidays, except for the following:

• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday

Larger businesses (2,400 square feet or more of retail space with four or more employees) are not included in the general by-law and must make a separate application to the City.

The application process takes a minimum of 60 days and includes the following steps:

1. Submitting an application to the City of Orillia with a $101.00 application fee;
2. Scheduling a Public Meeting with 30 days public notice;
3. Considering the by-law; and
4. Allowing a 30-day appeal period before the by-law becomes effective, provided     no appeals are received.

If you are the owner or operator of a larger business, please review the Retail Business Holidays Act with your legal counsel to determine your eligibility prior to submitting an application.

Questions about the application process may be directed to Kristine Preston, Deputy Clerk at kpreston@orillia.ca or call 705-325-1311.

• Retail Business Holidays Act Application Instructions
• Retail Business Holidays Act Application Form
• Retail Business Holidays Act Application - Appendix A
• Retail Business Holidays Act Application - Appendix B
• Retail Business Holidays Act Application Process Chart