FAQs about DEREGULATION
The purpose of this FAQ page is to dispel the myths and add some clarification around the issue of
deregulated store hours.
1. If the store hours bylaw is removed, as a business owner, I will be forced to be open 24
hours per day.
Absolutely not. As a business owner you will have the option to CHOOSE when to open. Existing
stores have already changed their hours of operation to coincide with demand. For example, many retail
stores close before 9:00pm on weeknights even though they are allowed to stay open later. In addition,
most stores in the downtown core are not open any later than 6:00pm. As a business owner, your
hours of operation should be decided by you. You know your customers and their shopping patterns
and what is best for your business.
2. If stores are allowed to open whenever they want, employees will be forced to work
irregular hours.
No. Employees have the option to refuse shifts. There are people in need of work and would be more
than willing to accept hours others do not want; students are just one segment of the population who
would benefit from additional opportunities to work. Likewise, there are already businesses in existence
which provide irregular working hours - movie theatres, late night shelf stocking at retail locations,
restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations as well as the health care and industrial sectors. These
places provide additional options for employment.
3. If stores are able to choose their own hours of operation, people will no longer be able
to spend time with their family.
Not true. Families spend time together when it is convenient for them. For some families, that means
spending time shopping and running errands together.
4. Deregulated store hours will result in increased crime in the city.
There is absolutely no evidence to substantiate this claim. Crime is a result of many factors in a
community, not simply the hours when retail establishments are open. In fact, Hamilton reregulated
store hours in 2011 and they have seen a reduction in non-motor vehicle theft under $5,000.
5. The current bylaw lists 16 businesses/stores that are exempt and can be open whenever
they wish. Most on the list don’t bother, so why do we need to expand it?
It is not a matter of expanding the current exemption list. The issue is about businesses retaining the
exclusive right – as owners and operators – to decide their own hours of operation; they know their
products, services and customers. Additionally, the current bylaws have created an unfair environment
whereby sixteen types of businesses are exempt and allowed to operate while everyone else cannot.
6. I am already challenged to compete with the larger chains; won’t deregulation
compound this?
No. You are already competing with e-commerce and neighbouring jurisdictions that are deregulated;
removing the bylaws will give retail establishments the options that appeal to customers who currently
purchase online or who travel because it suits their schedule.
7. Deregulation will mean that people will have to work over Boxing Day.
The deregulation bylaw and Boxing Day bylaw are two different bylaws currently in effect. Deregulating
store hours does not mean that the Boxing Day bylaw will be repealed. There will be three different
questions as part of the 2014 referendum that will address the civic holiday in August, Boxing Day, and
store hours in general.
8. There is only so much money to spend; won’t opening stores longer force people into
debt?
No. People shop when it is convenient for them. Again, with e-commerce, people already have the
ability to shop whenever they desire.
9. Having regulated store hours is a unique feature of our community and what sets us
apart from all other jurisdictions.
It may be what sets us apart, but we are of the view that it is not in a positive way. Sudbury needs to
attract people to our community and in order to do this we need to offer a competing lifestyle as
experienced in other jurisdictions. More importantly, the image of our community needs to change to
encourage and retain people and money – to build business and grow the economy.
10. Your campaign is funded exclusively by the large retailers.
The chamber is approaching every business member – and the public - to inquire about contributing to
this education campaign. The chamber is scheduling meetings with small independent retailers to discuss
the issue and get their feedback.
11. How do I know my donation is being used properly?
The chamber is registered with the Elections Ontario and is obligated to follow specific rules and
regulations regarding the referendum. All monies will be properly accounted for and are deposited into
three separate accounts for each question. The chamber is limited to spending $0.50 per registered
voter. Companies contributing to this campaign are limited to $750 per question.
12. How can I assist the chamber in their campaign?
You can assist the chamber in our campaign in a number of ways:
1. Make sure to vote in the upcoming Municipal Election. The result of the referendum questions on
store hours will only be enacted if there is a 50% voter turnout.
2. Donate. Only by receiving donations will the chamber be able to educate the public about what
deregulated store hours really means. There is a lot of misinformation regarding this issue and we need
your support to set the record straight.
3. Talk with friends, family and colleagues. The more people are educated on the issue, the greater the
understanding will be about why this change needs to happen.
13. Why do we need a referendum to decide this issue?
Council made the decision to have a referendum as part of the municipal election. Deregulation of store
hours has been an issue in our community for some time and the referendum will send a message to
council about how the community as a whole feels about deregulated stor