Glebe and Lansdowne stores still closed for Victoria Day as exemption 'on hold'

Stores in the Glebe and Lansdowne Park that won an exemption to stay open on statutory holidays won't be allowed to open on Victoria Day, pending the outcome of an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.

In February, Ottawa city council approved a bylaw to give the Glebe business improvement area an exemption from the provincial Retail Business Holidays Act.

But the Ottawa and District Labour Council appealed that decision to the OMB.The labour council argues the city failed to take into consideration the notion that holidays should be "common pause days."

As a result of the appeal, the bylaw exemption is now "on hold" until the board deals with it, according to city solicitor Rick O'Connor.

Board to hear appeal in September

"The matter is scheduled to be heard before the Board in September of 2016. Until the Board disposes of the appeal, the by-law is not in force," O'Connor said in an emailed statement.

As in any part of the city, some Glebe businesses such as restaurants, the movie theatre and small shops that sell foodstuffs, handicrafts, antiques or tobacco are already allowed to open on statutory holidays.

Some retail areas are already allowed to be open on New Year's, Family Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day and Thanksgiving.

These include the ByWard Market, the Rideau Centre and businesses in its surrounding business improvement area, as well as the Loblaws on Rideau Street and the Sparks Street Mall.