Latest News

Brandon Sun - ONLINE EDITION

Extended shopping needs city approval

By: Larry Kusch

Friday, Jul. 6, 2012 at 8:03 AM | Comments: 0

Manitobans may be able to go shopping on Sunday mornings starting next month -- as long as their municipality passes an enabling bylaw.

Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard announced Thursday changes to the province's Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act come into effect Aug. 1.

But it's uncertain whether municipalities will be able to respond in time for shoppers to take advantage of the new provincial law immediately.

Last month, the Selinger government passed legislation allowing municipalities to extend Sunday shopping to between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Under current law, retailers that regularly operate with four or more staff can only be open between noon and 6 p.m. on Sundays. The new provincial law also allows retailers to expand their hours on Louis Riel Day, Victoria Day and Thanksgiving Day.

However, Winnipeg has yet to pass an enabling bylaw, city communications officer Alissa Clark confirmed.

Reached by phone late Thursday, Coun. Jenny Gerbasi said the city, theoretically, has time to pass the required bylaw by Aug. 1. City council next meets on July 18.

"There is time. If we had to do it, it could be done," Gerbasi said.

After July 18, council's next scheduled meeting isn't until September, though the mayor can call a special meeting.

Meanwhile, an official with one city shopping mall said even if the city does pass the necessary bylaw on time, retailers may not be ready for longer Sundays right away.

"I'd want to give my tenants lots of notice (of new Sunday shopping hours)," said Peter Havens, general manager at Kildonan Place Shopping Centre.

If Aug. 5 is going to be the mall's first opportunity to open earlier, "I really don't know if that's the right time to do it," Havens added.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments

You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.