Ontario lifts nighttime delivery restrictions

TORONTO – The Ontario government is allowing retailers to temporarily deliver goods 24/seven to ensure essential items remain on store shelves.

Currently, restrictions in many municipalities limit the hours for store deliveries between 7am and 7pm. Today’s legislation temporarily lifts that constraint to allow for a more efficient movement of goods from warehouses to stores.

The province’s move follows the City of Toronto , Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), and the City of Ottawa removing delivery time of day restrictions earlier in the week for the same reason. This new legislation broadens off-peak delivery to every city and town in Ontario.

Canada has one of the most sophisticated grocery and food supply chains in the world. However, because of the unprecedented increase in demand, some store shelves have been noticeably bare.

Logistically, purchases are occurring more quickly than stores have been able to restock, even though retailers have more than ample stock in their distribution centres.

“To assist in getting goods to market in a more expeditious manner, we applaud the Ontario Government for temporarily lifting time-of-day restrictions on roadways and deliveries for our retailers” said Diane Brisebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada.

“As all levels of government work to protect the health of every citizen, we pledge to continue to play a strong supporting role in ensuring access to goods, when and where they are needed.”