City allowing retailers to receive deliveries 24/7 following panic-buying in Toronto
The City of Toronto will allow all retail businesses to receive deliveries after hours to ensure that goods and produce are constantly being stocked up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, the City said that the businesses will be exempt from the noise bylaw, which includes the ability to provide an exemption in response to extraordinary circumstances affecting the immediate health, safety, or welfare of the community.
“This exemption will ensure retailers can receive deliveries 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure essential goods remain in stock,” the release said.
The change was made quickly after the issue was raised by the Retail Council of Canada as a way to allow additional deliveries for retailers.
According to the city, the recent “panic buying” occurring the city is unnecessary and residents should not stockpile.
The city also advises that any bulk purchasing beyond a two-week supply jeopardizes the ability of vulnerable people to access essential food and health supplies.
“We are taking this action to help Toronto businesses get deliveries and continue to stock their shelves with essential goods for our residents,” Mayor John Tory said. “By exempting retail businesses from the City’s noise bylaw right now, we will ensure that retailers can receive deliveries 24 hours of a day, seven days a week. This action is part of the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and my focus on protecting the people of Toronto, including our most vulnerable residents, and helping businesses.”
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The measures come after “panic buying” was documented across the GTA with products completely clearing grocery store shelves.
This latest news is part of Toronto’s increased measures to help the city economically.
On Monday morning, the city announced its economic support task force, which will identify immediate and longer-term economic recovery strategies for residents and businesses.
The focus of the Task Force is to support segments of the economy most strongly impacted by the coronavirus, such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.
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