Ontario Convenience Stores Association's plans for Ontario Convenience Week
Ontario convenience store retailers, suppliers and industry supporters are gearing up to celebrate Ontario Convenience Store Week in the lead-up to Labour Day.
The annual event recognizes more than 6,700 convenience stores operating across the province day and night, 365 days a year, while raising funds for children's hospitals in Ontario.
In addition, convenience stores across Canada are participating in national Convenience Week.
Looking back
2026 marks five years of honouring convenience retailers in an official capacity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, convenience stores remained open as essential services to supply PPE, stock shelves and serve as lifelines for rural and remote communities. Recognizing these contributions, then-Willowdale MPP Stan Cho introduced a Private Member's Bill to grant the sector permanent province-wide recognition.
On May 20, 2021, the Convenience Store Week Act, 2021 received Royal Assent, establishing the week before Labour Day as Ontario Convenience Store Week. Ontario is the only province in Canada to formally recognize the convenience store industry with a dedicated week.
READ: It's official! Get ready for Convenience Store Week in Ontario
The achievement involved collaboration between the OCSA, the Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association (OKBA) and the Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), which evolved it into a national celebration of convenience retailers across the country and last year rebranded celebrations and activities as Convenience Week.
Since the initial official event, which took place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, 2021, participation and profile has expanded. Across Canada, local politicians often visit local stores, meet staff, work behind counters and take photos. The week is also about reminding communities and all levels of government about the important role that convenience retailers play in Canada's economic health.
Earlier this week, CSNC spoke with CICC about it's plans for 2026 Convenience Week.
Charitable support for children's hospitals
For OCSA, fundraising remains central to this week's activities. Donations raised through till contributions and supplier percentage-of-sales promotions support four Ontario children's hospital foundations:
- CHEO Foundation in Ottawa
- Children's Health Foundation in London
- McMaster Children's Hospital Foundation in Hamilton
- SickKids Foundation in Toronto
100% of funds raised stay within the province to assist local families and children.
