Some ServiceOntario Centres Are Moving To Staples Stores For 'More Access,' Doug Ford Says
These new locations will also be open later for "convenience."
ServiceOntairo location in Ottawa.
You've probably heard that some ServiceOntario centres are closing and services are moving to Staples stores in 2024.
Now, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said that this will allow people to have "more access" to provincial government services and offer "convenience" with extended hours.
Why you should care: Certain ServiceOntario locations are set to close this year.
Ontario's Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery told Narcity that Staples Canada was chosen because of the size of stores, parking availability, number of locations in the province, and willingness to participate.
"All ServiceOntario locations that are closing will have a new location open in select Staples Canada stores, not kiosks, and service will remain uninterrupted," the ministry said.
While the Ontario government hasn't revealed which centres are being shuttered, CityNews has reported that 11 ServiceOntario locations in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, London and Newmarket are expected to close.
To replace those locations, ServiceOntario centres will be opened in select Staples and Walmart stores.
What they're saying: "Not everyone can make it into one of the outlets from 9 to 5. They're going to open up until 10 p.m., people are going to have more access," Ford told CityNews on January 22, 2024.
"It's pretty simple. It comes down to customer service," he continued.
Ford also noted that the Ontario government isn't closing and converting government-run ServiceOntario centres.
"It’s going to expand the hours and convenience," the premier said. "It's going to go across the province and it's the best thing to do for customer service."
In a statement to Narcity, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery said, "ServiceOntario is moving forward with ways to improve customers experience, streamlining operations and ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective way to meet the needs of Ontario communities."
ICYMI: On December 7, 2023, it was announced that new ServiceOntario centres would be opening in certain Staples Canada stores in early 2024.
Then, additional locations are expected to open throughout the year.
With this ServiceOntario retailer partnership program, the provincial government said it's trying to enhance customer experiences, provide convenient access to government services, and reduce the cost of delivering government services to Ontarians.
What comes next: Even though the Ontario government has shared that new ServiceOntario centres would open at Staples stores in early 2024, no information has been released about when you can start using the new locations.
Keep reading: You don't need to go into a ServiceOntario centre to access services though.
Now, you can access ServiceOntario online for certain services including renewing your driver's license, changing your address, renewing your license plate, renewing your health card, and more.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.