Why can't I shop locally?
It's a mystery. Tourists can shop, shop, shop at a large shopping centre that's open on statutory holidays. You can go there too. But you don't want to. Never mind, if you can find a gutsy local storekeeper you can shop and have the thrill of pretending you're in an illegal booze can. Of course the store guy faces a fine that will put him right out of business if he's convicted. Did we say it's a mystery?
Preoccupied with tourism
You can see the preoccupation with tourism in pretty much all of the City's background material on the Internet. It's an odd mix of a desire to get the tourist dollar while making sure that you are protected from vague things. Grasping retailers, heartless bosses, yourself. Maybe your soul is in jeopardy? There's no other clue.
Will you still love your children if you shop?
Will you still love your children if you shop on a holiday? What about getting together with your great Aunt Helen and your half brother Lucas on the same "pause" day. Don't you want to do that? Well, honey, if you don't pause in the required way, that could be a problem for the City. You say you'd rather browse through a linen shop or buy your sweetie a tie? Forget it, sister. This isn't Sodom & Gomorrah. Your option is to forsake your home turf and pay for parking at the Eaton Centre. See if you can find some tourists.

Tourist Areas are for the Shopping Centres, not Tourists
Designated Tourist Areas aren't for the tourist. It's a rather cheeky suggestion but evidence suggests it's true. On any holiday the shoppers thronging the Eaton Centre, for example, are residents of Toronto. Designated Tourist Areas are mainly for the Shopping Centres. They would lose unknown amounts of revenue if their percentage of revenue leases and parking garages shut down for 24 hours.