Canadian Tire

I am not sure what century you live in but welcome to the 21 century. BTW cheque cashing is not common practice either. Businesses have to more and more protect themselves from shoplifters and backpacks are an easy tool. If you got some issue in leaving your backpack at the counter then maybe you have something to hide. Instead of bitching about your little inconvenience why don't you try to say something positive.

PS what does a bike lane have to do with you problem?

I use to bring a backpack everywhere with me because I'd either walk or bike to places and when I purchased things I needed a secure place to put them.

CT is the ONLY store to demand you leave it with them because they are assuming you to be a thief.

Then I purchased a product, realized later on in the day that I did not need it so I returned it. Never took it out of the package, had the receipt and was forced to show a drivers license.
As I don't drive I didn't have one, so I couldn't return it. I then rode home, got my health card with my picture, full name and mail from my bank to prove my address.
Still they wouldn't accept that until I made a big issue out of it.

CT's bag in store and return policies are the worst of any store.
If that wasn't enough, this CT store made news by demanding the city to remove a newly installed bike lane.