My wife and I picked up our PR cards this week, after getting the letters that they were ready a week ago. Strange that even though we mailed the applications together, they scheduled the pick-up appointments almost three hours apart.
Times were shown to the very minute, ie: 8:22AM, and when we got there--early for my wife--lines were very short and fast. They took me (different line--colour coded)just as soon as I came up after parking the car, so I didn't have to wait for several hours after she picked up her card. Just show ID (DL, OHIP card, passport) sign for it, and you're on your way.
Glad ours arrived before the end of the year, as family health problems may have us travelling out of the country next year.

Now, what's this about them not being necessary after all??

bj-21.