Hey,
For McGill I recieved an email informing me of my acceptance, but my uapply still says in review - so make sure to be checking your email that you provided. Like you, my 1st year was bad so I was worried about grades, but I spoke to the grad people last year and they put more focus on 3rd and 4th year, which I did well in.
I finished my application on Dec 15th. I don't think they look at them as they come in or have a "top and bottom" of a pile, so I wouldn't worry about that. Hopefully your two good references will pull you up make a difference, I do think that is important. I also have almost a year of related work experience.
Good luck.