I am currently in the US. I got an email from CIC to my personal email. I sent the passports and photos and they were received on 12th Sept. The return label has not been activated yet, but the application status in myCIC was updated to Approved last week (Sept 19).
I called this number: +1 613 944 4000. It was a good experience, the person on the other end told me that my passports are already in printing for visas but she was not sure about the date by which they would be shipping them back.
Try calling this number, it will help with information on where your passports are currently. Keep your application number handy.