As Canada prepares to celebrate Labour Day on September 4, residents of Ottawa can count on some facilities remaining open.
Shoppers in the ByWard Market, Lansdowne Park, and Glebe neighbourhoods will still be able to peruse local businesses. The Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets are also set to open, however patrons are recommended to check specific store hours as they may vary.
Grocery shoppers can rest easy as the Farm Boy at the Rideau Centre, Loblaws stores at 363 Rideau St and 64 Isabella St, Metro Glebe grocery store, and Whole Foods at Lansdowne have announced that they will remain open. Furthermore, select Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall pharmacies will likewise remain open.
Though all LCBOs will be closed, there’s no need to worry as certain Beer Store outlets will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. These include the outlets on 1860 Bank St, 1984 Baseline Rd, 548 Montreal Road, and 515 Somerset St. West.
For those seeking cultural immersion, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum have all stated they will be open. However, be aware that the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian History Museum, and the Diefenbunker will be closed. The National Gallery of Canada will be open for visitors.
Commuters can rely on OC Transpo operating on a Sunday schedule. Summer destinations will be serviced throughout the weekend and on Monday with service to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Petrie Island, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Para Transpo will also continue service throughout the long weekend, but customers are required to book trips until September 4.
City services will see some disruptions. The 3-1-1 Contact Centre will only cater to urgent matters, and most service centres including the City Hall and Ben Franklin Place will be closed. Green bin, recycling, garbage, and bulky items collection will be postponed to Tuesday, September 5 and further collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Recreational facilities like indoor pools, arenas, and community centres will operate on a modified schedule and visitors are advised to check the website for any changes. Libraries and most cultural centres will remain closed. Lifeguard supervision at local beaches will be withdrawn, but bathrooms at the main beaches will remain open.
The Site Program office and supervised consumption services, sexual health clinics and satellite clinics, Ottawa Public Health Information Centre, the Covid-19 booking line, dental clinics, and parenting drop-ins will be closed on the holiday. Municipal child care services will also remain closed.
All in all, please keep in mind to check ahead and, as always, remain safe during this long holiday weekend.
