What’s open and closed in Kingston for Labour Day 2019

Happy Labour Day weekend, everyone!

Observed in Canada since the 1880s, Labour Day was officially declared a national holiday by Prime Minister John Thompson in 1894. Celebrated by unionized and non-unionized workers alike, the day often includes parades, picnics, and family outings to mark the last weekend before the beginning of the school year for many students.

Here in Kingston, this weekend also marks Move-in Weekend, with a vast majority of our post-secondary students moving in to their new homes on Saturday, Aug. 31. Find all of the details on Move-in Weekend here.

No matter what you get up to this weekend, have a safe and happy Labour Day weekend, Kingston!

City of Kingston offices and services

• All City administrative offices (including housing and social services and Provincial Offences on Montreal Street): Closed Monday.
• Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro: Closed Monday. In the event of a utility emergency, such as a gas smell, power outage, or a water main break, call Utilities Kingston/Kingston Hydro’s 24-hour number at 613-546-1181. (Hydro One electricity customers in City west and east can call 1-800-434-1235. Union Gas customers can call 1-877-969-0999). Remember: off-peak pricing applies to electricity used on weekends and holidays including Labour Day.
• Garbage, green bin and recycling:  No collection on Monday and collection moves to the day after your normal pick-up day for the rest of the week. Sign-up to be reminded what to put out when at www.CityofKingston.ca/collection. The Kingston Area Recycling Centre is closed Monday.

Public Transportation

• Kingston Transit: Buses run on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, except for the Route 18 which will run on its regular weekday schedule.  Plan your bus trip with Google Transit: www.kingstontransit.ca/tripplanner.
• Kingston Access Services: Operates with limited service Monday. Call 613-542-2512.

Arts and recreation

• Kingston Frontenac Public Library: All branches closed Monday.
• Outdoor Aqua Park, splash pads and wading pools: Open Monday.  Labour Day is the last day of the summer schedule at Outdoor Aqua Park (see the September schedule at www.CityofKingston.ca/WaterPark). Splash pads are open until Sept. 22. The McBurney Park Wading Pool closes for the season at 4 p.m. on Sept. 2.
• Arenas: Closed Monday.
• INVISTA Centre/Fitness & Wellness Centre: Closed Monday.
• Artillery Park Aquatic Centre: Closed Monday.
• Rideau Heights Community Centre & Library: Closed Monday.
• Libraries: All branches of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library are closed on Monday.
• Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Confederation Basin Marinas: The Confederation Basin Marina office is open. The fueling stations are open at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, but the office will be closed Monday. 
• City Hall: Closed Monday (no tours).
• PumpHouse: Closed Monday.
• MacLachlan Woodworking Museum: Closed Monday.
• Grand Theatre Box Office: Closed Monday. Administrative offices will also be closed on Monday.
• Tett Centre: Closed Monday.

Shopping

Many stores and grocery stores will be closed or have reduced hours on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. Please check with individual locations for store hours. Here’s is what we know for certain regarding closures:

• The Cataraqui Centre will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Walmart will be open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
• Costco will be closed.
• The Frontenac Mall will be closed,  except for the Dollarama in the mall, which will remain open for regular business hours.
• Staples will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Both Loblaws locations will be open (Princess Street 24 hours, Midland Avenue 7 a.m. to 11p.m.)
• The No Frills Division Street location will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Coverdale Drive location will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Metro Barrie Street location will remain open 24 hours, the Gardiners Road location will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Bayridge Drive location will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• All Food Basics locations will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Farm Boy will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• FreshCo will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• James’ Valu-Mart on Gore Road will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• All LCBO locations will be closed and all Beer Store locations will be closed, except for the Concession Street and the Walmart plaza locations, which will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Many Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open throughout the weekend, but with varying hours. Click here to search store hours in Kingston.
• Many downtown Kingston businesses do open on holidays, but all keep their own hours. Call ahead to find out whether your favourite stores or restaurants are open. 

Banks and post offices

A majority of banks and post offices will be closed Monday. Call your branch ahead of time to find out.

News

As always, Kingstonist will be open. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the goings-on in the city, as they happen. We will also be happy to hear from you if there is something you think we should know about. Please reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook or via our contact page any time.