What’s open and closed in Kingston on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In June of 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a new statutory holiday known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized on September 30 each year. Instead of a holiday meant to celebrate something, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a date meant for reflection, and to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

“The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process,” the Government of Canada said on its website about the day, where more information can be found, including mental health resources for residential school Survivors.

On the path towards truth and reconciliation, as guided by the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, many groups and individuals in the Kingston area are planning meaningful personal and public ways to mark the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read our coverage on local events planned to mark the day.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, the campaign behind the now-familiar ‘Every Child Matters’ slogan, which aims to draw attention and awareness to the ongoing trauma inflicted by the residential and day school systems. The day is named in honour of the story of Phyllis Webstad, who was stripped of her belongings upon entering the residential school system — including her brand new, bright and beautiful orange shirt.

The City of Kingston has also declared the date a civic holiday, which means some City services will be affected. Here’s our list of what’s open and closed here in Kingston on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022:

City of Kingston offices and services

• All City administrative offices (including Housing & Social Services and Provincial Offences on Montreal Street): Closed Friday.
• Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro: Open Friday.
• Garbage, green bin and recycling: There will be no collection on Friday. Regular Friday collection will be pushed to Saturday, Oct. 1.
• Kingston Area Recycling Centre: Closed Friday.
• Kingston Transit: to operate as usual.
• Kingston Access Services: to operate as usual.
• Arenas, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, INVISTA Centre (including Fitness & Wellness Centre), CaraCo Field, and Rideau Heights Community Centre: Open Friday.
• Libraries: Open Friday.
• Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Confederation Basin Marinas: The Confederation Basin Marina office is open Sept. 30. The fueling stations are open at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
• PumpHouse Museum and MacLachlan Woodworking Museum: Closed Thursday, Sept. 30.
• Grand Theatre Box Office: Open Friday.
• Tett Centre: Office closed; building will be open Friday.

Shopping and Grocery Stores

Some shops, grocery stores, and other local businesses may be closed or have reduced hours on Friday, Sept. 30, 2021. Call ahead to find out whether your favourite stores or restaurants are open.

• The Cataraqui Centre will be open regular hours.
• Walmart will be open regular hours
• Costco will be open regular hours.
• Staples will be open regular hours.
• Both Loblaws locations will be open regular hours.
• Both No Frills locations will be open regular hours.
• All Metro locations will be open regular hours.
• All Food Basics locations will be open regular hours.
• Farm Boy will be open regular hours.
• FreshCo will be open regular hours.
• The Foodland location in Amherstview will be open regular hours.
• Van Wart’s Your Independent Grocer will be open regular hours.
• All Beer Stores will be open regular hours.
• All LCBO locations will be closed for the morning, and open again for business at 12 p.m.
• Many Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open. Individual store hours may vary otherwise. Click here to search store hours in Kingston.
• Many downtown Kingston stores and restaurants are open for patio dining, indoor dining, curbside pickup, or delivery. Call ahead to find out what your favourite stores and restaurants are doing.

Banks and post offices

A majority of banks and post offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 30, 2021. Call your branch ahead of time to find out.

News

As always, Kingstonist is 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.