What’s open, closed, and happening: August Civic Holiday weekend
The August long weekend is upon us, and there’s lots to see and do this holiday weekend. Below is our list of what’s happening, and what will be open and closed for the Civic Holiday weekend. Get out and enjoy it, Kingston!
Rockin’ the Square with Moist
Canadian alt-rock platinum recording artists Moist will take the stage in Springer Market Square for a free concert on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. Joined by Kingston’s own Paper Ladies, the show kicks off at 8 p.m. For details, see our article on Moist’s return to Kingston here.
Princess Street Promenade
Princess Street will be closed from Division Street to Ontario Street on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 for Princess Street Promenade. Enjoy a day of pedestrian-only traffic on Kingston’s main street downtown, as stores and restaurants offer special pricing, deals, free samples, and interactive activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free transit during Promenade
Transit will be free all day for Princess Street Promenade (and throughout the city), and Improbable Escapes will once again be staging an escape room in a stationary Kingston Transit Bus as part of Promenade. The partnership between Improbable Escapes and Kingston Transit will see the bus, located near the corner of Princess and Bagot Streets, transformed into ‘Mad Labs’ where escapees of all ages will work to save Kingston from a mad scientist.
What’s open and closed
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 the Utilities Kingston 24-hour number at 613-546-1181. Hydro One electricity customers in the west and east ends can call 1-800-434-1235. Union Gas customers can call 1-877-969-0999. Remember: for electricity used on weekends and holidays, electricity prices are off-peak.
Kingston Area Recycling Centre: Closed Monday.
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 also closed Monday.
Public transportation
Kingston Transit: Buses run on a Sunday schedule on Monday – except for Route 18 which runs on a weekday schedule. Plan your bus trip with Google Transit: www.KingstonTransit.ca/Tripplanner.
Kingston Access Services: Operates with limited service on Monday. Call 613-542-2512 for information.
Arts and recreation
Kingston Frontenac Public Library: All branches closed Monday.
All City of Kingston Arenas: Closed Monday.
Rideau Heights Community Centre: Closed Monday.
INVISTA Centre: Closed Monday.
INVISTA Fitness & Wellness Centre: Closed Monday.
Artillery Park Aquatic Centre: Closed Monday.
Outdoor Aqua Park, splash pads and wading pool: Open Monday.
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Confederation Basin Marinas: Open Monday.
Grand Theatre Box Office: Closed Monday.
Tett Centre: Closed to the public on Monday.
PumpHouse and MacLachlan Woodworking Museum: Closed Monday.
Shopping
Many stores and grocery stores will be closed or have reduced hours on Monday, Aug. 5 (Civic Holiday). Please check with individual locations for store hours. Here is what we know for certain regarding closures:
The Cataraqui Centre will be open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Frontenac Mall will be closed
Costco will be open 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Walmart will be open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Both Staples locations will be open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Both Loblaws locations will be open. The Princess Street location will be open 24 hours. The Midland Avenue location will be open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Both No Frills locations will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Both Metro locations will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All Food Basics locations will be open. The Barrack Street and Princess Street locations will be open from 8am – 10pm, the Bath Road locations will be open 9am – 10pm, and the Highway 15 location will be open from 8am – 9pm.
Foodland Amherstview will be open 24 hours
Farm Boy will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FreshCo will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
All Beer Store and LCBO locations will be closed.
Many Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open with varying hours.
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 it happens. 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
While B.C. Day is, as its name suggests, just in B.C., the Civic holiday is a stat in most Canadian provinces. As such, federal government offices including passport offices and Service Canada will be closed Monday. Most bars, restaurants and retailers will be open on B.C. Day, though some may be opening a bit later, or closing a little earlier.