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 used to include parades, picnics, and family outings to mark the last weekend before the beginning of the school year for many students.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, things have been different, to say the least. Whatever you do this long weekend, stay safe, have fun, and don’t forget to wear a mask when physical distancing isn’t possible! To help your long weekend run smoothly, here’s our list of what will be open and closed on Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.

City of Kingston offices, facilities, and services

Administrative offices, including Housing and Social Services on Montreal Street and Provincial Offences, are already closed Monday, Sept. 6.

Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro are closed Monday, Sept. 6. 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 city’s west and east ends should call 1-800-434-1235. Union Gas customers can call 1-877-969-0999. Reminder for customers on time-of-use pricing: for electricity used on weekends and holidays – like Labour Day, Sept. 6 – prices are off-peak.

All branches of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library are closed Monday, Sept. 6.

Arenas, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, Rideau Heights Community Centre, INVISTA Centre/Fitness & Wellness Centre, and CaraCo Home Field will be closed Monday, Sept. 6.

Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning is closed Monday, Sept. 6, but the Juniper Café will be open (please use patio entrance).

Grand Theatre Box Office is already closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outdoor Aqua Park and splash pads are both open Monday. Sept. 6, which will be the last day of the summer schedule at Outdoor Aqua Park (see the September schedule at www.CityofKingston.ca/PLAY). Splash pads remain open until Sept. 19.

Confederation Basin and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour marinas: The Confederation Basin Marina office is open Monday. The fueling stations are also open at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, but the office will be closed Monday.

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum: Closed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

PumpHouse Museum: Closed Monday. The PumpHouse Museum is now open for private, pre-booked, small group, guided 45-minute tours (choose from on-site tours or a walking tour of Ontario St. (see KingstonPumpHouse.ca).

Kingston Transit buses will run on the Sunday schedule on Monday, Sept. 6. Schedules are available online at KingstonTransit.ca/Schedules and plan your trip in advance with Google Maps, TransitApp or Moovit.

Kingston Access Services: Operates with limited service Monday. Call 613-542-2512 for information.

Green bin, garbage and recycling: No collection 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. Note: residents may put out two untagged bags or containers of garbage for the first collection after Labour Day (starting Tuesday, Sept. 7).

Shopping and Grocery Stores

The Cataraqui Centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Walmart will open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Costco will be closed Monday, Sept. 6.

The Frontenac Mall will be open Monday, Sept. 6.

Both Staples locations will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Both Loblaws locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

The Division Street No Frills location will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Coverdale Drive location will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Metro locations at Bayridge and Gardiners Road will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Barrie Street location will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

All Food Basics locations will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Farm Boy will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Freshco will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Foodland in Amherstview will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

Valu-mart will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept.6.

All LCBO locations will be closed Monday, Sept. 6.

All Beer Store locations will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, except 290 Concession Street and 1090 Midland Avenue locations, which are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. Individual store hours may vary otherwise. Click here to search store hours in Kingston.

Many local Kingston stores will be open, with some restaurants offering take-out and delivery services. Call ahead to find out what your favourite stores restaurants are doing.

Banks and post offices

A majority of banks and post offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 6. 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.