What’s open and closed on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Niagara

On Monday, Sept. 30, some non-essential government offices throughout Canada will be closed in honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. 

In 2021, the Canadian government responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action by creating a day of observation called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who suffered under the country’s residential school system. 

The day was declared after relevant legislation was passed on June 3, 2021. National Truth & Reconciliation Day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement in recognition of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor.

Since the day is not a statutory holiday, most private-sector businesses and companies will operate on their typical Monday schedules. Malls, movie theatres, restaurants (if they’re open on Mondays), and tourist attractions will be open (but call ahead to be sure). 

Here’s what’s open and closed in the Niagara Region:

Closed:

• Some city and town-run services, including some town and city halls, administrative offices, libraries and community centres, will be closed
• In St. Catharines, City Hall, St. Catharines Enterprise Centre, and the Victoria Lawn Cemetery administration office will be closed
• In NOTL, the Town Administration Building and the Operations Building will be closed, along with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library 
• In West Lincoln, the Township Administration Building, Public Works Building, West Lincoln Community Centre and West Lincoln Public Library will be closed
• Municipal offices and libraries in Port Colborne will be closed
• Canada Post offices (no mail pick-up or delivery)
• Banks
• Non-essential federal government offices

Open:

• Malls and shops (but call ahead to be sure)
• Schools
• Movie theatres
• Restaurants (call ahead to be sure, as many are closed on Mondays)
• Breweries (call ahead)
• Wineries (call ahead)
• Tourist attractions (call ahead)
• GO Transit is running on its typical Monday schedule
• Most towns and cities in the region are hosting events to commemorate the day, with flag raisings and other activities planned for the day. Check with your town or city’s official website and social media pages to see if any events are happening in your community 
• A flag-raising and lowering ceremony will be held at the Rosberg Flag Poles at Niagara Falls City Hall on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
• The Falls will be illuminated in orange at the top of every hour
• The Town of Lincoln will host a flag-raising