What's open and closed in the Halifax area on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

A child works on a craft during an arts and history activity marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.  (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press - image credit)
A child works on a craft during an arts and history activity marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press - image credit)

Monday, Sept. 30, marks the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — an annual commemoration honouring the children who died while attending residential schools and the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.

It is designated as a federal statutory holiday, and was recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its 94 calls to action.

Here is a list of what's open and what's not across the Halifax region on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.

Groceries

  • Gateway Meat Market: Open.

  • Sobeys: Open.

  • Atlantic Superstore: Open.

  • Costco: Open.

  • Walmart: Open.

  • Drugstores: Most are open, but check with individual stores first.

NSLC stores will be closed on Monday, though some agency stores could be open.

Malls

The malls are open, but some businesses in them may be closed.

  • Halifax Shopping Centre: Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Mic Mac Mall: Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Sunnyside Mall: Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Park Lane Mall: Open regular hours.

  • Scotia Square: Open regular hours.

Halifax Public Libraries

All locations closed on Monday.

Transit

Halifax Transit buses and ferries will be operating on holiday service on Monday, Sept. 30.

The Alderney ferry service will run at half-hour frequency, with the first crossing departing the Alderney terminal at 7:30 a.m. and the final crossing leaving the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m. There will be no Woodside ferry service on Monday.

A news release from the city said all buses will pull over at 2:15 p.m. on Monday for a moment of silence in memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities.

Waste collection

There will be no change to municipal solid waste collection services.

Recreation and entertainment

Most city-run recreation facilities will be closed on Monday. Residents are advised to call ahead for operating hours and program information.

Canada Post

There will be no collection or delivery of mail Monday. Most post offices will be closed, but post offices operated by the private sector may be open.

Parking

On-street parking meter spaces are free Monday.

Banks

All banks are closed.

311 call centre

The 311 contact centre will be closed on Monday for full service. Urgent calls can still be reported during the holiday. Regular operating hours will resume on Tuesday.