What’s open and closed in Toronto on Friday, September 30

Canadians will observe its second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day this Friday. September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a federal holiday to honor the Indigenous lives lost and changed forever by church-run and publicly funded residential schools.

Many events are organized in the city to mark this day.

Toronto will join Canada in remembering Indigenous children who never came home with an Indigenous heritage rally downtown.

Nathan Philip Square will host a two-day commemoration from sunrise September 29 to sunset Friday. The Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Center will feature local Indigenous artists and guest speakers including dancers, flute storytellers and singers.

Teepees with craftsmen, Indigenous Support Services Council groups and associations will face City Hall at the rally.

Here’s what’s open and closed this Friday.

Transit

TTC services will operate on a regular schedule. Orange armbands will be worn by frontline TTC workers, while flags at stations will be flown at half-mast. GO transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Postal services

There will be no mail collection or delivery on September 30. UPS shipping services will also be closed nationwide.

Schools

Schools will operate on a regular schedule on Fridays.

Libraries

Toronto Public Library locations will also be open during regular business hours. Resources on Residential Schools, Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day will be provided through branches in person and online.

Shopping centers

Eaton Centre, Yorkdale and Dufferin Mall will be open regular hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sherway Gardens will also be open as usual from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Retail businesses and liquor stores

Major retailers like Walmart, Metro and No Frills will operate during regular business hours. Beer Store locations in Toronto will operate on a weekday schedule. LCBO stores across Ontario will be closed in the morning and will reopen at noon in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Attractions

Toronto tourist and leisure sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Casa Loma will be open.

The Toronto Zoo will also be operate on regular hours, offering free admission and parking tickets to all self-identifying Aboriginal people.

The CN Tower will welcome visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it will be illuminated in orange on Friday evening.

What is closed?

Federally regulated offices like Passport Canada and banks will be closed on Friday.

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