Civic Day, also known as the August long weekend, is a public holiday celebrated across various provinces in Canada. Falling on Monday, August 7 in 2023, it’s a day when Canadians take a break from their regular routines and enjoy the summer weather. Now let’s dive into guide which is talking about what is open on civic holiday 2023 and what is not.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores in Canada, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Save-On Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Metro, Super C, Foodland, Price Chopper, Food Faire, Thrifty Foods, Highland Farms, Dominion, Marché Ami, Northern/North Mart, remain open on Civic Day, although hours may vary depending on the province and specific store chain. It’s recommended to check the store’s official website or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto is a great place to visit on Civic Day, as it maintains its regular operating hours during the holiday. Visitors can expect a variety of engaging events and exhibitions. This includes ROM Summer Fridays, where visitors can stroll through ROM galleries, take in films and live music, and enjoy discounted admission from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Government Offices
Status of Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Offices
Federal, provincial, and municipal offices are generally closed on Civic Day. This includes services such as passport offices and city hall services. In case of any urgent need, it’s advised to contact the specific office directly.
Services Available on Civic Day in Canada
Despite the closure of physical offices, many government services are still accessible online. This includes services like renewing driver’s licenses or health cards, paying fines, and more.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is a fantastic destination to consider for the Civic Holiday. The zoo is open all year round, including the Civic Holiday. From May 6 to September 4, 2023, the zoo operates from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm daily. Please note that the last admission is one hour before the zoo closes.
Liquor
In Ontario, most but not all LCBO stores will be open. Some locations will be operating on holiday schedule with reduced hours. All Manitoba Liquor Mart locations except cityplace will be open on August 7 from 11:00AM-6:00PM.
Malls
Most shopping malls are open on Civic Day, but they may operate on a holiday schedule with limited hours. Here are the Civic Day hours for some specific malls in 2023:
- Most shopping malls are open on Civic Day, but they may operate on a holiday schedule with limited hours. Here are the Civic Day hours for some specific malls in 2023:
- Dufferin Mall: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Devonshire Mall: Open from 11 AM to 6 PM.
- New Sudbury Centre: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Park Place: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Vaughan Mills: Open (please check the website for specific hours)
- Toronto Eaton Centre: Open (please check the website for specific hours)
- Pacific Mall: Open (please check the website for specific hours)
- Yorkdale Mall: Open (please check the website for specific hours)
- Sherway Gardens: Open (please check the website for specific hours)
Government services
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is expected to be operational on Civic Day in August 2023, as it typically provides service on public holidays. However, there may be changes to the schedule or specific routes. It’s recommended to check the TTC’s official website closer to the date for the most accurate information.
Vaughan Public Library
The Vaughan Public Library will be closed on Civic Day, August 7, 2023. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary clinics typically operate on a case-by-case basis. While some may remain open, others may only offer emergency services. It’s best to call ahead and confirm.
Other Stores
Big box stores like Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Costco, The Home Depot, Home Hardware, Home Outfitters, HomeSense, Kent, Lowe’s, PetSmart, RONA, Sears, Staples, Walmart are typically open on Civic Day.
Recreation & Leisure
Most recreational facilities and leisure centers, including movie theaters and clubs, remain open on Civic Day. However, it’s best to check their official websites or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Drug Stores, Pharmacies & Health Services
Pharmacies and drug stores, including Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Value Drug Mart, Lawtons, DRUGStore Pharmacy, Pharmaprix, Pharmasave, Jean Coutu, Brunet, Uniprix, are usually open on Civic Day. However, the actual pharmacy may be closed or operating reduced hours for the holiday. Pharmacy departments in grocery and big box stores also have varying hours of operation during Civic Day.
Public Holiday Laws in Canada
Civic Holiday is not a statutory holiday in all areas of Canada. Therefore, it is not governed by the federal Holidays Act and not all employees are entitled to a day off with pay. In areas where it is a statutory holiday, all full-time employees are entitled to a day off with regular pay or a premium for all hours worked on that day, in addition to their regular wages.
Post Offices
The operation of post offices on Civic Day may vary. For instance, Canada Post does not provide specific information about their operation hours on Civic Day.
Toronto City Council
The Toronto City Council is generally not operational on Civic Day. However, many government services are still accessible online.
If you want to know more specifically about “Is this open or not?” so,
we have divided this thing into 3 parts:
From this, you can check specifically that is this open or not in your city/town?
Julie R McCrea is an eLearning and Employment Project Specialist, author, and advocate for newcomers to Canada. With over 20 years in adult education, she contributes insightful Canadian Cultural articles to various platforms, including civicholiday.org. Julie’s passion for innovative learning approaches and her belief in education as the great equalizer shine through her work. She manages the EMCN Job Ready YouTube channel and is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ2S+ community.