Family Day: Discover What’s Open and Closed

Family Day: Discover What’s Open and Closed

Monday, February 19, marks the 19th annual Family Day in Ontario, a provincial holiday dedicated to family bonding and leisure activities. Despite the possibility of showers, families can still enjoy a variety of events and locations. Below is essential information regarding what’s open and closed on Family Day.

Shopping on Family Day

Many retail locations will be closed, affecting shopping options.

  • Most grocery stores and the St. Jacobs Farmers Market will not open.
  • Kitchener Market is an exception, operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring family-friendly activities.
  • Fairview Mall and Conestoga Mall will also be closed for the holiday.
  • All LCBO and Beer Store outlets will not be in service, although some wine racks may remain open.

City Services Availability

Various city services will experience disruptions on Family Day.

  • All regional administrative offices will be closed.
  • Kitchener City Hall will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but will not provide in-person services.
  • Regular curbside waste collection will proceed as scheduled.
  • The Service First Call Centre will remain operational.
  • All Employment Services and Public Health clinics will be closed for the day.
  • Transfer stations for residential drop-off will also be closed in Cambridge and Waterloo.

Transportation Services

Grand River Transit will operate on a modified holiday schedule, affecting mobility services.

  • Subscription trips for MobilityPLUS will be automatically canceled.
  • Passengers are encouraged to call 519-744-2241 to rebook trips in advance.
  • Grand River Transit Customer Service Centres will be closed.

Family Activities

If you’re looking for family activities, consider these options:

  • Schneider Haus
  • Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
  • McDougall Cottage Historic Site

All mentioned museums will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If the weather cooperates, outdoor rinks will be available for skating, despite a forecast high of only 2°C and a chance of showers.

Take this opportunity to celebrate Family Day by planning ahead and exploring the available activities. Stay informed about the service disruptions to ensure a fun-filled day with your loved ones.