Urgent Update: Halifax Thanksgiving Closures and Schedule Changes

UPDATE: Halifax is bracing for significant service disruptions and closures this Monday, October 13, 2023, as families come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Though not a statutory holiday in Atlantic Canada, the impact on local services is palpable.

Most grocery stores, including major chains, will be closed. However, Dartmouth Meat Market will remain open, likely with adjusted holiday hours. Many drugstores, on the other hand, will continue to serve customers, providing essential items for holiday gatherings.

In a crucial announcement, NSLC stores will be completely closed for the holiday. Additionally, major shopping centers including Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, and Sunnyside Mall will not operate on this day, affecting thousands of shoppers.

Municipally operated recreation facilities will also be closed, though Sackville Sports Stadium will welcome visitors on Monday. The city’s 311 contact centre will be closed but will only accept urgent calls, a reminder to residents to plan accordingly.

Residents are advised that there will be no curbside collection for green bins, recycling, garbage, or bulky items on Monday. Both the Otter Lake waste management facility and the municipal recycling facility will also be shuttered.

For those relying on public transportation, bus and ferry services will operate on a holiday schedule. The first Alderney ferry trip will depart at 7:30 a.m. from the Alderney terminal, with the last trip leaving the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m. Importantly, the Woodside ferry will not be in service on this date.

Residents and visitors are urged to make necessary arrangements ahead of the holiday to avoid disruptions. Regular services across all sectors will resume on Tuesday, October 14.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.