Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 13, 2026
The True Post (Web News) —
Several government offices, shopping centres and public services in Ottawa were scheduled to close on Monday, October 12, for Thanksgiving, a statutory holiday in Ontario. While many businesses and public facilities suspended operations for the day, public transit and selected essential services continued to operate on modified schedules.
Residents were advised to plan ahead for travel, grocery shopping, waste collection and other essential errands, as regular operating hours and service arrangements were affected by the holiday.
Canadian Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for families and friends to gather, share a meal and give thanks. The annual holiday also brings changes to public services and business hours across Ottawa.
OC Transpo: Bus and O-Train Schedules
OC Transpo buses and O-Train services were scheduled to operate on a Sunday timetable on Thanksgiving Day.
O-Train Line 1 was scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., while Lines 2 and 4 were set to operate from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The city advised passengers to check the OC Transpo travel planner or transit app before leaving home to confirm service times, routes and any schedule changes.
A special Thanksgiving weekend day pass was also offered for two people, allowing both passengers unlimited travel for the day for a combined price of $12.25.
Para Transpo customers were advised that regular recurring trips scheduled for Monday would be automatically cancelled. Passengers could arrange alternative travel by calling 613-560-5000 or using My Para Transpo. The reservation phone line was scheduled to remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grocery Stores and Shopping Centres
Most grocery stores in Ottawa were expected to close on Thanksgiving, although selected locations planned to remain open with reduced hours.
According to the published holiday schedule:
- Farm Boy, Metcalfe Street: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Farm Boy, Rideau Street: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Whole Foods, Lansdowne: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Loblaws, Isabella Street and Rideau Street: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Metro, Glebe: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Metro, Rideau Street: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and Beer Store locations were scheduled to remain closed throughout Monday.
Rideau Centre was expected to open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Tanger Outlets was also listed among the shopping destinations available to customers. Many other shopping centres were expected to close for the holiday.
Residents were encouraged to confirm individual store hours before travelling, as schedules can vary by location.
Waste Collection Delayed by One Day
Ottawa’s regular residential waste collection services were affected by the Thanksgiving holiday.
Green bins, garbage and recycling were not scheduled for collection on Monday, October 12. Instead, the affected collections were to take place on Tuesday, October 13, with the remainder of the week’s collection schedule shifted forward by one day.
Residents were advised to check the city’s waste collection calendar for their address to confirm the revised collection date.
Recreation Facilities and Municipal Buildings
Some swimming pools, sports facilities and fitness centres were expected to operate on reduced or modified schedules. Residents were advised to check the relevant facility’s website for details before visiting.
Most recreation and community centres were scheduled to close for the holiday.
City-operated museums and art galleries were also expected to remain closed, along with Ben Franklin Place, the Shenkman Arts Centre and Nepean’s creative and visual arts facilities.
All four employment and social services offices operated by the city were scheduled to close on Monday. Municipal childcare centres were also closed.
Ottawa Public Library branches were not scheduled to open on Thanksgiving. Regular library services were expected to resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Health Services and Emergency Assistance
Ottawa’s 311 contact centre was scheduled to handle urgent matters only during the holiday. Residents could submit non-urgent requests online, while Service Ottawa customer service counters and telephone lines were to remain closed.
The city’s SITE mobile van was scheduled to operate from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
However, sexual health clinics, dental clinics, parent-support centres and satellite clinics were scheduled to close for the holiday.
Residents needing medical assistance were advised to check the operating hours of their healthcare provider in advance. Anyone facing a medical emergency should contact emergency services.
Plan Ahead for Holiday Service Changes
Thanksgiving affects a wide range of services across Ottawa, from public transportation and grocery shopping to waste collection, libraries and municipal offices.
Residents planning to travel, shop or access city services were encouraged to check official schedules before setting out. Confirming opening hours and revised collection dates can help avoid unnecessary trips and delays during the holiday period.
