What’s open and what’s closed this Victoria Day weekend
Posted May 15, 2020 03:09:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
While many things remain shut-down or are operating at reduced hours due to COVID-19, there are some additional closures and service reductions over the Victoria Day long weekend.
Here's a look at what you can expect:
BUSINESSES
Victoria Day is not a designated retail closing day in Nova Scotia, which means you can expect grocery stores and NSLCs to be open during their reduced COVID-19 hours of operation.
NSLCs are currently closed on Sundays due to COVID-19.
Area malls plan to be open Monday, some with reduced hours, however many stores may be closed or have reduced hours of operation due to COVID-19.
Pharmacies are open Monday, but some may be operating with reduced hours.
Expect banks to be closed Monday and likely Sunday. Some branches have shut down due to COVID-19.
Other businesses may have reduced hours of operation, or be closed due to COVID-19 or the holiday. It's best to call ahead.
TRANSPORTATION
Halifax Transit buses will be operating on holiday service Victoria Day. Under current service reductions, there will be no ferry service on Monday.
On-street parking meter spaces in Halifax Regional Municipality remain free, but motorists will still need to obey other posted signage. In an effort to support businesses, select parking has been designated for temporary 15-minute loading zones and are signed accordingly.
RECREATION
UPDATE: Following the provincial announcement of the easing of some restrictions Friday afternoon, HRM now says all municipal beaches and boat launches will reopen Saturday at 8 a.m. No lifeguards will be present and residents are cautioned to use the beaches at their own risk.
Tennis courts are permitted to reopen. HRM staff will be working to get the tennis and pickleball nets installed in the coming days. All other sport courts (i.e. basketball) remain closed until further notice.
Parks are open for walking and exercise only. Organized sports and gatherings in violation of public health restrictions are not permitted.
Provincial campgrounds remain closed and private campgrounds can open only for seasonal campers with fixed RV campsites that don’t require the use of onsite amenities.
On Friday afternoon, the province announced the easing of some restrictions, including archery, equestrianism, golf, paddling, sailing/boating and tennis. Dr. Robert Strang cautioned some of those sports facilities may not be ready to open by 8 a.m. Saturday, so it's best to check first.
Provincial beaches will also be allowed to reopen this weekend.
SERVICES
Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail Monday.
There will be no municipal solid waste collection on Monday. If that's your day, put garbage, organics and recyclables at the curb on Saturday, May 16.
The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility, Materials Recycling Facility, and municipal composting facilities will be closed on Monday, May 18, but will be open for regular operating hours on Saturday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 19.
The Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake remains closed until further notice.
