What’s open and what’s closed over New Year’s
Posted Dec 30, 2021 05:15:00 PM.
Here's a look at what will be open and closed on the New Year's weekend:
BUSINESSES
Most grocery stores and NSLC locations indicate they will close their doors at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. Most malls will close at 5 p.m.
New Year's Day is a designated retail closing day in Nova Scotia, which means you can expect almost everything to be shut down on Jan. 1, including NSLCs, grocery stores and malls.
Some pharmacies may close early on Dec. 31. Many will be open on Jan. 1, but some may have reduced hours of operation. It's best to check with an individual store for more details.
Several other retail outlets will close early on New Year's Eve and stay closed New Year's Day. Some businesses may also be closed on Monday in lieu of New Year's Day falling on the weekend. It's best to call ahead or check the website or social media of a specific business to get more details.
In addition, some businesses have decided to close, reduce hours of operation or otherwise modify services with COVID-19 cases rising in the province. It's best to call ahead or check the website or social media of a specific business to get more details.
Expect banks to close early on New Year's Eve and stay closed on New Year's Day.
TRANSPORTATION
Halifax Transit will offer free, extended bus and Alderney Ferry services on New Year’s Eve starting at 6 p.m.
Buses will be operating on holiday service on Jan. 1 and there will be no Alderney or Woodside ferry services on New Year's Day.
In addition. Halifax Transit is asking those who plan to take a bus or ferry to check its website or Twitter (@hfxtransit and @hfxtransitalert) for information on service disruptions due to staff availability.
On-street parking is free on Monday, Jan. 3.
The toll increase for the MacKay or Macdonald bridges kicks in on Monday, Jan. 3.
EVENTS
HRM's New Year's Eve celebrations will be virtual this year via its YouTube channel.
Broadcast 1 – Golden Era of Music (1971) tribute created by Terra Spencer. Hosted by Travis Lindsay, Neon Dreams and Iron Tide tribute to the Winter Solstice plus a welcome message from Mayor Mike Savage. This broadcast can also be viewed on Eastlink Community TV channels 10 and 610.
Broadcast 2 – Cloverdale, Okay TK, professional dancers, acrobats, and a local fashion showcase by Soli Models.
Both Eastlink Community TV channels YouTube broadcasts will be hosted by comedian Travis Lindsay from Just for Laughs and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and will also feature special guests throughout the evening.
RECREATION
Halifax Public Library branches will close at 1 p.m. on New Year's Eve and will remain closed on New Year's Day. They'll also be closed on Monday, January 3. Due dates have been extended accordingly.
In addition to COVID-related cancellations, many recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules over the hoildays, up to and including Monday Jan. 3.
Holiday skates are planned at the Emera Oval on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, with a current maximum capacity of 230 people per skate time. Skaters must show full proof of COVID-19 vaccination and government issued photo identification, practice physical distancing, as well as wear a mask at all times including on the ice and in the Oval Pavilion.
Residents are invited to visit the Halifax Public Gardens Holiday Lights, a festive trail of holiday lights and music display, which will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night, until Saturday, Jan. 1.
SERVICES
Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail on Monday and post offices will be closed.
Garbage, organics and recyclables collection services will not be affected by the holidays.
The Household Special Waste (HSW) Depot will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1.
The Otter Lake Waste Facility, the municipal recycling plant and the composting facilities will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1 and Sunday, Jan. 2, but will be open on Friday, Dec. 31 for regular business hours.
The 311 Contact Centre will be closed for general inquiries on Saturday, Jan. 1, however, residents may call 311 for urgent concerns regarding transportation, municipal operations, facilities, animal services and illegally parked vehicles.
The three in-person Customer Service Centres will be closed on Monday Jan. 3.
The Planning & Development counter at the municipal Customer Service Centre, located at 7071 Bayers Road, will be closed until Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Residents are reminded that they may apply for permits online at any time.
