What’s open and what’s closed Natal Day weekend

Here's a look at what will be open and closed on the Natal Day weekend:

BUSINESSES

Natal Day is not a designated retail closing day in Nova Scotia, which means you can expect many stores to be open, however some may have reduced hours of operation.

Many grocery stores in HRM indicate they will only be open from noon until 6 p.m.

NSLCS in the HRM and Central Nova Scotia will only be open from noon until 6 p.m. If you're leaving town for the long weekend, liquor stores in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the province will be open during regular business hours.

Some pharmacies may also have reduced hours.

Area malls are open, however many indicate they will only be operating from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Some banks may be closed on both Sunday and Monday.

Halifax Public Libraries branches will be closed on Monday.

Other businesses may be closed or have reduced operating hours on Monday, it's best to call ahead or check social media/websites before heading out.

TRANSPORTATION

On-street parking will be free on Natal Day.

Halifax Transit buses will be operating on holiday schedule on Monday. 

The Alderney Ferry will run every half hour on Monday, Aug. 2, with the first ferry of the day leaving the Alderney terminal at 7:30 a.m. and final crossing departing the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m. 

There will be no Woodside ferry service on Monday.

There are no scheduled closures of either the MacKay or Macdonald bridges.

EVENTS

In compliance with provincial health guidelines, there will be no municipal fireworks displays this year. 

Due to gathering limits and COVID–19 restrictions, many large scale Natal Day events will not take place this year including the Natal Day Parade, Common Family Day, Natal Day Road Race, Garden Party, Halifax-Dartmouth Bridgewalk, Sullivan’s Pond Family Day and Pancake Breakfasts.

There will be some free events at Grand Parade, including the Patio Lanterns Festival and Sunday's Emancipation Day celebrations. 

Free events will also take place at Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park, including Natal Day Saturday Concerts and the ANSMA (African Nova Scotian Music Association) Freedom Festival Showcase.

RECREATION

Municipal beaches will have lifeguard supervision on Monday. You can check the status of your favourite swimming spot online. 

Splash pads will be open on Monday. 

The Halifax Common Pool is closed for the rest of the summer due to ongoing repair work.

The Centennial Pool is expected to reopen in September.

The Emera Oval will be open on Monday, with equipment lending from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.

Many other municipally operated recreation facilities will be closed on Monday.

SERVICES

There will be no solid waste collection on Monday. If that's your day, you're asked to put your garbage, organics or recyclables on Saturday, July 31.

There will be no collection or delivery of mail by Canada Post on Monday.

The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility, the Halifax recycling facility and municipal composting facilities will be closed on Monday, but will be open during regular hours on Saturday and Tuesday.

The 311 Contact Centre will be operating on regular hours on Monday.

The two Customer Service Centres that provide in-person access to municipal services and payments will be closed on Monday.