This upcoming Monday, September 30, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a statutory holiday in BC. Therefore many places will be closed around Vancouver.
According to Canadian Heritage, the day “honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.” Many ceremonies are being held to gather the community to reflect on this dark chapter of Canadian history together. To view a full list, head to our events page.
Here’s what’s open and closed.
TransLink
Compass Card (TransLink)
On Saturday, September 30, the bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus will be on a regular weekend schedule.
Holiday fares will be in effect, so you will only need a 1-Zone fare to travel across all zones.
On Monday, the routes will be on the regular weekday schedule, but customers will pay the full fare rates on that day.
The West Coast Express will not be operating either Saturday or Monday and will be back to normal for Tuesday.
Additionally, the TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office and Lost Property Office will be closed.
Public schools
Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock
Public schools from K-12 will be closed as it’s considered a statutory day of remembrance.
Canada Post
Melissa.r/Shutterstock
Canada Post locations will be closed on September 30. There will be no mail pickup or delivery.
Banks
Vergani Fotografia/Shutterstock
Banks will be closed to observe Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Scotiabank and Coast Capital will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
RBC, Vancity, TD, BMO, and CIBC will be closed on Monday.
Vancouver City Hall and recreation facilities
Vancouver City Hall (Shutterstock)
Vancouver City Hall will be closed from Saturday, September 28 to Monday, September 30.
City Hall reopens on Tuesday, October 1 at 8:30 am
Many city-run facilities are closed on Monday, and those that are open will have limited hours throughout the weekend. Specific opening hours for community centres, fitness centres, pools, ice rinks, and golf courses can be found on the City of Vancouver website.
BC Courts
Courtroom gavel (Shutterstock)
All Provincial Court locations will be closed.
ICBC
ICBC/Shutterstock
ICBC locations will be closed.
You can still report a claim by phone or online 24/7.
CF Pacific Centre
Pacific Centre on Black Friday/Daily Hive
The mall will remain open for the day from 11 to 7 pm.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and liquor stores
Most grocery stores, liquor stores, and pharmacies will generally be open over the long weekend. However, we recommend checking your local store for specific opening hours.
More info:
Because it is a statutory holiday in BC, the Employment Standards Regulation requires employers to give qualified employees a paid day off, or if they have to work, they are required to pay them statutory holiday pay, which is time and a half unless it has been agreed to extend a day in lieu instead of financial compensation.
However, there are some exceptions, such as a new employee who has not been employed for more than 30 days, or some in sales who earn commission. To view a full list of who is and isn’t eligible for stat pay, check out the BC government’s website.
Editor’s note: The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) is available 24 hours a day for those experiencing pain, distress, or trauma due to their residential school experience. More information can be found here.