Halifax Remembrance Day: What’s Open and Closed
On November 11, Halifax will observe Remembrance Day, a significant occasion to honor Canada’s veterans. Many businesses in the area will close in accordance with the Nova Scotia Remembrance Day Act. This act mandates that various retail establishments remain shut on this day.
Business Closures in Halifax
Under the act, specific types of stores must close, including:
- Malls
- Big-box stores
- Grocery stores
However, certain exceptions apply. Drugstores, gas stations, and small retail stores with no more than three employees can remain open.
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Community ceremonies will be organized by the Royal Canadian Legion. The annual provincial ceremony will take place at Grand Parade in Halifax, starting at 10:20 a.m. CBC Nova Scotia will livestream the event, making it accessible for those who cannot attend in person. A full schedule of ceremonies can be found on the Legion’s official website.
Waste Collection Services
Halifax will also suspend waste collection services on November 11. The following facilities will be closed:
- Garbage collection
- Organics recycling
- The Otter Lake waste management facility
- The materials recovery facility
- The household special waste depot in Bayers Lake
The household special waste depot will reopen on November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Transit Services for Veterans
To honor veterans and military personnel, Halifax Transit will offer free transportation services on Remembrance Day. The offer applies to:
- Veterans and their families
- Military personnel and their families
To use this service, veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms or show their military ID. In a show of respect, all Halifax Transit buses will halt for three minutes of silence at 11 a.m. to remember those who have served.
Holiday Schedules and Recreation Facilities
On November 11, Halifax Transit buses and the Alderney ferry will operate under holiday schedules. However, the Woodside ferry service will not operate. Most municipally operated recreation centers will also close, and residents are advised to check for specific operating hours.
Parking and Customer Service Information
On-street paid parking will be free on Remembrance Day. The 311 contact center will close for the day, but urgent calls can still be submitted. Regular service will resume on November 12. In-person customer service centers will also be closed on November 11 and will reopen with normal hours the following day.
