Ontario will observe the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The day honours First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors and victims of the residential school system and coincides with Orange Shirt Day, inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad.
While not a statutory holiday in Ontario, the observance will impact several government services, though most private businesses will remain open.
Closed Province-Wide
- Banks
- Canada Post (no delivery or pickup)
- CRA, Passport Canada, and other federal offices
- Many municipal offices and select regional services (varies by city/town)
Open Province-Wide
- Schools (including colleges, universities, childcare)
- Most private businesses – shopping malls, grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, bars, and movie theatres (check local hours)
- Public transit (MiWay, Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, Burlington Transit, Hamilton Transit, Durham Region Transit) running on regular weekday schedules
- Parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational facilities (with some exceptions)
City-by-City Snapshot
Mississauga
- City offices and Region of Peel non-emergency services closed.
- MiWay buses running normally.
- Celebration Square screens will feature the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action.
Brampton
- City Hall, libraries, and Animal Services closed.
- Essential services (fire, bylaw, road ops, security) remain open.
- Brampton Transit operating as usual.
- Parks and rec centres open.
Caledon
- Town Hall lit orange all month.
- Sept. 30: Flag-raising ceremony (1:30 p.m.) + virtual talk (6 p.m.) with Eugene Arcand.
Halton Region
- Burlington: City admin offices closed, rec centres open, reconciliation walk at Spencer Smith Park (6 p.m.).
- Oakville: Town Hall & libraries closed; museum, performing arts centre, and rec centres open.
- Halton Hills: Town Hall & libraries closed; flags at half-mast. Special screenings & lectures planned.
- Milton: Libraries closed; Town Hall and rec centres open.
Hamilton
- City services open.
- Indigenous ceremonies: sunrise (6 a.m.) and afternoon gathering (1–4 p.m.) with speakers, drumming, and reflections.
Durham Region
- Regional HQ, Service Oshawa, and most municipal offices closed.
- Family Services and Ontario Works offices closed.
- Waste depots closed, but curbside collection continues.
- Most recreation centres open (Clarington’s closed).
Niagara Region
- Many libraries, city halls, and community centres closed.
- Schools, malls, restaurants, breweries, and tourist attractions open.
- Local flag-raisings and ceremonies scheduled.
Toronto
- City Hall and services open.
- Federal offices (banks, Canada Post, CRA, Passport) closed.
- Public gathering at Humber Bay Shores Park featuring Chief Claire Sault.
- Toronto Zoo offering free admission to Indigenous people; orange ribbons and quiet reflection spaces on site.