The upcoming long Easter weekend is set to bring a rare four-day holiday to some in the Hamilton area. There are several businesses and services that will be closed on Good Friday (March 29), Easter Sunday (March 31), or Easter Monday (April 1). Administrative offices, licensing and bylaw services, green bin collection, garbage and recycling pickup, HSR buses, GO Transit, and Ontario Works will all be affected during the holiday weekend. Additionally, recreation centres, museums, tourism centres, libraries, social services, senior centres, arenas, and animal services will have modified schedules or closures over the weekend.
Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara Region will see closures or modified operations for various establishments during the Easter long weekend. Administrative services, animal shelter and control, recreation centres, Halton Provincial Offences Court, parking services, transit systems, government offices, and parks, recreation, and culture services will all be impacted in one way or another. Some locations, like city pools, arenas, community centres, and outdoor recreational facilities, will be open on a limited schedule for those looking to engage in physical activities over the weekend. However, it is essential for residents to check specific details for each location they may want to visit during this time.
Retail establishments such as Canada Post, grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and malls will also be affected by the Easter long weekend closures. While most grocery stores like Fortinos, Metro, FreshCo, and No Frills will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, some pharmacies may have operating hours on the holidays. Major shopping centres in Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls will be closed on Good Friday, with some exceptions like the Outlet Collection at Niagara Falls, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and Pacific Mall. Specific tourist areas in Toronto will also have retailers open on Good Friday based on City of Toronto bylaws.
Alcohol retailers like The Beer Store, LCBO, and Wine Rack will have closures on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, some Wine Rack locations in Hamilton will remain open on the holidays for those looking to purchase alcohol during the long weekend. Tourist destinations such as Niagara Falls and Toronto will have varying hours of operation for attractions and sites. Niagara Falls will see some attractions closed during the off-peak season but others like Niagara City Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls, and The Butterfly Conservatory will be open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, Toronto attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, and various museums will have adjusted hours for the Easter long weekend.
In conclusion, the Easter long weekend will bring about closures and modified schedules for various businesses and services in Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara Region. Residents and visitors are advised to check specific details for each location they plan to visit during the holiday weekend. From administrative services to retail establishments, transit systems, and tourist destinations, the Easter long weekend will have an impact on the operations of many businesses and services in the area. It is important to plan accordingly and be aware of any closures or modified hours to avoid inconvenience during the holiday weekend.
