Wednesday 13th of November 2024

Navigating the Holidays in Ottawa: A Guide to What's Open and Closed Over Christmas and New Year's

Holiday Updates in Ottawa: What's Open and Closed During Christmas and New Year's

As the festive season unfolds, CTVNewsOttawa.ca provides a comprehensive guide to what's open and closed in the Ottawa region during Christmas and New Year's. Navigating through the city's bustling hubs, notable shopping destinations such as CF Rideau Centre, Bayshore Shopping Centre, St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Place d'Orléans, Tanger Outlets, Carlingwood Shopping Centre, and Billings Bridge Shopping Centre are highlighted. Most grocery stores will observe closures on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, with exceptions for select stores on New Year's Day and regular operations on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Some stores may open on Boxing Day, so checking individual store hours is advised.

For those seeking cultural and educational experiences, various museums such as the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, and the iconic Diefenbunker will be accessible during the holidays. City services, including the 3-1-1 Contact Centre, will be open for urgent matters only, with detailed information available at ottawa.ca/311.

However, administrative hubs like Ottawa City Hall, Ben Franklin Place, Kanata, Orleans, and the City’s Provincial Offences Court will be closed on December 25, December 26, and January 1. The Metcalfe, West Carleton, and North Gower Client Service Centres will observe closures from December 18 to January 5. Additionally, the Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Avenue and the City of Ottawa Spay and Neuter Clinic at 26 Concourse Gate will have specific closure dates during the holiday period.

Green bin, recycling, and garbage collection will experience adjustments during Christmas and New Year's. There will be no collection on December 25 and January 1, with pick-ups rescheduled for the following day and subsequent delays throughout the week. As Ottawa residents prepare for the festivities, this guide aims to streamline holiday plans and ensure a smooth transition into the New Year.

Ottawa's Holiday Logistics: Waste Collection, Facilities, Parking, and Transit Services

Ensuring a seamless holiday experience for residents, Ottawa's waste collection services offer convenient reminders and alerts for collection days through ottawa.ca/CollectionCalendar. The Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app for Apple and Android devices is also available for download, allowing residents to confirm their collection day with ease.

Trail Waste Facility will observe closures on December 25 and January 1, but on Boxing Day, it welcomes visitors from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Detailed hours are accessible at ottawa.ca. For hassle-free Christmas tree disposal, place trees curbside on your regular collection day, devoid of decorations. Note that trees in plastic bags or frozen into snowbanks will not be collected.

In the spirit of the season, free parking opportunities arise at City Hall, ByWard Market Garage (70 Clarence Street), and Dalhousie Garage (141 Clarence Street) from December 24 at 4 p.m. to December 26 at 7 a.m., as well as from December 31 at 4 p.m. to January 1 at 7 a.m. Exit gates will facilitate free exits during these periods, but drivers must pay for the entire duration if their vehicle remains in the garage when the gate lowers. Standard City parking regulations apply.

OC Transpo extends holiday service from December 25 to January 5, offering information on operation hours, frequency adjustments, and schedules for bus routes and O-Train Line 1 at octranspo.com. The 2-for-1 DayPass allows two customers (13 years or older) to enjoy a day of travel for the price of one, applicable on December 25, December 26, and every Saturday and Sunday. Children aged 12 or younger can ride free on OC Transpo throughout the year. Additionally, free transit service on December 31, courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD, invites residents to ride for free on New Year's Eve after 6 p.m. as a safe alternative.

Plan Your New Year's Eve Journey with OC Transpo: Extended O-Train Service and Night Bus Options

Embarking on a seamless New Year's Eve transit experience is made effortless with the Travel Planner or Transit app, OC Transpo's recommended tool for customers. O-Train Line 1 will operate until 2 a.m., followed by night bus service traversing downtown routes. Line 2 bus service will extend until 1 a.m., with additional trips on other high-traffic bus routes. Fare gates will remain open, and OC Transpo staff will be stationed at select stations to assist customers.

Accessing real-time schedule information around the clock is simplified through the Transit app, a phone call to 613-560-1000, or a text to 560560 plus the four-digit bus stop number or the first three letters of the station name. Standard rates apply. Throughout the holidays, OC Transpo Customer Service (613-560-5000) will be available to aid customers with schedules and trip planning.

For Para Transpo users, a holiday service will operate on Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Regularly scheduled trips are automatically canceled, but bookings for these days can be made via My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000 up to seven days in advance. Customers are encouraged to suspend regular bookings if on vacation during the holidays. Phone reservation and information/cancellation lines will operate during regular hours, except on Sunday, Dec. 24, when the information/cancellation line will be available until 3 a.m. Para Transpo customers can also text 57272 for assistance from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., or until 3 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.

For inquiries about holiday scheduling, visit octranspo.com or call 613-560-5000. The taxi coupon line will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. OC Transpo Lost and Found will have adjusted hours during the holiday season, with more details available on the official website.

As you plan your New Year's Eve journey, stay connected with OC Transpo through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for timely updates and information on holiday services.

Holiday Hours and Activities Across Ottawa's Facilities and Services

As the holiday season unfolds, residents are advised of modified schedules for pools, arenas, and fitness centres, with altered hours for public swimming, fitness programs, and public skating. Winter Break drop-in schedules can be found on ottawa.ca, where residents can also explore holiday-themed registered programs at community centres and arenas. To register, visit register.ottawa.ca or check with the specific facility.

The City's four refrigerated outdoor rinks are open, weather permitting, with scheduled activities at Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink subject to change for the Winter Break. Community outdoor rinks will open when weather conditions permit, and sledding hills will be accessible, depending on weather conditions. Residents are advised to check the alert status on ottawa.ca for real-time updates.

Shenkman Arts Centre will be closed from Sunday, Dec. 24, to Wednesday, Dec. 27, and on Monday, Jan. 1. Modified holiday hours for the Box Office at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe run from Sunday, Dec. 24, to Sunday, Jan. 14.

The Archives Branch (James Bartleman Centre and the Rideau Archives) will be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 19, to Monday, Jan. 1.

For health services, Ottawa Public Health's Site program office and supervised consumption services at 179 Clarence Street will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. The Site mobile van will be closed on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 but will otherwise operate as usual from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For vaccination clinic hours and availability, visit the ParentingInOttawa web page. Information on COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available on the COVID-19 Vaccine web page.

The Sexual Health Clinic and satellite clinics will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. The Ottawa Public Health Contact Centre will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. Dental clinics will also be closed on these dates.

Parenting-In-Ottawa drop-ins will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. For Employment and Social Services and other holiday-related information, residents are encouraged to visit ottawa.ca and stay connected with updates through social media channels.

Holiday Closures and Operating Hours for City Services in Ottawa

As the holiday season approaches, residents are advised of closures and modified operating hours for various city services in Ottawa.

Employment and Social Services Offices:

All four Employment and Social Services offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Tuesday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 1.

Municipal Child Care Services:

Municipal child care centres will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Tuesday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 1. Parents are encouraged to check the operating hours of their specific child care centre during the holiday season.

Ottawa Public Library:

The Ottawa Public Library will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Tuesday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 1. Regular schedules will resume from Wednesday, Dec. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 30. On Sunday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 31, branches normally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can find detailed hours of operation for the library's 33 branches on the OPL website, where they can also access various online resources and services.

These adjustments aim to ensure residents are informed and can plan accordingly during the festive period. For further information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit the respective service websites or contact the relevant offices.

As we navigate the holiday season in Ottawa, it's crucial for residents to be aware of the closures and modified operating hours for various city services. The Employment and Social Services offices, municipal child care services, and the Ottawa Public Library will observe closures on specific dates during this festive period.

This information serves as a reminder for residents to plan accordingly and check the specific operating hours of services relevant to their needs, ensuring a smooth and informed holiday experience. Whether accessing child care services, seeking assistance from Employment and Social Services, or planning a visit to the library, residents are encouraged to stay connected with the respective service websites for updates and additional information.

Wishing everyone in Ottawa a joyful and well-prepared holiday season!