What’s Open and Closed for Labour Day in Kingston

Labour Day usually marks the unofficial end of summer, but many younger kids have already returned to school. They said goodbye to their beach trips, trailers, or cottages last week due to changes in the school schedule.

Since 1894, Labour Day has been a public holiday in Canada on the first Monday of September. The roots of this day can be traced back to several demonstrations and celebrations that began as early as April 15, 1872.

That’s when a demonstration supporting the Toronto Typographical Union (printers) led directly to the creation of the Trade Unions Act – which made unions legal for the first time in Canada.

Ten years later, on July 22, 1882, a large labour celebration in Toronto caught the attention of American labour leader Peter J. Mc Guire. He organized his own parade in New York City on September 5 that same year. Yes, Canada was ahead.

Soon after, unions across both Canada and the United States began holding their own parades and festivals on the first Monday of September.

However, it wasn’t until 1889 that unions pushed for an official Labour Day.

Five years later, then Prime Minister John Sparrow David Thompson passed legislation to establish it officially and received quick approval from the throne.

This long weekend typically sees many post-secondary students moving into Kingston. So expect more traffic and possible delays around campus areas.

Due to this influx of new students, the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) will be active from Friday, Aug. 28 at 12:01 a. m., until Sunday, Sept. 13 at 6 a. m.

During this time frame, Kingston Police and bylaw officers will increase their presence in the University District to help prevent any unsanctioned gatherings. Penalties will apply for violations.

As part of UDSI measures, Gord Edgar Downie Pier and Breakwater Park beach will be closed to everyone every night from 7 p. m. until 6 a. m., starting Friday Aug. 28 until Sept. 13 morning.

Holiday weekends often mean limited hours or some closures too. Here’s what businesses and public services will look like on Monday, Sept. 1.

Municipal services

There won’t be any garbage or green bin collection happening on Monday; collections will take place one day later than usual instead.

The Kingston Disposal Site is closed for business.

Kingston Transit will run on a Sunday schedule throughout Labour Day.

The Kingston Access Bus Services will offer limited service during this period; their trip reservation office opens from 7:30 a. m. till 11:30 a. m., so call them at 613-542-2512 if you need more information.

Administrative offices including housing services on Montreal Street and Provincial Offences Court won’t be open either.

Utilities Kingston along with Kingston Hydro will also be closed on Monday; however customers facing utility emergencies like gas leaks or power outages should reach out via their emergency line at all times by calling  613-546-1181.

Recreation facilities

Invista Centre is not open at all during this time frame.

Artillery Park Aquatic Centre won’t be accessible either.

Rideau Heights Community Centre is also closing its doors.

King ston East Community Centre won’t welcome visitors either.

The Kingston Frontenac Public Library is shut down , but some online services remain available.

Portsmouth Olympic Harbour stays open though.

Confederation Basin marina office along with laundry facilities operate normally between hours of seven thirty AM till three thirty PM.

The Grand Theatre located within King ston won’t accept visitors either.

Pumphouse Museum doesn’t allow entry too.

Tours through city hall along with Market Wing cultural space are not available right now , though they aren’t receiving guests either right now too.