This year's Civic holiday weekend will be more lively than last years, as loosened COVID-19 restrictions allow for more activities both outdoors and indoors.
While not a statutory holiday, many people will have Monday off to give them a three-day weekend. It is the first long weekend of the summer in which the province has been in Step 3 of its economic reopening plan. Under Step 3, movie theatres, gyms, indoor restaurant and bar dining, and museums are back open. As well, the cap on social gatherings has increased to 100 people outdoors and 25 people indoors.
Back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic is London Ribfest. Monday will mark the final day of the five-day festival in Victoria Park. Nine ribbers and six craft beer brewers have set-up on Wellington Street between Dufferin Avenue and Wolfe Street. Physical distancing and other public safety measures are in place.
For the first time in 16 months, the outdoor pool at Oakridge Arena will welcome back recreational swimmers. The pool had been closed while the area was being used as a COVID-19 assessment centre. It has now transitioned back to a community centre. The pool will be open Monday to Friday between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sundays between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. To register for aquatic programs call 519-661-5575 or go to the City of London website. City run spray pads, wading pools, and other outdoor pools will also continue to be open on the holiday.
The London Heritage Council, London Children’s Museum, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Museum London, and Eldon House have teamed up to offer 'A Celebration of Connection, Kindness, and Culture'. It is a mix of in-person and virtual events that include musical performances, storytelling, art tutorials, science demonstrations, cultural discussions, and interactive programming. The full list of scheduled performances and activities can be found by clicking here.
Here is a list of what is open and what is closed in London on the Civic Holiday:
CLOSED:
Government offices (municipal, provincial, and federal) Canada Post (no mail delivery) Banks All London Public Library branches (digital library resources remain available) Many LCBO stores No garbage and recycling collection
OPEN:
White Oaks Mall (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Masonville Place (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Westmount Shopping Centre (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Most Beer Stores Labatt Retail Store Most drug stores Grocery stores (many with reduced hours) Costco Wholesale (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Eldon House Fanshawe Conservation Area (for campsite availability call 1-866-668-2267) City spray pads and wading pools Movie theatres (Landmark Cinemas, SilverCity London Cinemas, and The Rec Room) The London Carling COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 656 Elizabeth Street (9:20 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) London Transit will be running a holiday schedule. Regular operation resumes on Tuesday.