Here’s what’s closed on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

Some municipal services in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills will be closed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30.

In Burlington, city administrative services will be closed.

Sept. 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots day inspired by the story of Indian residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park to reflect and take part in a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace, hosted by local indigenous people.

Opening remarks will begin at 6 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park, with a walk to follow along the Waterfront Trail ending at Beachway Park for a tobacco ceremony. Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them.

Burlington Transit will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Monday, Sept. 30, and the downtown transit terminal will be open.

Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service.

Recreation facilities are open for registered and drop-in programs and rentals. The Burlington Seniors Centre is open for drop-ins only and bistro service is not available.

In Oakville, residents are invited to reflect, learn and participate in activities to learn more about Indigenous history and culture. For information visit the Indigenous Culture and Community page.

Closed on Sept. 30 are Town Hall, Oakville Museum, all libraries, cemetery offices and the municipal parking lot at 300 Church St.

Oakville Transit will offer a modified service schedule operating from 6 a.m. to midnight. The modified service is based on a Saturday service level, with additional routes operating. School specials will run as usual. For more information, visit the Oakville Transit website.

Halton Hills has confirmed all town facilities will be closed on Monday.

Milton, however, will keep everything open.

“On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and surrounding days, Town of Milton facilities and Milton Transit will operate on normal schedules,” said Rob Faulkner, the town’s senior advisor, Public Relations.

“This will allow the town to recognize this important occasion by, for example, turning all digital screens orange in its open facilities. The town has undertaken a number of initiatives in recent years to support truth and reconciliation, such as the orange crosswalk, art exhibits and education. Each year, we strive to support increased awareness of the impact of residential schools.”