Remembrance Day, which is held every Nov. 11 to honour those who have served and are serving in the military, falls on a Monday this year.
It’s a national holiday, but Ontario and Quebec have not made it a provincial holiday.
Here’s some of what’s happening in Ottawa.
Ceremonies
The 2024 National Remembrance Day Ceremony begins around 10:30 a.m. at the National War Memorial on Elgin Street in downtown Ottawa.
It ends at 11:30 a.m. with a veteran march past.
Road closures around the war memorial last from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and include:
- Elgin Street north of Laurier Avenue W.
- Wellington Street east of Bank Street,
- Metcalfe Street north of Albert Street
- Queen Street east of O’Connor Street.
- The Queen Elizabeth Driveway north of Somerset Street,
There are also rolling road closures between Nicholas and Elgin streets and between Laurier Avenue W. and Wellington and Rideau streets to help participants get to and from the ceremony.
The city invites people to check the Royal Canadian Legion’s website for smaller neighbourhood ceremonies.
Overhead, expect flypasts of both fighter jets and vintage military aircraft to mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary between roughly 10:50 a.m. and noon.
Shopping and attractions
A city bylaw requires many businesses to close from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Exceptions include smaller grocery stores and pharmacies, convenience stores, restaurants, hair salons and gas stations, though they may choose to close.
The Canadian War Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but an advance ticket is mandatory.
The aviation, history and nature museums are also open. The National Gallery of Canada is open with free admission from noon to 5 p.m.
The agriculture and science museums are closed, as are the Ottawa Art Gallery and Diefenbunker.
Services
Green bin, recycling and garbage collection is unchanged the week of Remembrance Day.
All Ottawa Public Library branches and municipal child-care centres are closed.
City recreation facilities are open.
Ottawa Public Health
- The Site program office and supervised consumption services at 179 Clarence St. are closed. The Site mobile van operates from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- The Sexual Health Clinic and satellite clinics will be closed, as are dental clinics.
Banks
Monday is a bank holiday and many branches are closed. There may be access to some ATMs.
Other services
- City Hall and client service centres at Ben Franklin Place and 255 Centrum Blvd. are closed.
- The provincial court at 100 Constellation Dr. is also closed.
- The city’s 311 contact centre is open for urgent matters.
Getting around
Parking
All City of Ottawa parking regulations and restrictions apply.
Transit
- OC Transpo operates on a regular schedule, with detours around road closures. When safe, buses and trains will pause for two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
- Veterans in uniform or wearing medals can ride OC Transpo, Para Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais for free until Nov. 12, along with a companion. O-Train riders are asked to use video chat on ticket machines for their free ride.
- OC Transpo’s Rideau Centre customer service centre opens at 12:30 p.m.
- The OC Transpo lost and found at Heartwood House is closed.
- Para Transpo regular bookings are honoured.