What’s open, what’s closed, what’s up in Winnipeg on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30, 2026 By: Free Press staff Posted:

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day, as it's known in Manitoba, honours residential school survivors and their families. The day is meant to ensure public commemoration of the lasting, tragic impact of residential schools, part of Canada's colonial history.

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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day, as it’s known in Manitoba, honours residential school survivors and their families. The day is meant to ensure public commemoration of the lasting, tragic impact of residential schools, part of Canada’s colonial history.

It was officially established as a federal statutory holiday in 2021 and provincially in 2023.

The Free Press is not publishing a print or e-edition Wednesday, Sept. 30, but readers can visit our website for the latest news and information.

Here’s a round-up of hours of business for services and things to do to commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES People gather for Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba as they walk along York Avenue in Winnipeg on Sept. 30, 2024.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

People gather for Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba as they walk along York Avenue in Winnipeg on Sept. 30, 2024.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Southern Chiefs Organization’s sixth annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Powwow starts at 9:30 a.m. at The Forks Oodena Circle. After the opening ceremony, participants will march toward the Canada Life Centre. More information is available here. 

The Manitoba Museum has special programming about Indian Residential Schools during its Orange Shirt Days event, which includes free admission from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. More information is available here.

On Sunday afternoon, the Winnipeg Police Service is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation ceremony.

See a list of Orange Shirt Day events across Manitoba here.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Civic, provincial and federal offices are closed.

There is no mail delivery on Sept. 30. Canada Post offices are closed, but post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business.

Cemetery grounds are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The administration office at Brookside cemetery will be closed.

Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Sept. 30.  Plan your specific route and see service alerts on the Winnipeg Transit site.

RECYCLING AND TRASH

Recycling and garbage will be collected as usual.

The Brady Road landfill is open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 4R Winnipeg depot at the Brady landfill will be open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific 4R depot will be open to residential customers only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Panet depot will be closed.

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Winnipeg Public Library branches will be closed. (Find your great next read in our Books section.)

Most City of Winnipeg arenas, leisure centres and pools will be closed. Some facilities will be open:

  • Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex: 2 – 6 p.m.
  • Margaret Grant Pool: 1 – 5 p.m.
  • Pan Am Pool: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Major movie theatres will be open. (Not sure what to see? Find news and reviews in our Movies section.)

The Assiniboine Park Zoo will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Leaf will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with final entry at 8 p.m.) See what’s on.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. See current exhibits and events.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Check out their featured events.

The Manitoba Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Upcoming events at the museum and planetarium.

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Upcoming events.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq will be open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Current exhibitions.

FortWhyte Alive is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.  Calendar of events.

City-owned golf courses will be open.

SHOPPING

Most larger chain grocery stores are open, but you might want to call ahead to check the hours at your preferred shop.

CF Polo Park, Garden City Shopping Centre, Kildonan Place, Outlet Collection Winnipeg and St. Vital Centre will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grant Park Shopping Centre will be open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Portage Place will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Forks Market will be open, vendor hours may vary.

Most Liquor Mart stores in Winnipeg will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for the True North Square location, which will be closed. Check hours at your preferred store.

Beer vendors and private wine stores set their own hours for holidays, so call ahead.

webnews@freepress.mb.ca

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