Discover What’s Open and Closed in Halifax on Remembrance Day
Halifax will observe Remembrance Day on November 11, with many businesses and municipal services closed in honor of veterans. The city follows the Nova Scotia Remembrance Day Act, which mandates the closure of specific retail businesses.
Business Closures on Remembrance Day
On Remembrance Day, several major retail locations will not operate. These include:
- Malls
- Big-box stores
- Grocery stores
Exceptions exist for smaller establishments such as:
- Drugstores
- Gas stations
- Retail stores with a maximum of three employees
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
The Royal Canadian Legion organizes Remembrance Day ceremonies across Halifax. A provincial ceremony will take place at Grand Parade, starting at 10:50 a.m. AT. CBC Nova Scotia will livestream this event, allowing residents to participate virtually. For those interested, a detailed schedule of all ceremonies can be found on the Legion’s website.
Waste Collection and Recycling
On November 11, residents should note that there will be no collection of garbage, organics, or recyclables. The following facilities will also be closed:
- Otter Lake Waste Management Facility
- Materials Recovery Facility
- Household Special Waste Depot in Bayers Lake (reopens November 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Transit Services for Veterans
Halifax Transit will provide free transit for veterans, military personnel, and their accompanying family members on Remembrance Day. To utilize this service, individuals should be in uniform or display military identification upon boarding. Transit buses will stop at 11 a.m. for three minutes to observe a moment of silence for all who have served.
On this day, Halifax Transit will operate under holiday schedules, with one exception: the Woodside ferry service will not be available.
Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parking
Most municipally operated recreation centers in Halifax will be closed on November 11. Residents should check in advance for information on any specific programs or operating hours.
On-street paid parking will not be enforced on this day, allowing residents and visitors to park for free.
311 Service and Customer Centers
The 311 contact center will not provide full service on Remembrance Day. However, urgent calls can still be made. Regular hours will resume on November 12. In-person customer service locations will also be closed on November 11 and will reopen the following day.
