It’ll likely be a quieter Civic Holiday than usual, thanks to restrictions in place to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in London, Ont., this August long weekend.
Much of the province is already in Stage 3 of reopening, including London and Middlesex County, which means indoor dining, gyms and attractions like galleries, zoos and museums are open for business — though public health measures are in place and locations may not be open for the holiday Monday.
Municipal amenities like splash pads and select swimming and wading pools are open, as are playgrounds. Further information and updates on the city’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic can be found on a dedicated page of the city’s website.
The city also recently announced that it would be closing Dundas Place to vehicular traffic for portions of the weekend throughout the rest of the summer — Dundas Street will be closed between Talbot and Wellington streets Friday and Saturday evenings between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
As for the actual Civic Holiday on Monday, Aug. 3, those in the London region will want to keep in mind what will be open and what will be closed.
What’s open Monday:
- White Oaks Mall will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a list of public health measures and safety requirements can be found online
- CF Masonville Place will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to its website
- Westmount Shopping Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open, though some will have reduced hours
- Most Beer Store locations will be open with reduced hours
- Most grocery store locations are open, though some will have reduced hours
- The Labatt Brewery
- East Park
- Both COVID-19 assessment centres will operate on their normal schedules
What’s closed Monday:
- Banks
- Government offices, including city administrative offices
- Post offices (no mail delivery)
- London Public Library — closed for pickup and computer use, though the digital library is always available
- LCBO stores are closed but that is not due to the holiday; locations have been closing every Monday as part of measures related to the pandemic
- No garbage collection
Additionally, the London Transit Commission says buses will be running on a “current Saturday schedule” on Aug. 3, while express routes 90 and 91 will not be operating.
Regardless of how you spend the holiday, officials are asking that everyone follow public health precautions.
“Whether you’re planning to enjoy one of our beautiful parks, cool off at a spray pad, or visit Dundas Place for the first weekend of the pedestrian and cycling shared space, please remember that health and safety precautions remain incredibly important as we continue our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor Ed Holder.
A bylaw is currently in effect in the city of London, mandating that anyone entering any public establishment to wear a face mask or face covering that covers the nose, mouth and chin — though there are some exceptions to the bylaw. A mandatory mask policy is also in place for those using buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
The city notes that under provincial guidelines, indoor gatherings should be no more than 50 people and outdoor gatherings should include no more than 100 people. As well, provincial guidelines “encourage residents to form social circles of up to 10 people” and physical distancing measures should be followed with those outside of the social circle.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) offers extensive information on its website about physical distancing, self-isolation, testing, guidance for Stage 3 reopening, and other items related to the pandemic.
Did we miss something? Call 519-931-6098, or email news@980cfpl.ca.
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