In June of 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a new statutory holiday known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized on September 30 each year. Instead of a holiday meant to celebrate something, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a date meant for reflection, and to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system.
“The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process,” the Government of Canada said on its website about the day, where more information can be found, including mental health resources for residential school Survivors.
On the path towards truth and reconciliation, as guided by the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, many groups and individuals in the Kingston area are planning meaningful personal and public ways to mark the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Indigenous-led events and ceremonies are planned around the community to create space for Indigenous Peoples to connect and honour the day. Non-Indigenous community members are invited to attend, listen, learn and reflect on the history of Canada’s residential school system and the lived experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit,” the City stated.
In a media release, the City shared the following local gatherings and ways to engage:
Sept. 30: Community Walk for Truth and Reconciliation – Organized by the community, the walk for Truth and Reconciliation is taking place in solidarity with those that have been affected by residential schools. Attendees are invited to gather at McBurney Park at 5:30 p.m. The walk will begin at 6 p.m. travelling down Princess Street and ending at Confederation Basin.
Sept. 30 – Nov. 3: Kingston Frontenac Public Library Reading Challenge
The City of Kingston detailed that City Hall will be illuminated in orange on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, and the 94 Calls to Actions will be displayed on panels in Confederation Basin to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Unveiled last year, the Every Child Matters City bus continues to raise awareness around the city.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, the campaign behind the now-familiar ‘Every Child Matters’ slogan, which aims to draw attention and awareness to the ongoing trauma inflicted by the residential and day school systems. The day is named in honour of the story of Phyllis Webstad, who was stripped of her belongings upon entering the residential school system — including her brand new, bright and beautiful orange shirt.
The Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) also invites the community to join in its annual Kingston events. KNCLN’s Kingston National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place from 1 to 5:30 p.m. in Confederation Park on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, and will feature the following:
Community Booths
Indigenous Art Vendors
Community Voices – Opportunity to share your voice, work, heart in connection to Truth and Reconciliation and/or Why you wear your orange shirt. Sign-up to share will take place on the day of the event by connecting to the MC Laura from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Sacred Fire
Orange shirts will be available for purchase
Find more details about the downtown event here.
The City of Kingston has also declared the date a civic holiday, which means some City services will be affected. Here’s our list of what’s open and closed here in Kingston on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025:
City of Kingston offices and services
All City administrative offices (including Housing & Social Services and Provincial Offences on Montreal Street): Closed Tuesday.
Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro: Open Tuesday,
Garbage, green bin and recycling: There will be no collection on Sept. 30. Collection will be delayed by one day this week. Sign up to receive collection reminders by phone, push notification, or email.
Kingston Area Recycling Centre: Closed Tuesday.
Kingston Transit: to operate as usual. Customer service office closed.
Kingston Access Services: to operate as usual.
Arenas, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, INVISTA Centre (including Fitness & Wellness Centre), CaraCo Field, and Rideau Heights Community Centre: Open Tuesday.
Libraries: Open Tuesday.
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Confederation Basin Marinas: The Confederation Basin Marina office is open Sept. 30. The fuelling stations are open at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
Grand Theatre Box Office: Open Tuesday.
Tett Centre: Office closed; building will be open Tuesday.
Shopping and Grocery Stores
Some shops, grocery stores, and other local businesses may be closed or have reduced hours on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Call ahead to find out whether your favourite stores or restaurants are open.
The Cataraqui Centre will be open regular hours.
Walmart will be open regular hours
Costco will be open regular hours.
Staples will be open regular hours.
Both Loblaws locations will be open regular hours.
Both No Frills locations will be open regular hours.
All Metro locations will be open regular hours.
All Food Basics locations will be open regular hours.
Farm Boy will be open regular hours.
FreshCo will be open regular hours.
The Foodland location in Amherstview will be open regular hours.
Van Wart’s Your Independent Grocer will be open regular hours.
All Beer Stores will be open regular hours.
All LCBO locations will be closed for the morning, and open again for business at 12 p.m.
Many Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open. Individual store hours may vary otherwise. Click here to search store hours in Kingston.
Many downtown Kingston stores and restaurants are open for patio dining, indoor dining, pickup, or delivery. Call ahead to find out what your favourite stores and restaurants are doing.
Banks and post offices
Banks and post offices may be closed Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Call your branch ahead of time to find out.
News
As always, Kingstonist is open. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the goings-on in the city, as they happen. We will also be happy to hear from you if there is something you think we should know about. Please reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook or via our contact page any time.