Overview
- Ontario’s amended Retail Business Holidays Act allows stores to open on Victoria Day Monday, May 18, and the minister says employees can refuse shifts and still receive public‑holiday pay under the Employment Standards Act.
- Many big‑box and grocery chains in Ontario are operating with holiday hours, but Costco warehouses are closed and exact times vary by location.
- Most government offices and banks are closed, and Canada Post pauses delivery, while rules differ across Canada such as Newfoundland and Labrador keeping most stores shut under its Shops Closing Act.
- Holiday transit applies in Toronto, with GO on a Saturday schedule, the TTC on Sunday hours starting around 6 a.m., and Line 6 Finch West replaced by shuttle buses for upgrade work.
- Cities adjust local services and events for the long weekend, with delayed or shifted waste collection in places like Ottawa, a 10 p.m. fireworks show at Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay, and Kingston’s waterfront drone show followed by fireworks.