The Victoria Day long-weekend marks the unofficial kick-off to summer. With that in mind, here's a list of what will be open, closed and some things to keep you busy in and around the Forest City.
This year, the statutory holiday falls on Monday, May 23. As a result, all federal, provincial, and municipal offices will be closed, There will be no mail delivery or garbage pick-up.
Large retail stores and shopping malls such as Masonville Place, White Oaks Mall, Costco, most drug stores, banks, beer and liquor stores will have their doors shut on the holiday. If you find yourself needing a beer top up, select Beer Store locations in the city will be open on Monday however, all LCBO locations will stay closed.
Several Shoppers Drug Mart stores will be open with modified hours on Victoria Day Monday. The Sherwood Forest Mall location at 1225 Wonderland Road North and the location at 510 Hamilton Road will be open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
All London Public Library branches will remain closed for the day and London Transit buses will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
The Middlesex London Health Unit will keep its mass vaccination clinic at the Caradoc Community Centre in Mt. Brydges closed for the day.
While there will be a number of closures on Monday, there's still a few things that will be open for the day to keep you occupied.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village is opening for its 63rd season with a Victoria Day event. The pioneer village will be open all weekend including Monday.
Those who choose to attend will get to experience a number of activities including heritage dancing and games. You can also attend a tea hosting demonstration and learn about the life of a soldier with the Royal Scots 1812 Reenactors. More details can be found online.
Cineplex Odeon theatres in London and St. Thomas will be open on Monday for movie-enthusiasts. Baseball fans can head over to Labatt Park Monday afternoon to watch the London Majors take on the Guelph Royals. Tickets are still available on the team's website.
The city's 17 spray pad locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For anyone looking to mark the day with fireworks, the City of London has issued a reminder that backyard displays are only allowed between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day. That is in accordance with the city's fireworks by-law, which can be found by clicking here.
"Only adults who are aware of the hazards and take essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks. Always have a water hose or pail close by and monitor wind conditions, as risks increase in high winds," the city said in a statement.
