New Year's Day 2025 brings many closures of businesses and services across northern Ontario, with municipalities preparing residents for significant changes.
Residents of Greater Sudbury have been informed about several adjustments for January 1. Notably, the transfer stations and recycling center will be closed, and waste collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 4, instead of January 1. Public transit services will follow the holiday schedule, which can be checked on their official website or by calling 311. Other closures include the Tom Davies Square, all municipal offices, public library branches, animal shelters, fitness centers, and pools. Emergency services through the 311 hotline will remain operational for urgent public works or animal control matters.
Timmins is also shutting down its City Hall and local services for the day. Public transportation will be unavailable, and several recreational spots including the Archie Dillon Sports Complex pool and the Timmins Museum will not open. Waste collection scheduled for Wednesday will take place instead on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Hearst residents should prepare for closures of the City Hall, Claude-Larose Recreation Center, public library, landfill site, and Stéphane-Lecours Pool on January 1 and 2. Waste collection for January 2 will occur the following day.
Sault Ste. Marie will see the closure of its administrative offices, arenas (including GFL Memorial Gardens), public library, community centers, and national historic sites, with public transport also halted. Waste collection on New Year's Day will move to January 2.
It's similar for Thunder Bay, where several facilities including the Thunder Bay Museum, Fort William Historical Park, and all municipal public library branches will close their doors. Exceptions exist, as some arenas will be open under supervision from 1 PM to 9 PM. The local landfill will be unavailable, but scheduled waste collections for January 2 and 3 will proceed as planned.
Kenora has closed all municipal establishments, including water service deliveries and public transport. Residents requiring assistance for fundamental services are encouraged to call for help.
Sioux Lookout will follow suit, reminding residents the waste collection scheduled for January 1 will shift to January 2.
Moving to Toronto, the city will also see various business closures. Fortunately, certain establishments remain open. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will provide free services from December 31 at 7 PM until January 1 at 8 AM, reverting to Sunday schedules the following day. GO Transit will follow Saturday timetables, and UP Express will also waive fees during the same period. Visitors can experience major attractions like the CN Tower from 11 AM to 7 PM, with the Ripley's Aquarium operating from 9 AM to 11 PM and Toronto Zoo open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Not all attractions will be open, with locations like the Hockey Hall of Fame closing their doors. Shopping centers such as the Eaton Centre will be operational from 12 PM to 7 PM, alongside others like Fairview Mall and Vaughan Mills. Conversely, locations like Scarborough Town Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Center will remain closed.
When it pertains to food and alcohol, distributors like LCBO and Beer Store will close their retail locations. Several prominent grocery chains, including Loblaw and Metro, will be shuttered, with exceptions like Rabba Fine Foods maintaining 24-hour access.
Municipal services such as City Hall, public libraries, and Canada Post will see closures, along with banks and federal and provincial government units. The waste collection planned for January 1 will be delayed by one day, but emergency services and the 311 hotline will remain available.
To celebrate the New Year, fireworks will illuminate the skies at midnight, with prime viewing areas located at various waterfront parks. The traditional New Year's Day polar bear swim will also occur at noon at Sunnyside Beach, with outdoor skate rinks open weather permitting.
The closures of businesses and services on New Year's Day serve as a reminder of the holiday's impacts on daily life, as residents plan their activities accordingly. While some establishments remain open, it's important for individuals to check schedules and be prepared for the changes across Ontario.