The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory day honouring Indigenous people, communities, and survivors of Canada’s residential school system, takes place on September 30. It is important to recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and remember those who were lost.
Prince Edward County municipal administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 30. Staff and members of our community are encouraged to use this day to learn and reflect on the history and legacy of the residential school system.
The municipality will continue to deliver essential services on September 30. Curbside garbage, green bin, and recycling pickup service will occur according to the regular schedule. Landfill and transfer sites will be open on Saturday, September 27. Sophiasburgh, Picton, and Wellington sites will remain open on Wednesday, October 1. Environmental 360 Solutions reminds residents to have their garbage, green bin, and properly sorted blue boxes out to the curb by 7 am to ensure pickup. If your collection is missed on collection day, please call Environmental 360 Solutions at 1.866.358.3560.
For urgent after-hour inquiries, please call 613.476.6505 for road emergencies or 613.967.8777 for water or sewer emergencies.
The Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton and the Wellington and District Community Centre will be closed on Tuesday, September 30. County Transit will be running as per the regular schedule.
Resources and Special Events
In a recent proclamation, Mayor Steve Ferguson has declared the municipality’s commitment to acknowledging September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, flying an “Every Child Matters” flag for the month of September, and encouraging all members of the community to educate themselves about the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities.
Activities in the local community and across Canada are planned to mark the day. Here are just a few options for ways to learn and things to do:
- A Path Forward, a permanent and evolving exhibit co-curated by The County Museums and Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na and recognized as a Legacy Space by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, is one example of reconciliation work happening here in Prince Edward County. Through Indigenous art, history, and story, the exhibit invites year-round engagement with these essential conversations. A Path Forward is located at Macaulay Heritage Park in Picton and is open Wednesday through Sunday; 1 pm – 4pm from September to May and 10 am – 4 pm May through August.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will provide free virtual learning opportunities, including five Lunch and Learn sessions taking place from Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The live national broadcast will begin at 3 pm on September 30. A YouTube link will be provided the day of the event.
- Learn about Orange Shirt Day here.
Additional information and resources are available on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.