By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
As the Easter holiday weekend approaches, residents of Chatham-Kent are being reminded of the various closures and modified hours at municipal facilities and businesses for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.
The municipality has released an official list outlining which services and amenities will remain open or closed throughout the weekend, as well as any changes to transit schedules. Here’s what you need to know before heading out this long weekend.
Municipal Offices and Facilities
Most municipal offices and facilities in Chatham-Kent will be closed for the Easter holiday weekend, with exceptions for certain essential services. Here’s a rundown:
Chatham-Kent Municipal Centre: The main municipal offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21. Services will resume on Tuesday, April 22. For urgent inquiries or services, residents can contact the after-hours service by calling 519-360-1998.
Libraries: All Chatham-Kent Public Libraries will be closed on Friday, April 18, Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21. They will reopen on Saturday, April 19, with regular hours.
Recreation Centres: Most community recreation centres, including the Chatham-Kent Community Centre and Blenheim Community Centre, will be closed on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21. However, some facilities will remain open on Saturday, April 19, for regular programming.
Parks and Cemeteries: Public parks will remain open for the duration of the holiday, and cemetery offices will be closed Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21. For urgent inquiries, please call 519-352-8300.
Public Transit: Chatham-Kent Transit will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, with adjusted hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular service will resume on Tuesday, April 22.
Retail and Grocery Stores
While many large retail stores and grocery stores will be open for the majority of the weekend, some will have reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday:
Walmart: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with regular hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Loblaws and Sobeys: Open on Good Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with reduced hours on Easter Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Both stores will be closed on Sunday, April 20, for Easter Sunday.
Shoppers Drug Mart: Most locations will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday with reduced hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Sunday hours will be slightly adjusted, with stores opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m..
Restaurants and Food Services
Restaurants in Chatham-Kent will operate under their usual holiday hours but may close early on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many local businesses, including those in downtown Chatham and Blenheim, will be serving Easter specials, with reservations recommended.
Tim Hortons: Locations will remain open for Good Friday and Easter Monday but with reduced hours, typically from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m..
McDonald’s: Most locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with Sunday hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m..
Chatham-Kent Tourism and Attractions
For those looking to enjoy a bit of sightseeing or outdoor activity over the holiday weekend, several popular tourist attractions in Chatham-Kent will be open, although some may have adjusted hours:
Rondeau Provincial Park: The park will remain open, with regular hours for visitors to explore its trails and enjoy the outdoors. The visitor centre will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but park entry is still permitted.
Chatham-Kent Museum: Closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, but open on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Emergency Services
As always, emergency services will continue to operate throughout the holiday weekend. Residents are reminded to dial 911 in case of an emergency. For non-urgent matters, the Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services will be operating under regular schedules.
Chatham-Kent residents and visitors are encouraged to check the specific operating hours of facilities, stores, and services ahead of the long Easter weekend. Whether you’re staying home to enjoy the holiday or taking advantage of local attractions, planning ahead will help ensure you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free weekend.
For more information on holiday hours and closures, visit the Town of Chatham-Kent’s official website or contact the municipal office directly.
