City of Edmonton honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
September 29, 2026
The City of Edmonton observes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by reflecting on the painful history and legacy of the residential school system.
Created in response to Call to Action No. 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, this day honours residential school survivors, the children who were never returned home and their resilient families and communities. In March 2023, City Council affirmed its active commitment to the ongoing journey of reconciliation by establishing September 30 as a day of observance, providing staff with dedicated time to participate in education, reflection, remembrance and community connection. In addition, the City is helping connect Edmontonians with community events and learning opportunities taking place across the city.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Community events and learning opportunities are happening across Edmonton. You can explore these events at edmonton.ca/TruthAndReconciliationDay.
On September 30, the City will recognize the day by:
- Raising Every Child Matters banners in Churchill Square, lowering flags in City Hall Plaza to half-mast and prominently displaying the Survivors’ Flag alongside a collection of Indigenous and Métis artifacts in City Hall.
- Illuminating several Edmonton structures in orange, including City Hall, Edmonton Tower, High Level Bridge, Muttart Conservatory, Rossdale Power Plant and Walterdale Bridge.
- Tying orange ribbons on City buses and waste collection vehicles, and encouraging staff to show support by wearing orange shirts.
- Offering free admission to City attractions for all self-declared Indigenous people.
- Opening the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park. Admission is $5 per guest, free for children under the age of 11 and all Indigenous people.
- Re-painting a decorative crosswalk at ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park, 10204 Queen Elizabeth Park Rd., with vibrant artwork by Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal.
Program and service adjustments
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of observance for municipal employees. Edmontonians can expect temporary changes to the following programs and services on September 30:
- Edmonton Service Centre and 311: The Edmonton Service Centre and 311 will be closed. After-hours services will remain available for urgent bylaw or public safety concerns. Regular hours will resume on October 1.
- City recreation facilities: City recreation facilities will operate under holiday hours with no registered programs. Central Lions and Northgate Senior Centres are closed on September 30. Regular operating hours and drop-in programs will resume on October 1.
- Edmonton Valley Zoo: The zoo will operate under holiday hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Muttart Conservatory: The conservatory will be open to visitors for general admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with adult-only admission from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Edmonton Transit Service: Buses will run on a regular weekday service schedule. All school special bus routes are cancelled. These routes will resume operation on October 1.
- Waste Services: All Eco Station locations and the Reuse Centre will be closed. The Edmonton Waste Management Centre will operate under holiday hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular operating hours will resume on October 1. Curbside waste collection will continue to follow regular schedules. Residents can check their waste collection calendar through the City’s website or the WasteWise app.
- Animal Care and Control Centre: The Animal Care and Control Centre will be closed. Regular operating hours will resume on October 1.
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