The City of Owen Sound says it will be recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday
Council agreed on the decision to close all city offices and City Hall to mark the day on September 30th.
City services will operate on a holiday schedule.
A release from the city says this declaration builds on the June event where Owen Sound officially dedicated the 10th Street
Bridge as the Giche-name-wiikwedong Bridge and unveiled a commemorative and interpretive plaque.
At the bridge dedication, Mayor and Council were joined by the Chief of the Saugeen First Nation, and the Chief from Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation who both spoke at the ceremony.
A statement from the City says it will, “Observe this holiday to provide an opportunity to recognize, reflect on and commemorate the legacy of residential schools or participate in a community event. The Every Child Matters Flag will fly at half-mast from September 20 to September 30 at City Hall.”
It adds, “One of the City’s core values is ‘Caring’ which involves building a community that is inclusive and genuinely appreciative of the diversity that enriches us.”
This past July the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Call to Action number 80.
With the closure of City Hall on September 30, the City is extending the due date for the second final property tax installment from September 30, 2021, to October 7, 2021.
Mayor Ian Boddy says in a statement, “The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day we should spend reflecting and having conversations with our friends and family about the importance of the day. I encourage all staff and citizens to attend community events and listen and learn from our Indigenous leaders.”