City of Owen Sound will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday on September 30, following approval at the City Council meeting held on August 30. City Hall and all offices will be closed, and services will operate on a holiday schedule.
According to the City's media release, "The City 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.
The media release continues,"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."
In July 2021, 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.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is also known as National Orange Shirt Day, is a day to honour survivors, their families and communities and commemorates the history and legacy of residential schools. It also demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and affirms Every Child Matters.
With the closure of City Hall on September 30, the City is extending the due date for the second final property tax instalment from September 30, 2021, to October 7, 2021.
source: media release
