Victoria Day in Calgary: What's open, what's closed and how to get around
CBC News | Posted: May 20, 2016 9:06 PM | Last Updated: May 23, 2016
Special transit, parking, and community centre hours in effect this May long weekend
True to tradition, the weather on the May long weekend here in Calgary hasn't been ideal.
Still, there's plenty to do, and if you want to make the most of it, here's what you need to know.
Transit closures and free parking
Beginning around 7:30 p.m. Friday through Monday, The C-Train Red Line will be closed between the City Hall and Chinook stations, and the Blue Line will be closed between Bridgeland and City Hall.
Shuttle buses will replace C-Train service between these stations.
On-street parking is free and holiday rates will be in effect Monday at select Calgary Parking Authority surface lots and parkades.
What to do
Calaway Park kicks off its 35th season of family fun this Saturday with rides, live entertainment and tasty treats. The amusement park was forced to close on Monday, however, due to high winds and rain.
Take a step back in time and enjoy a free pancake breakfast (first 500 guests in Gunn's Dairy barn before 11 a.m.) at Heritage Park, or head to the mountains where the Banff Centre Children's Festival will offer plenty of free activities on Saturday.
Community centre closures
These facilities will be closed on Monday:
- All pools (except Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres)
- North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres
- The Animal Services Centre
- The Nature Centre at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
- All Athletic Parks except for advanced bookings
- All City of Calgary administrative buildings including City Hall
Both Southland and Village Square are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday with regular admission rates in effect.
Spring cleaning opportunities
All three city-operated landfills will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
The city's annual Spring Yard Waste program runs through May 29. Drop off your leaves, branches, plants and other yard waste for free at any city landfill and pick up some free mulch for your garden while you're there.
More than 100 community cleanups will take place from now through September.
- View the community cleanup schedule for events in your neighbourhood.
Fire and flood safety
A fire safety advisory remains in effect for Calgary. Be cautious when using outdoor open flames.
That includes barbecues and backyard fire pits, and when disposing of smoking materials.
The risk of river flooding in Calgary is greatest between May 15 and July 15 each year.
For updates and information on river flows and watershed monitoring, including the Alberta Environment Advisories river monitoring app visit calgary.ca/floodinfo.