MBC News file photo
Norfolk County will mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30, with a number of municipal programs, services and facilities either closed or operating on modified schedules.
The day honours residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, as well as the families and communities that continue to be affected by Canada’s residential school system.
It also provides an opportunity to reflect, learn and support ongoing reconciliation efforts with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
As part of Norfolk County’s recognition of the day, the Survivor Flag was raised at the County Administration Building in Simcoe on Tuesday, September 29. The flag will remain in place through Thursday, October 1.
Several County services will be affected on September 30.
All County administration buildings will be closed, along with the Provincial Offences Court at the Robinson Administration Building in Simcoe.
The Simcoe and Dunnville Housing and Social Services offices will also be closed. Residents requiring crisis support, including emergency accommodation, can call the Victim Services Support Line at 1-800-264-6671.
All Norfolk County museums and the Norfolk County Archives will be closed.
Norfolk County Public Library branches will also be closed for the day. Digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, online learning and streaming movies and music, will remain available around the clock through the library’s website.
Throughout September, library branches have featured educational displays and a reader’s advisory booklet focused on learning and reflection.
Recreation facilities will also be closed Wednesday. That includes the Simcoe Recreation Centre, Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre, Simcoe Seniors Centre, Delhi Friendship Centre and all County arenas. The Port Rowan Seniors Social Club will not meet.
Norfolk County trails and parks will remain open.
Ride Norfolk will operate according to its regular service hours.
ServiceNorfolk customer service counters will be closed, although residents can continue submitting non-urgent service requests and general inquiries online.
Urgent issues involving forestry, parks and facilities, roads, water, sewer, waste or drainage can be reported by calling 1-877-298-5888.
By-law concerns can be directed to the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
Norfolk County’s transfer stations will remain open during their regular hours, and there will be no changes to regular waste collection schedules.
The County is also reminding residents that its new waste collection program began Monday, September 28.
Residents are encouraged to use the Recycle Coach app to access personalized collection reminders and schedules.
