In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Sept. 8, and the Canadian government’s announcement of a one-time federal holiday on Sept. 19, Sunshine Coast local governments are making the call whether to follow suit.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) announced on Sept. 14 that it will be marking the National Day of Mourning, which is the same day as the monarch’s funeral in England.
With the declaration, the SCRD’s recreation facilities will close on Monday, except for ice rentals scheduled at Gibsons and Area Community Centre for that evening. The SCRD’s office on Field Road, the Sechelt Landfill and the Pender Harbour Transfer Station will also be closed. In a press release, the regional district did not cancel public transit and HandyDart service for the holiday because of the short notice.
In Gibsons, the Town Hall and ICBC Services will be closed for the day.
The District of Sechelt's municipal hall will also be observing the day of reflection, and close temporarily. When the hall is open, the District has made a book of condolences available for residents to share their sentiments. The Sechelt Public Library shared on social media that the public facility will also be closed on Sept. 19 and re-opening on Sept. 20.
On Sept. 13, Premier John Horgan announced that the province of British Columbia will honour the federal holiday, but refrained from declaring it as a statutory holiday. He encouraged private sectors to observe the holiday. Most Crown corporations and schools will be closed Monday.
