Planning a staycation this Thanksgiving holiday weekend? Here’s our guide for things to do this weekend, tips for navigating the city and what’s open and closed at the City of London.

 

Things to do

 

There’s lots to do this long weekend, whether with friends, family or with your kids.

 

  • Check out London’s Tree Trunk Tour. These beautiful sculptures demonstrate London’s love of trees and our reputation as the Forest City. Check out the map of locations and plan your tour.
  • Explore one (or more!) of London’s unique natural areas. London is home to 21 Environmentally Significant Areas which include wetlands, forests and meadows as well as valleylands and significant wildlife and make for the perfect spot to see the autumn colours.
  • Enjoy a round of golf (weather permitting). Visit ca/golf for course information and to book a tee time.
  • Help pick the winner of the 2019 Urban Design People’s Choice Award. Check out the submissions for the 2019 People’s Choice Award and vote for your favourite nominee.
  • Stay active at a Community Centre. The following community centresare open with special holiday hours and free programming on Monday, October 14.

Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (open 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)

  • Pickleball: 8:30- 11:30 a.m.
  • Drop-in Basketball: 12 – 3 p.m.
  • Drop-in Badminton: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Bostwick Community Centre, YMCA and Library (open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Stoney Creek Community Centre, YMCA and Library (open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

All other community centres are closed on Monday, October 14 and will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, October 15.

 

Getting around

 

Core Construction

If you’re picking up visitors from the VIA Rail station please note that the York Street construction zone has shifted east, towards Clarence Street, as our downtown sewer separation continues. Motorists and cyclists should now enter and exit the VIA Rail station from Richmond Street as access to VIA Rail from Clarence Street is now closed for construction.

 

Be sure check London’s Core Area Routes map to see what’s open and clear around the downtown core and download the Waze navigation app for the most accurate local road closure information.

 

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to stay alert and obey all construction signs to ensure your safety and the safety of our crews.

 

Cycling

Plan your route on two wheels using the 2019 bike map and remember to check the Parks Construction web page to see if any of your pathways are impacted by construction.

 

London Transit

London Transit will be operating on a holiday/Sunday service schedule on Monday, October 14. London Transit users can go to realtime.londontransit.ca or use Google Maps for specific route information.

 

Overnight Parking

Have guests visiting for the weekend? Don’t forget to register for an overnight parking pass if you or your guests plan to park on-street overnight. Passes are available online, by phone at 519-661-4537, or in person at the Parking Services Office, 824 Dundas Street. Passes do not need to be printed or displayed in the vehicle. All other parking restrictions remain in effect, including parking between the sidewalk and the roadway, prohibited parking and no stopping areas and fire routes.

 

 

Around the house

 

Stay Safe in the Kitchen – Never Leave Cooking Unattended

Fires can easily start in the kitchen. While cooking your holiday meal, never leave home when a microwave oven, stove burner, or oven is on and keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. Follow these cooking tips to keep your kitchen safe.

 

Your Turn Fats, Oils and Grease Collection Cups

Leftover turkey gravy or cooking oil from your holiday meal? Fats, oils and grease (FOG) such as leftover food scraps, salad dressing and gravy can clog sewer pipes when poured down the sink or toilet. Instead, dispose of fats, oils and grease using a Your Turn FOG collection cup and turn it into renewable energy.

 

Yard Materials

Planning to clean out your yard or garden this weekend? Be sure to check your Waste Reduction & Conservation Calendar for the dedicated “Green Weeks” that indicate yard material collection. Materials collected include plant, tree, and hedge trimmings as well as brush and leaves. Be sure to place yard materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday of the dedicated collection week. Pick-up can take place anytime during the week (including Saturday) and will only occur once during that week.

 

 

City of London Office Closures

City Services will be closed on Monday, October 14, including the services offered at the following locations:

  • City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue
  • Citi Plaza, 355 Wellington Street, 2nd Floor
  • Provincial Offences Office, 824 Dundas Street
  • Environmental and Parks Planning, 267 Dundas Street
  • Planning Division, 204/206 Dundas Street

All City of London offices will reopen for business at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.