Key moments
As Easter weekend approaches, residents of Ottawa and Greater Sudbury are seeking information on grocery store availability. Most major grocery stores in these areas will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, adhering to Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act.
In Ottawa, it is common for grocery stores to close during significant holidays. Notably, major chains such as Costco will not be open on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. However, some smaller stores or those located in designated areas may have different operating hours and could be open during these holidays.
In Greater Sudbury, the situation mirrors that of Ottawa, with major grocery retailers also closing their doors for the holiday. For example, Costco will not operate on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, aligning with the provincial regulations that mandate most retail businesses to close on these specific holidays.
Despite the widespread closures, there are exceptions. RJ’s Market has announced that it will remain open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing a vital service to those in need of groceries during the holiday. Similarly, Shoppers Drug Mart will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday, while maintaining regular hours on Easter Sunday.
Additionally, the Beer Store will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but will resume normal hours on Saturday and Monday. Most LCBO stores in Ontario will also close for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with modified hours expected on Easter Monday.
This year’s Easter weekend follows the arrival of spring, which began approximately two weeks ago. The timing of the holiday often influences shopping patterns, as families prepare for gatherings and celebrations.
As the holiday weekend approaches, residents are encouraged to plan their grocery shopping accordingly, taking note of the varying hours of operation for different stores. The closures on Good Friday and Easter Sunday may impact meal preparations for many families, highlighting the importance of checking store hours in advance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to store operations, but the current information provides a clear picture of what shoppers can expect this Easter weekend in Ottawa and Greater Sudbury.
