Owen Sound Marks National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2026

The City recognizes National Indigenous Veterans Day Sunday, November 8, and Remembrance Day on Wednesday, November 11, marking these important dates with half-masted flags at City facilities. Residents are encouraged pause to remember and honour those who served and sacrificed for their nation in the line of duty.

City Hall, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library, and Public Works buildings will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, with regular hours of operation resuming on Thursday, November 12. Owen Sound Transit’s Core and Brooke stops within the road closure area will be temporarily interrupted during the parade and ceremony on the 11th. Please plan ahead to avoid these stops during this time. 

Community Events:

National Indigenous Veterans Day

To acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and those who currently serve, a ceremony will be held at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park on Sunday, November 8th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event is family-friendly, open to the public, and will provide an opportunity to honour the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples in service.

Remembrance Day

Join the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 at the Owen Sound Cenotaph (across from the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library) to recognize those who have served and continue to serve our nation. The parade will begin at the Royal Bank at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11 and proceed to the Cenotaph for the service at 11 a.m.

New this year, attendees will be able to enjoy the recently completed Veterans Memorial Crosswalk, crossing at 1st Avenue East at 8th street. Thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Branch 6 and the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer for their partnership in creating this lasting tribute.

Temporary Road Closures:

The following temporary road closures will take place in the River District to accommodate the safe passage of the Remembrance Day Parade from 2nd Avenue East at 9th Street East to the Veteran’s Memorial on 1st Avenue West. 

Parade Road Closures – 9:30 a.m. to approx. 11 a.m.

• 2nd Avenue East between 8th Street East and 9th Street East
• 1st Avenue East between 8th Street East and 9th Street East
• 8th Street East between 1st Avenue East and 2nd Avenue East
• Access to the Farmers’ Market (lot 6) and City Hall (lot 1) parking lots will be restricted during the road closures

Memorial Service Road Closures - 7:30 a.m. to approx. 12:30 p.m.

• 8th Street West between 1st Avenue East and 2nd Avenue West
• 1st Avenue West between 8th Street West and 9th Street West

All vehicles parked on the affected municipal roadways or parking lots at or after 7:30 a.m. are asked to remain in place for the duration of the closure and may leave only after the road has been reopened.

Pedestrian access to the businesses will be maintained during their regular operating hours. Parking is available in nearby Municipal lots and on-street (where permitted).

All road users are encouraged to remain cautious and alert if travelling through the area to ensure the continued safety of all roadway users. Please allow for additional travel time and consider alternate routes of travel where possible.

For more information, please contact Communications by email communications@owensound.ca or by phone at 519-376-4440 ext. 1207.

Quick Facts:

• Road closures can be anticipated in the River District on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to accommodate the Remembrance Day Parade and Memorial Service.
• City Hall, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, The Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library, and Public Works will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 for Remembrance Day.
• City facilities will fly the Canadian flag at half-mast in observance of National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day.
• The Owen Sound Cenotaph was dedicated on December 1, 1920.