Why is it called Simcoe Day?
Although now an almost nation-wide affair, the August Civic Holiday began in Toronto in the late 1800's when our city council thought people could use another "day of relaxation" in the summer months. But it was the city council sitting in 1968 that decided to name the Civic Holiday Simcoe Day after the very late John Graves Simcoe.
Simcoe came to what is now Ontario in 1792 as the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. Because of health problems he only stayed in Canada until 1796, but in the intervening years he organized the governments in both Upper Canada and Quebec, began building roads, and founded the town of York, which would eventually become the City of Toronto. Simcoe's greatest legacy though is that he supported legislation to ban future slavery. Other British territories would eventually follow suit, and Canada would become a haven for escaped slaves via the underground railroad.
Source: The Archives of Ontario, The Origins of Simcoe Day
2009 Simcoe Day Events in Toronto
City Events and the Strike
Unfortunately, the special Simcoe Day events which usually take place in Toronto are run through the city's museums, all of which are closed while city workers strike. This means that for 2009 the usual Fort York and Gibson House Simcoe Day events are cancelled.
Other Things To Do On Simcoe Day in Toronto
Irie Music Festival
Irie Fest runs all weekend, bringing reggae and world music performances plus children's activities, art and literature displays and of course food to Queen's Park over the long weekend. Monday's entertainment begins at noon and continues until 8pm.
• www.IrieMusicFestival.com
Scarborough Ribfest
The Rotary Club's Scarborough Ribfest runs throughout the weekend at Thomson Memorial Park and continues on Monday. Admission and parking are free.
• Visit www.ScarboroughRibfest.com for details and directions.
Caribana Final Weekend
After the big parade on Saturday Caribana moves to Ontario Place for two more days of outdoor festival celebrations.
• Visit www.CaribanaFestival.com for more on the events or www.OntarioPlace.com.
Tundra Trek at the Toronto Zoo
After months of having polar bears and other animals off display, the Toronto Zoo's new 10-acre Tundra Trek exhibit will finally open to the general public on August 1st. Visit on the Simcoe Day long weekend and you'll be among the first to see the new habitat designed especially for the polar bears plus arctic wolves, arctic foxes, lesser snow geese, a snowy owl and reindeer.
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo.
Correction note: The Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival is not running in 2009. Apologies for the earlier inclusion in the updated listings.
Simcoe Day Closures and Schedule Changes
Toronto's Other Historic Museums
Toronto has ten historic museums in total, nine of which are generally open to the public. The sites not listed above however are all closed on Mondays.
The Toronto Public Library
One thing you can't do on Simcoe Day is sign out a book about Toronto's history. All branches of the library will be closed both on Sunday August 3rd and Monday August 4th.
Banks and Government Offices
Generally banks and government offices will be closed on a civic holiday. Both the LCBO and The Beer Store open many locations, but not all. If you need to find out if a certain Toronto store is open call the LCBO infoline at 416 365-5900 (or 1-800-ONT-LCBO if you're outside Toronto) or for The Beer Store's list of holiday hours visit www.thebeerstore.ca.
The TTC and GO Transit
Both the TTC and GO Transit will be running on holiday schedules on Monday. Visit www.ttc.ca and gotransit.com to check schedules online.
