Civic Holiday - Congé civique

The Civic Holiday, known in French as Congé civique, is observed on the first Monday of August in Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. It is one of Canada's most unique holidays because it goes by many different local names depending on the city or region.

Notably, the Civic Holiday is not a mandatory statutory holiday in Ontario — employers are not legally required to give employees the day off. Despite this, it is widely observed across the province, with most businesses and government offices closed. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, it holds statutory status.

The Civic Holiday has its roots in the late 19th century, when municipalities across Ontario began declaring a summer holiday for their citizens. Unlike most holidays established by federal or provincial legislation, the Civic Holiday emerged from local municipal proclamations, which is why it carries so many different names.

In Toronto, the holiday is known as Simcoe Day, named after John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (1791-1796). Toronto officially adopted this name in 1969 to honour Simcoe's role in abolishing slavery in Upper Canada through the Act Against Slavery of 1793.

In Ottawa, it is called Colonel By Day, honouring Lieutenant Colonel John By, the British military engineer who supervised the construction of the Rideau Canal between 1826 and 1832.

Other local names include Emancipation Day (in parts of Ontario, marking the abolition of slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834), Peter Robinson Day (Peterborough), and Joseph Brant Day (Burlington), each reflecting local historical figures or events.

Local Identity: Each community celebrates with its own flavour. Toronto focuses on the legacy of John Graves Simcoe, while Ottawa honours the builder of the Rideau Canal.

Cottage Country Weekend: For many Ontarians, the Civic Holiday long weekend is the quintessential cottage weekend. Families head to Muskoka, Kawarthas, Prince Edward County, and other lakeside destinations.

Outdoor Festivals: Communities across Ontario, NT, and NU host outdoor festivals, concerts, barbecues, and fireworks displays.

Sporting Events: Summer sporting events, from community baseball games to sailing regattas, are common across the provinces and territories.

Farmers' Markets: Many communities hold special farmers' market events, celebrating local agriculture and summer produce.

Historical Celebrations: Some cities organize historical reenactments, museum exhibits, and educational events honouring the figure their local version of the holiday commemorates.