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Residents across northwestern Ontario can take the time to mourn Queen Elizabeth II today.
The Royal Canadian Legion of Kenora is holding a wreath-laying ceremony and two minutes of silence at the Lake of the Woods Museum’s Cenotaph today at 10:55 a.m. in honour of the Queen.
Residents are also able to watch a live stream of the national commemorative ceremony in Ottawa with a memorial parade, 96-gun salute and a flypast from the Royal Canadian Air Force. The parade is set to begin shortly after 11 a.m.
“This is absolutely a tragedy. I join all Canadians and those around the world in mourning the loss of the Queen,” said Kenora MP Eric Melillo, in an interview with the Q Morning Show.
“She served 70 years as our longest reigning sovereign and was really a mainstay for society across the Commonwealth. My thoughts continue to be with the Royal Family in this difficult time. And long live the King!”
For residents wondering what will be open and what will be closed today, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the day would be considered a federal holiday, but only federal government employees were guaranteed to get the day off, and employers in federally-regulated industries had the choice to shut down for the day.
But later in the week, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario would only consider a Day of Mourning, with a moment of silence at 1 p.m.
This means while Canada Post and Canada Services offices will be closed, banks and schools will remain open, as will the Beer Store and the LCBO.
As well, the City of Kenora says all city buildings will remain open, with the exception of the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Arts Centre – which are usually closed on Mondays – as well as the Kenora Public Library, which will be closed.
Dryden’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch held a special ceremony on Saturday morning.