What’s open/closed on New Year’s Day in Waterloo Region
Posted Jan 1, 2026 12:00:00 AM.
Last Updated Jan 1, 2026 01:49:58 PM.
So long 2025, it was nice knowing you. Several businesses and services will not be operating for New Year’s Day.
Here’s what’s opened and closed on New Year’s Day.
Grocery Stores/Fast Food
Anyone looking to grab food supplies at grocery stores will be out of luck on New Year’s Day. Grocery stores are closed and will reopen on Friday. Meanwhile, several fast food locations will be open, most opening between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Region of Waterloo
The following services will be closed on New Year’s Day:
- All administration buildings
- Home Child Care
- Public Health Clinics
- Regional libraries
- Regional museums
- Seniors’ Services
The Region of Waterloo Airport operations will not be affected, but all the administration offices are closed.
Warming Centres
Warming centres will be open on New Year’s Day at the following locations:
150 Main St. in Cambridge from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
150 Frederick St. in Kitchener from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Overnight warming centres will also be operating at 298 Lawrence Ave. in Kitchener and 6 Cambridge St. in Cambridge.
Garbage collection
Garbage collection is cancelled for New Year’s Day.
Those who normally have Thursday pickups will have garbage picked up on Friday. Friday’s garbage collection is moved to Saturday.
Transfer stations in both Cambridge and Waterloo will be closed for residential drop-off.
City of Waterloo
All arenas, sports centres and government buildings are closed. The Waterloo Public Square Outdoor Rink will be open, weather permitting. A full list can be found here.
City of Cambridge
All government buildings, as well as community centres and sports arenas are closed. A full list can be found here.
City of Kitchener
Kitchener City Hall will be open on New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but no in-person services will be available.
All community centres, pools and the Kitchener Market will be closed.
The Carl Zehr Square skating rink will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A full list of all venues and their hours can be found here.
Beer Stores and LCBO
All Beer Store and LCBO locations are closed on New Year’s Day.
Grand River Transit
Grand River Transit will continue to operate on winter holiday services hours between Dec. 22 and Jan. 4.
MobilityPLUS service will continue to run, but all subscription trips on New Year’s Day are cancelled.
All Grand River Customer Service Centres will be closed.
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