A big weekend for Ottawa
Ottawa is bracing for a busy few days as two major events converge on the city this long weekend: the second annual Ironman Triathlon on Sunday, and Colonel By Day — the city's name for the civic holiday that falls on the first Monday of August — on Monday. Together, the two events mean road closures, altered traffic patterns, and changes to business hours across several neighbourhoods.
Ironman brings the streets to a standstill
Ottawa's Ironman Triathlon returns for its second year, and organizers are once again shutting down stretches of the city to make room for swimmers, cyclists, and runners tackling the gruelling course. Expect rolling road closures throughout the morning and into the afternoon as athletes make their way through the swim, bike, and run legs of the race. Drivers should plan alternate routes well in advance, and residents living along the race route may find their streets temporarily inaccessible by car.
Events like this have become a fixture of Ottawa's summer calendar, drawing athletes and spectators from across the region and giving the local economy a boost from hotel stays, restaurant visits, and race-day tourism. But for everyday Ottawa residents just trying to get around, it also means checking the city's road closure map before heading out on Sunday.
Colonel By Day rounds out the long weekend
Monday brings Colonel By Day, Ottawa's take on the civic holiday observed across Ontario on the first Monday of August. Named after Lieutenant Colonel John By, the engineer who oversaw construction of the Rideau Canal, the holiday is a quieter affair than Sunday's triathlon — but it still comes with its own set of changes for the city.
Many municipal services, including city hall offices and some transit schedules, will operate on holiday hours. OC Transpo typically runs a modified schedule on statutory holidays, so commuters and anyone planning to get around by bus or train should check ahead. Retail hours can vary by store, with some businesses choosing to close entirely and others opting for reduced hours, so it's worth calling ahead if there's somewhere specific you're hoping to visit.
What Ottawa residents should do
With both events landing back-to-back, the city is urging residents to plan ahead. Anyone who lives near the Ironman route, or who needs to get somewhere on Sunday morning, should check the city's official road closure listings before setting out. For Monday, it's worth confirming whether your usual grocery store, pharmacy, or favourite coffee shop will be open on the holiday, since hours can differ widely from one business to the next.
Whether you're cheering on triathletes from the sidelines or just trying to enjoy a relaxed Colonel By Day off work, a little planning will go a long way this weekend in Ottawa.
Source: CBC Ottawa
