The Regional Municipality of Durham has shared updates on service changes across the region for the holiday season. Residents are advised of modified schedules and closures for various regional programs and facilities.
Regional Facilities and Call Centres:
All Durham Region facilities, including Regional Headquarters in Whitby, front counters, and call centres, will close at noon on December 24 and 31, and remain closed on December 25, 26, and January 1, 2026.
Durham Region Transit (DRT):
From December 22–26 and January 1, DRT will operate on a holiday schedule. On December 31, between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. on January 1, all DRT services—including scheduled holiday and On Demand trips—will be fare-free. On Demand reservations are closed on December 25, and hours are limited to 7 a.m.–10 p.m. on December 26 and January 1. The DRT app can manage bookings during these times.
Health Services:
- The Oshawa Oral Health Clinic (200 John Street West) closes at 11:30 a.m. on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1.
- Sexual Health Clinics at Oshawa Centre and Pickering City Centre close at noon on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1.
- Breastfeeding Clinics close December 24–26 and December 31–January 1 (Port Perry site closes December 25 and January 1).
- Immunization clinics will be closed December 22–26.
- Water sample drop-off/pick-up is unavailable December 23–26, 30–31, and January 1; service resumes January 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Provincial Offences Court & Prosecution Services:
Front counters close at noon on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1. Online services remain available for payments, filing, and disclosures.
Social Services and Family Programs:
- Adult Day Programs closed December 25–January 2; reopen January 5.
- Family Services Durham offices close at noon on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1.
- Community Resource Centre (200 John Street West, Oshawa) closes December 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1.
- Ontario Works offices closed December 25, 26, and January 1.
- Child Care & Early Years offices at Regional Headquarters close at noon on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1.
- Directly Operated Early Learning & Child Care centres close December 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1.
Waste Management:
Regional Waste Management Facilities in Brock, Scugog, Oshawa, and Clarington have revised hours. Curbside collection schedules are also impacted. The Waste Management Centre (4600 Garrard Road, Whitby) closes at noon on December 24 and 31, and fully on December 25, 26, and January 1. Residents can order or exchange green bins and kitchen containers online with free home delivery via durham.ca/NewBins.
Residents should check online for detailed schedules and service updates to plan accordingly during the holiday season.
Photo Credits : Durham Post
