The City of Prince Albert is advising residents and local businesses to plan ahead as municipal facilities shift to adjusted operating hours during the upcoming holiday season, including early closures at City Hall on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
In a public notice, the City outlined changes designed to accommodate holiday staffing schedules while maintaining essential services for the community. City Hall will close earlier than normal on two dates in late December, affecting in-person services and phone inquiries for some departments.
“Holiday Hours for City Facilities” are in effect as City Hall closes early on Tuesday, December 24, at 2:00 p.m., with Payments and Solutions Hub phone inquiries accepted until 1:45 p.m. A second early closure is scheduled for Tuesday, December 31, when City Hall will close at 4:00 p.m., and Payments and Solutions Hub phone inquiries will be accepted until 3:00 p.m.
The City confirmed that “Regular business hours will resume on the next business day.” Outside of City Hall, municipal officials cautioned that operating hours for other City-run facilities will vary depending on location and service type.
The adjustments are part of the City’s standard holiday operations planning, which aims to balance reduced staffing levels with the continued delivery of municipal services. While City Hall closures often receive the most attention, residents are reminded that a wide range of facilities—including recreation centres, libraries, and other public-facing services—may operate on modified schedules throughout the holiday period.
For residents, the changes underscore the importance of completing time-sensitive transactions in advance. Services such as payments, permits, and administrative inquiries can be affected by early closures, particularly near the end of the calendar year when demand for municipal services typically increases.
Local businesses may also feel the impact of the adjusted hours, especially those that rely on municipal approvals, payments, or regulatory interactions before year-end. Business operators are encouraged to review municipal schedules carefully to avoid delays that could affect cash flow, compliance requirements, or project timelines.
To help residents and businesses navigate the changes, the City is encouraging the public to consult its online Facility Hours Map. According to the notice, “Residents are encouraged to view the Facility Hours Map for the most up-to-date information: www.citypa.ca/hours.” The map provides current operating hours for City facilities and is updated as schedules change.
Municipal holiday hour adjustments are common across Canadian cities, particularly on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when many public offices close early. Prince Albert’s approach aligns with practices seen in other mid-sized municipalities, where reduced hours are communicated in advance to minimize disruption to residents and the business community.
The City’s emphasis on advance notice reflects broader efforts by municipalities to improve transparency and service planning, particularly during peak periods when staff availability is limited. By providing clear timelines and directing the public to centralized online resources, the City aims to reduce confusion and ensure residents can access services when needed.
As the holiday season approaches, City officials are reminding residents to check hours before visiting any municipal facility in person. With schedules varying by location, the Facility Hours Map remains the primary source for accurate, up-to-date information throughout the holiday period.
Residents seeking municipal services are encouraged to plan accordingly, complete urgent transactions early, and make use of online resources where available to avoid inconvenience during the City’s adjusted holiday hours.
