Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland that turns into a day off from school! This is exactly what many students and families in Toronto and nearby Ontario cities are experiencing on January 26 due to the aftermath of a significant winter storm that swept through the region.
The storm began early Sunday morning and persisted, leading to snow accumulation that could reach an astonishing 50 centimeters in certain areas, as warned by Environment and Climate Change Canada with an Orange level alert. By 7 p.m., Toronto Pearson Airport reported a staggering 41 centimeters of snow had already fallen.
In response to this weather emergency, officials in Toronto declared a "Major Snow Storm Condition and Significant Weather Event," prompting various school boards throughout the area to announce closures on Sunday evening. Let’s break down the specifics of which schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, by their respective school boards.
Peel District School Board (PDSB) and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB)
Both PDSB and DPCDSB have opted to close all schools and worksites, with all bus services suspended due to the severe weather. This closure also means that any activities held on school grounds—like childcare, night school programs, and permits—are canceled. Additionally, secondary exams that were scheduled for January 26 will now take place on a designated Contingency Day.
Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
All TDSB schools, administrative buildings, and facilities will be shut to students and most staff because of continued snow removal efforts and the Major Snow Storm Condition. This closure extends to all child care centers and before-and-after school programs within TDSB schools, with all permits for use being canceled for the day. Evening courses for Continuing Education, including International Languages Elementary, African Heritage programs, and Adult ESL classes, will also not occur. Similarly, TCDSB schools are closed, and bus transport has been canceled. Exams that were initially set for Monday have been postponed to January 29.
Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB)
In Halton, all HDSB schools and workplaces will remain closed, with transportation suspended for all students due to the harsh winter conditions and expected troublesome road situations. As a result, secondary exams planned for January 26 will be rescheduled, and school administrators will directly communicate the new exam details to families. HCDSB follows suit, closing all its schools and board offices to both students and staff due to similar conditions.
York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)
Given the emergency weather situation, YRDSB has canceled transportation services and closed all schools and board locations for students on Monday. Likewise, YCDSB schools will be closed, and child care services will not be operating. However, exams scheduled for Monday will be postponed until Thursday, while those set for Tuesday and Wednesday will proceed as planned.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB)
HWDSB has decided to close all schools, administrative facilities, and workplaces, including the Education Centre, due to ongoing snowfall affecting road safety and snow removal efforts. Consequently, all forms of learning, whether in-person or remote, alongside childcare services, are canceled. Secondary students will see their exams postponed to January 27.
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB)
HWCDSB’s schools, adult education centers, and community use facilities are all closed. Transportation and athletic events have been called off, and exams scheduled for January 26 have been rescheduled to coincide with the next exam day, pushing all remaining exams forward by one day.
Durham Region School Board (DRSB) and Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)
To ensure student safety amid the winter storm, DRSB has closed all its schools and work sites to students and staff. This decision was made with consideration of the significant snowfall and the challenges anticipated from the storm's aftermath, including ongoing snow clearing efforts. All childcare programs operated by the schools will also be canceled. DCDSB has similarly closed all schools and facilities, including bus transportation and community use permits, advising that updates regarding exams will be shared with students and families. DCDSB schools and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday.
District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and Niagara District Catholic School Board (NDCSB)
In light of the considerable snowfall and high winds across the Niagara region, all DSBN schools and offices are closed. NDCSB has also declared a "snow day," meaning parents do not need to report their child's absence. Secondary exams are set to be rescheduled as well, and childcare services within schools will not be available.
It’s fascinating how nature can impact our daily lives so dramatically, isn’t it? How do you feel about these weather-related school closures? Do you think they’re necessary, or should schools find ways to remain open despite inclement weather? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
