Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The after-effects of a powerful winter storm that swept through southern Ontario on Sunday prompted widespread school closures across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) on Monday, as authorities worked to clear snow and restore safe travel conditions.
The Toronto District School Board confirmed that all its schools, administrative offices, learning sites and childcare centres would remain shut for the day to support ongoing snow-clearing efforts and in response to the severe weather alert issued by the city. Soon after, the Toronto Catholic District School Board announced similar closures, adding that examinations scheduled for Monday have been deferred to Thursday at the same time slots.
In neighbouring regions, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board declared a full shutdown of schools, offices and facilities, with all planned exams moved to a later contingency date. The Peel District School Board also cancelled classes, childcare services, evening programmes and permits, rescheduling Monday’s exams to Wednesday while keeping Tuesday’s assessments unchanged.
York Region authorities ordered a complete closure of schools, board buildings and transportation services, urging families not to send students to campuses. Both the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board followed suit, citing heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions, and cancelled all in-person learning, bus services and permit activities.
Halton District School Board students were also affected, as schools and workplaces closed and transportation services were suspended across the region. As of late Sunday, the Conseil Scolaire Viamonde had not confirmed whether it would implement closures.
Beyond schools, police and highway officials issued strong advisories to the public. Toronto Police urged residents to limit travel and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, warning that snow-covered streets could remain treacherous despite round-the-clock ploughing. The Ontario Provincial Police echoed the call, advising motorists to avoid non-essential trips until road conditions improve.
Municipal crews continue to clear major routes and neighbourhood streets, but officials caution that it may take time before normal operations fully resume.
