Canada Post trucks are buried in snow at a distribution centre in Ottawa on December 13, 2024. The Canadian Press
A powerful winter storm has forced Canada Post to suspend mail delivery across Ontario and in parts of Quebec. Heavy snowfall has covered both provinces, making road conditions unsafe for mail carriers.
On Thursday morning, Canada Post issued a “red delivery service alert” for Ontario. This means no mail will be delivered, and all delivery agents have been called back for the day. "A red service alert means that we are suspending delivery for the day and not sending our delivery agents out or recalling them," the company said in a statement.
There will be no regular mail collection or deliveries during the red alert. However, Canada Post later clarified that mail service will continue in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Kapuskasing. The rest of Ontario remains under the red alert due to hazardous weather.
In Quebec, most areas are under a "yellow service alert." This means mail carriers will attempt deliveries, but delays are expected. The only exception is the Outaouais region, which is not under any alert. Canada Post said alerts can be issued for specific areas or entire provinces depending on the severity of the weather.
The winter storm has brought significant snowfall to both provinces. Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded 26 cm of snow between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, surpassing the total snowfall recorded for all of January. Meanwhile, in the Greater Montreal area, up to 40 cm of snow is expected by the end of the day, according to Environment Canada.
The storm has also caused school closures across Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area. Many daycares have also shut down due to the dangerous road conditions.
Canada Post assured residents that mail service would resume once conditions improved. "The safety of our employees is our number one priority," the statement said.
Residents are encouraged to clear snow and ice from their walkways, stairs, and driveways to make it safer for mail carriers when service resumes.
