School buses in heavy snowfall during a winter storm. Getty Images
A strengthening winter storm disrupted the morning commute across Toronto and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area on Wednesday, leading to widespread school bus cancellations.
Freezing rain, snow, and icy roads created unsafe travel conditions early in the day. While most school boards kept classrooms open, they suspended transportation services to protect students and drivers.
Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for Toronto and nearby regions as the storm intensified overnight.
Toronto Schools Remain Open
The Toronto District School Board cancelled all school buses due to worsening weather conditions. In a statement released early Wednesday, the board said transportation would not operate because of delays and deteriorating road conditions. However, schools remained open and classes continued as planned.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board made a similar decision. Officials cited freezing rain and icy roads as reasons for cancelling buses. Schools under the Catholic board also stayed open for students.
York and Peel Regions Follow
In York Region, officials cancelled all transportation services, including buses and taxis. Despite the cancellation, schools across the region remained open.
Peel Region also suspended bus service in all transportation zones. Both public and Catholic board students felt the impact. Officials encouraged families to check weather protocols online for updates. Schools in Peel continued to operate.
Durham and Halton Cancel Transportation
Durham Student Transportation Services cancelled buses in all four zones, including Brock, Uxbridge, Scugog, and the Pickering-Ajax-Whitby-Oshawa corridor. Officials pointed to worsening weather and unsafe road conditions. Schools across Durham remained open.
Halton Region cancelled transportation services in all zones for both public and Catholic boards. Officials confirmed that schools would stay open, but buses would not run for either morning or afternoon service.
Hamilton Sees Closures
Hamilton experienced the most significant disruption. The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board closed all schools, administrative buildings, and learning spaces for the day. Officials cancelled in-person and remote learning, childcare services, and evening permits.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board cancelled student transportation but kept schools open. Officials reminded parents and guardians that they could choose to keep children home if they felt travel conditions were unsafe.
Dangerous Roads Across the Region
Icy conditions made travel hazardous throughout the GTA. Freezing rain coated roads and sidewalks, while light snow created slippery surfaces. Drivers faced delays and reduced visibility during the morning rush.
Officials urged residents to allow extra travel time and exercise caution on untreated roads. Crews continued to monitor conditions as temperatures fluctuated throughout the day.
The storm highlighted how quickly winter weather can affect daily routines across the region. Even when schools stay open, transportation often faces suspension during severe conditions to ensure safety.
