Closures, weather alerts and more of winter’s blast: It’s not over yet

Plows are working overtime to clear roads while residents are digging out after a winter storm blasted the region overnight on Thursday, and it’s not over yet.

Environment Canada had warned the intense wintry weather would hit, and it did not disappoint.

In true snow-day fashion, parents were notified all schools had shuttered for the day from York Region to Muskoka - a rare event, because despite the significant number of bus cancellations this year, school have remained open to learning.

Well, not today.

The school closures extend to child care centres, education centres, college campuses and university as well.

Georgian College said that due to the poor road conditions, the downtown Barrie, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia and South Georgian Bay campuses would be closed. Additionally, the Career and Employment Community Services in Orangeville and Barrie were also closed to in-person services. The college said clients could access services remotely.

In Orillia, Lakehead University cancelled all in-person classes on Thursday, noting all online learning would go ahead as scheduled.

Municipal Closures

The City of Barrie cancelled all programming at its recreational centres, including Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, and Parkview Community Centre. The cancellations include all registered and drop-in programs, including the fitness centres, gym, arenas and pools.

“Our priorities are safety and communication. Sometimes unexpected events necessitate that a recreation program or service must be moved, postponed or cancelled outright,” the City stated on Thursday.

The road conditions forced Ramara Public Library to close and cancel all scheduled programs for Thursday. While opening hours have been delayed at Innisfil’s ideaLAB and Library. The branch plans to open at noon.

The Township of Tiny advised residents services could be limited due to the weather, and Clearview closed its administration centre for the day, which could be the case for many municipalities.

Residents are advised to check ahead before venturing out because the closures are far-reaching.

Weather Update

It’s no surprise police are advising residents to stay hunkered down if at all possible to avoid unnecessary travel while road crews work.

“The wind is expected to pick up this afternoon which will cause hazardous blowing snow and whiteout conditions,” OPP stated. “The road crews are busy working around the clock to clear the 30cm of snow that fell over the last 12 hours. Please give them the opportunity to do so safely.”

Environment Canada has several weather alerts still in place on Thursday, including a snow squall watch and blowing snow advisory. Both of which could develop or change throughout the day.

The weather agency says snow squalls will whip up by the afternoon or early evening, with poor to near-zero visibility on the roads. There is the potential for another 20 to 40cm of snowfall for many parts of the region before all is said and done.

The weather experts note the squalls should weaken by Friday afternoon. So be prepared for another bout of Mother Nature’s fury.

“If you must head out, please take the time to clean off your motor vehicle, plan your route, and have someone know where you’re headed, your planned route, and when you intend to leave,” OPP concluded.

Muskoka Snow

In Muskoka, crews are working to clear the snow accumulation from Lake Muskoka ahead of the North American Cup pond hockey tournament founded by Rob Carleton meant to kick off next week.

“Worst ice conditions we have seen in 19 years due to the amount of snow that has fallen on the bay this winter, which has created two feet of slush under it and on top of the ice,” stated Rob Carleton in a post on Facebook. “Can’t get our big equipment on it because it gets stuck in the slush. My amazing ice crew are battling Mother Nature.”