Safety concerns prompt full closures of schools in Waterloo Region

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Snow storm cleanup continues

Why were schools completely closed today?

It’s not unusual for school transportation to be cancelled during slippery winter days, but both the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board completely closed their schools on Thursday as most of the region was blanketed in snow.

Extended day programs, childcare centres, sports and adult programs were also put on pause due to the weather.

Both boards acknowledged the move can create challenges for families who are left trying to find safe spaces for their children to go.

The Catholic board said closing schools is a last resort, but the combination of snowfall, poor road conditions and the likelihood of delays in snow clearing efforts on Thursday prompted their decision. Instead, students were told to access virtual lessons, work on previously assigned work or take the day to review lessons.

“Environment Canada upgraded its weather alert overnight, indicating that heavy snow would continue throughout the day. That raised concerns not just about the morning commute, but also about families and staff travelling to and from school, and about plows being able to keep up with the volume of snow,” the Catholic board wrote in an email.

Spotters for the Catholic board were out Thursday morning and “reported many unplowed roads and subdivisions, with icy conditions underneath the new snowfall due to yesterday’s above-zero temperatures followed by a rapid drop below freezing overnight.”

Grand River Transit also adjusted bus routes, local universities and colleges closed their campuses and school boards in neighbouring districts were also shuttered for the day.

“Taken together, this signalled that conditions were not localized and could not be addressed simply by cancelling yellow school bus service,” the Catholic board wrote.

The Catholic board said the last system-wide snow day was in February 2025, but given the road conditions and expected delays throughout the day, they felt it was the safest option.

PA and PD days are set for both boards on Friday.