Schools Closed Across Peel and Beyond as Winter Storm Buries GTA Under 20 cm of Snow

A powerful winter storm swept through the Greater Toronto Area overnight, leaving more than 20 cm of snow in its wake and bringing much of the region to a standstill. The heavy snowfall has forced major school boards to cancel classes, with numerous daycares, universities, and colleges also announcing closures or schedule adjustments.

For many families, this unexpected snow day presents both challenges and relief—while students may celebrate a day off, parents must juggle work responsibilities amid disrupted schedules. The storm highlights the region’s ongoing struggle with extreme winter weather, raising concerns over infrastructure preparedness and commuting safety.

Schools and School Bus Cancellations

Peel Region

• The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Peel District School Board have shut down all schools and offices. Schools are closed until Monday.

Toronto

• The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) have closed all schools for the day due to hazardous travel conditions.

Halton Region

• All schools in the Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board are closed for both students and staff.

York Region

• Schools in the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board remain closed.

Durham Region

• Both the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board have suspended all elementary and secondary school operations.

Hamilton

• The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board have shut down all schools.

Simcoe County

• All schools in Simcoe County are closed due to treacherous road conditions.

Niagara Region

• The District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board have cancelled school buses, but schools remain open.
• The Niagara Children’s Centre School Authority has cancelled all classes for the day.

MonAvenir Catholic School Board

• Schools in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Norfolk, Brantford, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, Peterborough, York Region, Simcoe-Muskoka, and Durham Region are closed.
• Schools in Niagara Region remain open.

Upper Canada College

• The private school has announced a full closure for students and staff.

Universities and Colleges Affected

• Humber Polytechnic: All campuses are closed, with classes and services moving online where possible.
• Georgian College: Downtown Barrie, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia, and South Georgian Bay campus locations are closed.
• Sheridan College: All campuses are shut down.
• Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU): The downtown campus remains open.
• University of Toronto (U of T): The Mississauga campus is closed, while the Scarborough campus has cancelled morning classes; the St. George campus remains open.
• York University: Open but monitoring the weather for potential updates.
• Seneca Polytechnic: In-person classes will be moved online where possible, though the campus remains open.

Safety Advisory and Travel Disruptions

Local authorities have urged residents to limit non-essential travel as plows work to clear major roads. Commuters should expect delays, particularly on highways and major transit routes. With temperatures expected to remain low, icy conditions could persist, increasing the risk of accidents.

Emergency services have responded to multiple weather-related incidents, and drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution. Public transportation delays and cancellations may also impact those relying on buses and trains for their commute.

As the storm continues to affect southern Ontario, meteorologists predict improving conditions by late afternoon. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather advisories and school board announcements.