Most GTA Schools Close Due to Snowstorm, But Durham Region Remains Open

A powerful winter storm sweeping across southern Ontario has led to widespread school closures across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, as significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions continue to impact local communities. Environment Canada’s warning of heavy snow, with accumulations expected up to 20–30 cm, prompted many school boards to cancel in-person learning to protect student and staff safety.

Schools in Toronto, Peel, York, Halton and Niagara regions were closed for the day, with bus transportation cancelled and in many cases facilities entirely shut down for students and staff. Universities in the area, including the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, also cancelled classes and closed campuses due to the severe weather forecast.

However, Durham Region took a different approach: schools remained open on Thursday, though bus services were cancelled across all zones for both the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board. The decision reflects local assessments that conditions in Durham were manageable for in-person instruction, even as travel remained challenging.

The winter storm has brought heavy snow, strong winds and low visibility, with Environment Canada issuing alerts that include surrounding areas beyond the GTA. The hazardous conditions have also affected road travel and public transit, with commuters urged to stay off the roads if possible and to prepare for delays during the snowstorm.

Parents and caregivers were advised to check with their local school boards for the latest updates on closures and service disruptions, as decisions varied between different regions and boards across southern Ontario.