Ontario School Boards Cancel Classes Monday Amid Severe Winter Weather

Several school boards across Ontario have announced that schools and bus transportation will be cancelled on Monday, January 26, 2026, as emergency weather conditions persist following a significant winter storm that has hit the region with heavy snowfall, high winds and plummeting temperatures.

Boards in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions — including the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and the Halton District School Board (HDSB) — have declared **“snow days,” closing school buildings and cancelling all school bus routes for the day. Exams originally scheduled for Monday are also being rescheduled by some boards to later dates, reflecting the widespread disruption to normal school operations.

The closures stem from a major winter storm that blanketed southern Ontario with **heavy snow accumulations — in some areas more than 20 cm — and strong winds that have made travel hazardous and road conditions treacherous. Environment Canada and local officials issued weather alerts in the lead-up to the storm, warning of reduced visibility, icy surfaces and ongoing snow squalls that complicated road clearing efforts.

School boards typically base closure decisions on a combination of factors including road safety, transportation risks, and the ability of families and staff to travel safely. In this case, the severity of conditions and the expected impacts on school bus routes and neighbourhood streets led boards to cancel classes preemptively to protect students, staff and families.

Parents and caregivers have been advised by school authorities to stay updated through official board communications and to make appropriate childcare arrangements for the day, as in-person and transportation-supported learning will not be available. Boards will provide further updates as needed, particularly if weather conditions cause lingering impacts into the rest of the week.