Schools across southern Ontario are canceling extra-curricular activities, sports practices, and community use of school facilities as a significant winter storm approaches.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) has announced that all evening permits and activities scheduled for Wednesday at its schools in Mississauga and Brampton are canceled due to the anticipated severe weather conditions. Similarly, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) has confirmed that all permits for community use of schools in Mississauga and Brampton are suspended for the evening.
Child Care Centres and After School Programs operated by licensed third-party providers will remain open, but after-school events will proceed at the discretion of each school principal. Parents are advised to check directly with their schools for updates.
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has also canceled all evening events, including elementary and secondary school competitions, sports games, and community rentals at its facilities. Evening classes at the Gary Allan Learning Centre are also suspended. Additionally, all HDSB schools and workplaces were closed on Wednesday, with school bus transportation canceled.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a snowfall warning, predicting up to 15 cm of snow in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur at a rate of two to four centimeters per hour, accompanied by winds of up to 30 km/h.
Communities near Lake Erie and the Niagara Region may receive a lower snowfall accumulation of five to 10 cm. However, as the storm is expected to continue into Thursday, parents are urged to check with their local school boards for potential bus cancellations and further disruptions.
The District School Board of Niagara, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Durham District School Board, and Durham Catholic District School Board have yet to confirm whether school events will be affected.
Most schools across Ontario will be on a PA day on Friday, February 14, providing an extended weekend for students.
Parents and students are encouraged to monitor school board websites and social media channels for the latest updates.