Winter Storm Shuts Down School Buses Across the GTA, York University Closes
The winter storm that Environment Canada warned about all week has arrived — and it's living up to the hype. Freezing rain began falling across the GTA early Wednesday morning, prompting widespread school bus cancellations and at least one major university closure.
What's Cancelled
The Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board have cancelled all school buses for the day, though schools themselves remain open for students who can get there safely. All buses in Peel Region — zones 1, 2, and 3 — are also cancelled.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board went further, closing all schools, administrative buildings, and workspaces entirely. All in-person and remote learning is cancelled for the day, along with childcare and evening permits.
York University suspended all in-person operations as of 5:30 a.m., though virtual classes and activities continue.
The Conditions
The storm is delivering what forecasters called a "buffet of weather types." The Toronto area saw rain mixed with freezing rain starting around 4 a.m., with ice pellets mixed in. As temperatures drop through the day, the precipitation is expected to transition to heavy snow.
Environment Canada has warned that several millimetres of ice build-up are possible, particularly west of the city. Roads, sidewalks, and transit routes are treacherous, and the TTC is reporting delays on multiple surface routes.
Getting Through the Day
If you can work from home, today is the day to do it. If you have to go out:
- Give yourself at least double your normal commute time
- Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Avoid driving during the freezing rain window if possible
- Check TTC service alerts before heading to a stop
The city has pre-positioned salt trucks and plows, but with freezing rain preceding the snow, the cleanup will be slower than a typical snowstorm.
When Does It End?
The worst of the storm is expected to move through by Wednesday evening, with clearing skies and colder temperatures returning Thursday. But between the ice and the snow that follows, sidewalks and side streets could remain messy well into the weekend.
Stay safe out there, Toronto.
