A massive snowstorm has hit the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), causing widespread disruptions and forcing schools to close their doors. This unexpected winter blast has left many students and families wondering what to expect in the coming days.
The Whiteout Effect: Schools Shut Down Across the GTHA
As the snow piled up, reaching heights of 60 centimeters or more in some areas, school boards across the region took swift action. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) announced that all schools, administrative buildings, and even childcare centers would remain closed to students and most staff on Monday. This decision was made to ensure the safety of everyone involved, given the challenging weather conditions and deteriorating road safety.
But here's where it gets controversial: while some exams scheduled for Monday will be postponed to later this week, others will proceed as planned. The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has also closed all its schools and board sites on Monday, with bus transportation, childcare, and other programs canceled. Exams scheduled for tomorrow will be rescheduled for January 29, while those on January 27 and 28 will go ahead as originally planned.
In York Region, the York Catholic District School Board has closed all its schools, with secondary students' exams on Monday being rescheduled to Thursday. Meanwhile, the York Region District School Board has announced that all its schools and board locations will be closed to students on Monday.
Durham Region has also felt the impact of the snowstorm, with all Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board schools closed on Monday. Durham Student Transportation Services, which provides bus services for both boards, has canceled all operations for the day.
Dufferin-Peel has not been spared either. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has closed all its schools and offices to students and staff on Monday due to winter weather conditions. Secondary exams scheduled for tomorrow will be moved to the designated Contingency Day.
And this is the part most people miss: the Peel District School Board has closed all its schools and worksites on Monday, with all activities, including childcare and night school, canceled. Exams scheduled for Monday will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 28, at the same time. Exams for Tuesday, January 27 (Period 4 classes), will continue as planned.
Halton District and Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) schools and administrative centers will also be closed, with transportation services canceled in Zones 1, 2, and 3 for January 26, 2026. HCDSB cited the safety of students, families, and staff as their top priority in making this decision.
As the snow continues to fall, the impact of this storm is being felt across the GTHA. With exams being rescheduled and schools closed, students and families are navigating the challenges of this unexpected winter event.
What are your thoughts on the school closures and exam rescheduling? Do you think the school boards made the right call, or should they have considered alternative solutions? Share your opinions in the comments below!
