All schools and workplaces within the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) are officially closed on Thursday, February 13, 2025. This decision follows reports from the previous night detailing heavy snowfall accumulating over 20 centimeters, particularly affecting regions like Oakville and surrounding areas.
The HDSB announced early this morning via their official channels, stating, "All Halton District School Board schools and workplaces are closed and transportation is cancelled for all Halton District School Board students." This swift response aimed to prioritize the safety of students amid dangerously hazardous road conditions.
Not long after, the HCDSB confirmed through social media, declaring, "All HCDSB schools and offices are closed due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions." Both announcements reflect the acute weather challenges faced by the community.
Adding to the unique situation, Friday was already designated as a Professional Activity (PA) Day, and Monday marks the Family Day holiday for both school boards. Consequently, students find themselves with an extended five-day weekend, providing families with potential opportunities for winter activities or rest at home, dependent on weather conditions.
While the winter storm has prompted school closures, it has also disrupted other educational institutions. Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College have announced the closure of all campuses as part of the precautionary measures due to the same inclement weather impacting Halton. Transportation services have not been spared either, with schedules modified for GO Transit, especially on the Milton Line, to accommodate for expected delays.
Looking out for the community, municipal services, such as Milton Transit, have warned of likely schedule delays, coupled with the suspension of parking exceptions which will remain active until noon on Monday. With the weather advisories alerting residents to remaining hazards throughout the day, these precautions seem well warranted.
Environment Canada has just officially ended its snowfall warnings for Oakville and nearby regions. Despite this, the forecast indicates continued flurries and the possibility of freezing rain, particularly until about 9 a.m., depicting the unpredictable nature of winter conditions. With temperatures expected to plummet to lows of -4 degrees Celsius, staying cautious remains pivotal for residents.
The HCDSB has also postponed the "Ready, Set, Go!" Kindergarten information session originally scheduled for the evening of February 13 at St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School. This reflects the broader impact of the winter weather, which is affecting not only regular classes but also the important informational events benefitting families.
Looking forward, both the HDSB and HCDSB anticipate resuming classes on February 14, albeit with close monitoring of conditions. Community members are encouraged to stay revised on announcements by checking the boards’ websites or social media to receive timely updates and safety information.
Halton residents are reminded to maintain caution on the roads, especially as they navigate their way back after the lengthy winter break. While the snow collects some charm, the potential hazards pose serious safety concerns which highlight the importance of responsible travel choices.
With winter still very much present, the community vibes mixed with excitement for longer breaks and concerns for practicalities. The coming days will be important both for recovering from the winter storm and the safety of all its residents.