On Thursday, February 13, nearly all schools and educational institutions on Montreal's island will close their doors due to what is expected to be one of the most significant snowfalls of the year, with forecasts predicting up to 40 centimeters of snow. This decision impacts not only elementary and secondary schools but also higher education facilities, heralding another snow day for the city.
The closures encompass institutions governed by the English Montreal School Board, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, Lester B. Pearson School Board, New Frontiers School Board, and Riverside School Board. Alongside these, all schools under the francophone Centre de services scolaire de Montréal and the Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys are also affected. The extensive list of closures extends across the Greater Montreal area.
Notably, both Concordia University and McGill University have cancelled classes for the day. Affected students will find themselves with unexpected free time as they navigate the consequences of the extreme weather. Meanwhile, Marianopolis College has opted for online classes instead of traditional classroom settings to cope with the storm.
Many private institutions, like West Island College, Lower Canada College, Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School, Villa Maria, and several others, have also announced they will remain closed amid safety concerns stemming from the weather forecast.
Daycares are not exempt from the storm's wrath, with numerous facilities such as Garderie Alexis Nihon, Garderie Vendome, and CPE Hellenique Ta Pedakika announcing they will be shuttered for the day as well.
The closure of these educational facilities is part of proactive measures taken by the authorities to safeguard students and staff during the inclement weather. Reports indicate officials were closely monitoring the situation leading up to the snowstorm and had prepared contingency plans to respond to adverse conditions.
The Montreal community has been well aware of the unpredictable nature of winter weather, which can often lead to significant disruptions. Many parents and students alike have grown accustomed to the frequent closures of schools during the winter months, reflecting the city’s adaptation to snow-laden conditions.
The current weather events are reminiscent of past considerable snowfalls where Montreal was blanketed under thick layers of snow, causing similar disruptions. This time around, forecasts point to exceptionally heavy snowfall over just one day, necessitating the cancellations to maintain public safety.
For families unable to make alternative arrangements due to school closures, the Cummings Centre plans to continue its online programs as scheduled, offering some degree of continuity amid the chaos of nature. This allows some interaction and educational activities to proceed, albeit remotely.
Overall, residents are advised to exercise caution if they must travel during the storm. Roads may become treacherous, and public transport is expected to face significant delays, creating additional challenges for those who need to commute.
With blizzard conditions predicted, the city gears up for what may be one of the snowiest days of the season, leaving many hunkering down at home, enjoying the winter's beauty from the safety of indoors.