Peel Region is bracing for significant disruptions as heavy snowfall is set to sweep through southern Ontario, prompting widespread school closures and event cancellations. According to forecasts from Environment Canada, parts of Ontario could be blanketed with up to 40 cm of snow, causing considerable concern among parents and students.
On February 12, 2025, various educational institutions including the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) and the Peel District School Board confirmed the cancellations of extracurricular activities due to the anticipated snowstorm. The DPCDSB announced, “All evening permits and activities at DPCDSB schools and facilities are cancelled today, Wednesday, February 12.” The Peel District School Board echoed this guidance, noting their decision to cancel all permits for community use of schools.
Compounding the challenges, many families were left wondering whether school buses were operational as the storm approached. Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) provided early-morning notifications of any potential cancellations, emphasizing the need for parents to stay updated with local notices. The advice was particularly prudent as snow began to accumulate rapidly across the region.
While most children won't be bused to school with the heavy snowfall, some child care centers and after-school programs operated by licensed third-party providers decided to continue operations as scheduled. Still, the DPCDSB stated the discretion of continuing after-school events lies with each school’s principal, urging parents to contact schools directly if they had any doubts.
Adding to the complexity, MiWay Transit and Brampton Transit announced delays and alterations to bus routes due to poor weather conditions and reduced visibility. With conditions worsening, Peel Region authorities advised motorists to avoid non-essential travel. OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt cautioned, "Avoid non-essential travel during the storm,” highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety during such hazardous weather events.
Despite significant snowfall expected throughout the day on February 12, some areas near Lake Erie may escape the worst of the storm, with forecasts predicting between 5 and 10 cm of snow. Nevertheless, communities are urged to prepare for the worst and anticipate travel disruptions possibly extending throughout February 13.
Local officials have declared it a Significant Weather Event, which allows for preemptive measures to be taken effectively. With multiple school boards facing closures, parents are encouraged to check back regularly for updates, as bus services and school operations will heavily depend on weather conditions and advisories issued by the authorities.
Looking forward, most Ontario schools are scheduled for a Professional Activity (PA) day on the following Friday, meaning cancellations and disruptions this week could affect planning and childcare needs for families across Peel and beyond.
For those venturing out, the OPP provided several safety tips, such as maintaining safe distances between vehicles and ensuring car windows and lights are clear of snow. Those on the roads should drive cautiously and prepare for emergencies with necessary supplies, including food, blankets, and charged cell phones.
Overall, as the snowstorm continues to impact the area, families, educators, and transit authorities are working diligently to maintain safety and keep the public informed during this significant weather event. The combination of school closures, delayed transportation, and hazardous travel conditions reinforces the importance of vigilance and communication throughout this challenging winter period.