Ontario Schools Urge Families to Prepare for Winter Bus Cancellations

URGENT UPDATE: As winter storms loom over Ontario, families are advised to brace for potential school bus cancellations. With severe weather on the horizon, school boards are preparing for decisions that directly impact the safety of students and families, emphasizing the importance of staying informed.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB), one of Canada’s largest, has confirmed that decisions regarding bus cancellations are made by a team that includes the director, associate director, and transportation staff. This team assesses weather forecasts, road conditions, and safety risks, posting updates online and through social media by 6 a.m.. Notably, around 93 percent of TDSB students do not rely on school buses, meaning a cancellation often occurs without closing schools, which would affect 239,000 students and create childcare issues for many families.

Similarly, the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) follows the same protocol, announcing cancellations by 6 a.m. as well. On days when school-provided transportation is halted, all buses and specialized vehicles are cancelled for both morning and afternoon routes. YRDSB assures families that students will not be marked absent during these cancellations, allowing parents to decide if it’s safe for their children to attend school.

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) also plays a crucial role in these decisions. OSTA begins monitoring weather conditions and consulting neighboring transport authorities early in the morning, with notifications sent out by 5:30 a.m. via their website and social media channels.

Families across Ontario are urged to stay vigilant as winter weather intensifies. School boards emphasize their top priority: the safety of students and drivers during the harshest conditions. It is essential for families to check school board websites and local weather forecasts regularly.

As the winter season approaches, parents are reminded that the cancellation of school bus services can significantly affect day-to-day routines. With the potential for last-minute decisions, immediate awareness is crucial. Families are encouraged to prepare alternative childcare solutions and stay informed about their school’s transportation status.

With unpredictable weather patterns affecting travel across the province, it’s vital that families keep an eye on updates from their respective school boards. The authorities are actively monitoring conditions and will provide timely updates to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.