Ontario’s Record Snowstorm Forces Mass School Bus Cancellations

A major winter storm shut down school bus services across a large swath of southern Ontario on Friday, November 28, 2025. The powerful system dumped heavy snow, creating dangerous travel conditions. Thousands of students were affected by widespread school bus cancellations.

The storm delivered the heaviest snowfall of the season so far. According to CityNews Kitchener, some areas were expected to receive between 40 and 70 centimeters of snow by Saturday.

Transportation Halts in Waterloo and Simcoe Regions

School bus cancellations were extensive. All bus, taxi, and special education routes for the Waterloo Region public and Catholic school boards were cancelled. The Simcoe County District and Catholic school boards also suspended all transportation.

This affected zones including Barrie, Innisfil, and Orillia. Schools and child care centers remained open despite the cancellations. This left many families scrambling to find alternate arrangements for their children.

Toronto Experiences Significant Delays Amid Chaos

Toronto avoided full cancellations but faced major disruptions. Numerous schools reported bus delays exceeding one hour. Specific schools in North York and Scarborough were heavily impacted.

Parents dealt with considerable uncertainty throughout the morning. The delays caused logistical headaches for many households. The situation highlighted the storm’s broad reach across the province.

Road Closures and Collisions Paralyze Travel

The storm made roads extremely hazardous. Highway 401 eastbound lanes were closed near Drumbo for hours. Strong winds blew snow, creating near-zero visibility in many areas.

Waterloo regional police reported dozens of collisions. Most were minor, but they tied up emergency resources. Cities like Kitchener declared snow events to enforce parking bans for plows.

Official Weather Warnings Urge Caution

Environment Canada issued serious weather alerts. The agency warned of intense snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour. They advised the public to limit all non-essential travel.

The orange-level alert signaled exceptionally hazardous conditions. Total accumulations were forecast to be historic for this early in the season. The warnings emphasized the prolonged nature of the storm system.

The mass school bus cancellations across Ontario underscore how vulnerable daily routines are to extreme weather. The rapid decision by officials prevented potential tragedies on icy roads. This event serves as a stark reminder for families and institutions to have severe weather plans in place.

Info at your fingertips

Which school boards cancelled all buses?

The Waterloo Region District School Board, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Simcoe County District School Board, and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board all cancelled all transportation. This included buses, taxis, and special education routes.

Did schools close due to the snow?

No, schools and child care centers generally remained open. The cancellations applied only to student transportation services. This policy aimed to support working parents while prioritizing safety on the roads.

How much snow fell in Waterloo Region?

By Friday morning, parts of Waterloo Region had already received up to 25 cm of snow. Forecasts from Environment Canada predicted total accumulations could reach between 40 and 70 cm in some areas by the end of the storm system on Saturday.

What was the impact on major highways?

Highway 401, a major transportation artery, had all eastbound lanes closed near Drumbo. The closure lasted from Thursday night into Friday morning. Numerous other roads became treacherous due to blowing snow and low visibility.

What does an Environment Canada orange alert mean?

An orange alert is a high-impact warning for exceptionally hazardous weather. In this case, it signaled intense snowfall rates, dangerous travel, and potential for 60+ cm of snow. The public was urged to avoid unnecessary travel.