Schools Closed Across Ontario After Weekend Ice Storm

A major ice storm swept across central and eastern Ontario over the weekend, prompting widespread power outages, dangerous road conditions, and multiple school closures on Monday, March 31.

According to Hydro One, hundreds of thousands of residents remain without electricity, with some areas potentially facing days-long restoration delays.

Which School Boards Are Closed?

Several Ontario school boards have confirmed full closures of schools, child care centers, and board facilities due to unsafe conditions and ongoing power disruptions:

Closed School Boards – March 31, 2025:

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
The board has closed all schools and child care centres to students and staff.

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board
The board has closed all schools and facilities, including the Catholic Education Centre.

Simcoe County District School Board
The board has closed all schools and cancelled all before and after-school programs.

Rainbow District School Board (Sudbury)
The board has closed schools and board offices. No classes were scheduled due to a planned professional learning day.

Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord
The board has closed all schools, including child care services.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon
The board has closed all schools and suspended child care services.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board
The board has closed all schools and childcare centres today.

Emergency Declarations and Road Closures

In response to the storm’s aftermath, several municipalities have taken emergency action:

State of Emergency Declarations
- City of Peterborough
- City of Orillia
- Township of Brock
Significant Weather Events Declared
- City of Barrie
- District of Muskoka

Officials in Muskoka noted that “heavy ice accumulation” damaged trees and hydro lines, leaving many roads impassable or reduced to one lane. Emergency crews are working amid falling trees and live power lines, and residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel.

A social media video described Orillia’s landscape as resembling a “war zone.”

School Transportation Disruptions

In Northern Ontario, the Sudbury Student Services Consortium canceled transportation for:

Sacred Heart School
St. Mary School (Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board)

These cancellations come despite most schools already being closed for a professional development day.

What’s Next?

Most affected boards anticipate resuming normal operations by Tuesday, April 1, 2025, weather and safety permitting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor local school board websites and social media channels for the latest updates.

The weekend ice storm left behind a trail of downed power lines, closed roads, and halted school operations across Ontario. While cleanup and restoration efforts are underway, safety remains the top priority for municipalities and school boards alike. Expect further updates as emergency services and hydro crews continue their work.

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