Back-to-school disrupted again for GTA as commuting woes continue

Torontosun.com
Jan. 18, 2022

The Toronto District School Board pulled the plug on in-person and remote classes for Tuesday as the aftermath of Monday’s snowstorm continued to wreak havoc across the GTA, including drivers stuck in vehicles overnight on Hwy. 401.

“Students will not participate in live remote or virtual learning,” TDSB director of education Colleen Russell-Rawlins said in a statement late Monday. “Where possible, teachers will provide voluntary class work through established online platforms for students who wish to continue their learning. Students may also work on previously-assigned work or spend time reviewing material previously covered.”

The TDSB’s cancellation of Tuesday classes comes after that board faced criticism after going ahead with remote learning on Monday.

The Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the York Region District School Board said classes will go ahead remotely through online learning Tuesday.

The Durham District School Board cancelled all in-person classes, however secondary students will shift to remote learning. Elementary students will have a snow day.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board cancelled in-person classes and said students can learn “asynchronously at home if they choose to do so.”

The City of Toronto on Monday declared a “major snow storm condition” in response to Monday’s storm and is encouraging residents to stay home to allow roads and sidewalks to be cleared properly.

The Highway 401 eastbound express lanes are closed at Islington after transport trucks became stuck. The OPP say snowplows are on the way to remove the mounds of snow. Some vehicles and drivers have been stuck overnight, police say.

OPP say there are traffic problems across the GTA with vehicles stuck in snowbanks or ditches and transport trucks stuck, not able to get traction in the snow.

The TTC on Tuesday morning also reported numerous services disruptions related to the weather and snow removal. Line 1 of the subway system was closed between Sheppard West and St. Clair West stations “due to weather conditions.” Customers are advised to use buses to get the Yonge subway line.

There were also shuttle buses operating on Line 2 between Woodbine and Kennedy stations, on Line 3, and on St. Clair between the two subway stations.

Metrolinx said GO Transit service would be reduced for the day “to ensure we can provide safe, reliable buses & trains as snow storm clean up continues.”