Severe Weather Leads to Widespread Bus Cancellations
“Non-essential travel is not recommended,” stated Environment Canada as freezing rain warnings were issued for the Ottawa-Gatineau area on March 11, 2026. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the cancellation of all school buses across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
In addition to the bus cancellations, Algonquin College has announced the cancellation of in-person classes for the day. All schools in western Quebec and Renfrew County are also closed, further disrupting educational activities.
Transportation services have been halted for all areas in Renfrew County, with reports indicating that buses for schools in Zone 5, including Lions Head and Tobermory, are cancelled. Furthermore, all school-related transportation services in Sudbury, Espanola, Massey, and Manitoulin have been suspended.
In Muskoka, bus services operated by Simcoe County Public and Simcoe Catholic have also been cancelled. The Tri-Board’s central and northern weather zones are experiencing similar disruptions, with all school vehicles to schools in these areas cancelled.
Reports indicate that about 50 flights were cancelled at Ottawa International Airport due to the storm, which has left approximately 7,500 customers without power in western Quebec. Hydro One reported that around 4,300 customers are without power in the Bancroft and Cobden areas.
The forecast predicts 2-3 centimetres of freezing rain, with 1-2 centimetres expected specifically for Ottawa. Additionally, 20-40 millimetres of rain is anticipated south of the warnings, raising concerns about further travel disruptions.
Historically, this storm could resemble the April 2023 ice storm that caused significant power outages in the region, highlighting the potential severity of the current weather situation.
As the day progresses, the only school buses operating are in the Kingston-Belleville area, where a rainfall warning is in effect instead of freezing rain.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the impact on transportation services and power restoration efforts. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to stay updated on weather conditions.
As the storm develops, further announcements regarding school closures and transportation services are expected throughout the day.
