Ottawa School Buses Cancelled Amid Heavy Snow Forecast

In a move that's become all too familiar during Canada's harsh winters, school bus services in Ottawa and much of eastern Ontario have been largely suspended on February 10, 2026. As a significant snow event bears down on the region, transportation authorities have prioritized safety, cancelling nearly all English and French-language bus routes except in the Kingston and Belleville areas. This disruption affects thousands of students, leaving parents to scramble for alternatives while schools remain operational.

Scope of the Cancellations

The cancellations are widespread, impacting the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and other regional providers. According to updates from local education boards, no buses are running in Ottawa, Pembroke, or surrounding areas north of Kingston-Belleville. This decision comes as Environment Canada issues special weather statements warning of substantial snowfall.

Only the Kingston-Belleville corridor, buffered somewhat by Lake Ontario's moderating influence, will see limited bus operations. Families in these zones should still verify routes via their school board's website or hotline, as minor adjustments could occur based on real-time road conditions.

For context, this isn't an isolated incident. Eastern Ontario has seen repeated bus disruptions this winter, with recent storms leading to full-day cancellations and even exam postponements in neighboring regions like Windsor-Essex. The pattern underscores the challenges of maintaining educational access in a province prone to extreme weather.

Why the Kingston-Belleville Exception?

The geographic nuance here is key. Lake Ontario's proximity tempers snowfall in the Kingston-Belleville area, with forecasts predicting just 2 to 4 centimeters of accumulation. In contrast, Ottawa faces 7 to 12 centimeters, while Pembroke could see up to 15 centimeters. These differences allow for cautious bus operations in the south, where roads may clear more quickly.

Weather Forecast Driving the Decision

Environment Canada's outlook for February 10 paints a picture of a classic mid-winter squall. Snow is expected to begin early Tuesday morning, intensifying through the afternoon and potentially causing slippery roads and reduced visibility. The agency highlights immediate risks north of Kingston-Belleville, with accumulations that could overwhelm unprepared drivers.

Temperatures are rebounding from a frigid weekend, hovering near seasonal norms for mid-February—around -5°C in Ottawa with winds adding a chill factor. However, the combination of fresh snow and lingering cold raises concerns for black ice and drifts, particularly on rural routes frequented by school buses.

Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a brief respite mid-week, but parents in Ottawa and eastern Ontario should prepare for ongoing variability. Climate trends indicate that such events are becoming more unpredictable, with heavier dumps in shorter bursts—a shift that's straining transportation logistics across Canada.

Safety Protocols in Action

School bus operators adhere to strict guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Education and Transport Canada. Cancellations are triggered when snow exceeds 5 centimeters or when road conditions pose undue risks. Drivers are trained to assess hazards like low visibility under 400 meters, and today's call reflects preemptive caution to avoid accidents.

Historical data shows that bus-related incidents spike during snow events, with a 2025 study by the Canadian Automobile Association noting a 30% increase in winter crashes involving large vehicles. By cancelling services, authorities aim to protect the roughly 1.2 million students who rely on buses daily in Ontario.

Impact on Students and Families

With schools open across the affected boards, attendance policies vary. Many institutions encourage remote learning options or excused absences for those without transportation. In Ottawa, for instance, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority has urged families to check individual school websites for tailored guidance.

The ripple effects extend beyond logistics. Students missing buses may face academic disruptions, especially with mid-term assessments underway. Parents, meanwhile, juggle work commitments— a common pain point in urban centers like Ottawa, where public transit alternatives like OC Transpo aren't always feasible for school routes.

Equity concerns also arise. Rural families in areas like Renfrew County (near Pembroke) often lack viable options, exacerbating divides in access to education. Community responses, such as carpool networks organized via parent councils, have emerged as grassroots solutions, but they can't fully replace structured services.

What Parents Should Do Next

Stay informed: Monitor updates from your local school board or apps like the OSTAC tracker. If driving children to school, heed winter tire mandates and leave extra time for plowing delays. Emergency kits with blankets, snacks, and chargers are essential for any trip.

For those in unaffected areas like western Quebec, services are proceeding as normal, but cross-border families should confirm with Quebec's English and French boards. Resources like CBC News and Environment Canada's app provide real-time alerts.

Broader Context: Winter Woes in Canadian Education

This event highlights systemic challenges in Canada's education system amid climate variability. Ontario alone invests over $500 million annually in student transportation, yet weather remains the top disruptor. Recent federal reports call for enhanced infrastructure, like all-weather bus depots and AI-driven forecasting tools, to mitigate future issues.

Comparatively, provinces like British Columbia face fewer cancellations due to milder coasts, but eastern regions bear the brunt. Advocacy groups, including the Canadian Association of School Transportation Services, push for policy reforms, such as subsidized rideshares during storms.

As February progresses, with more snow in the long-range forecast, Ottawa and eastern Ontario residents are reminded of the resilience required in winter life. While today's cancellations inconvenience many, they underscore a commitment to safety over convenience—a principle that keeps communities moving forward, one cleared road at a time.

In summary, the Ottawa school bus saga on February 10, 2026, is a snapshot of winter's grip on daily routines. By staying proactive, families can navigate these disruptions with minimal stress, ensuring education continues despite the flakes.