Ottawa parents scrambled for childcare and commuters braced for slippery roads Wednesday after a blast of freezing rain led to widespread school closures and bus cancellations across the region.
The storm brought a dangerous coating of ice to Ottawa streets, sidewalks, and driveways, the kind of conditions that make even a short walk treacherous. Both the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) announced closures, while OC Transpo suspended or delayed many bus routes.
How Bad Was It?
Ottawa is no stranger to winter weather, but freezing rain ranks among the worst conditions the city faces. Unlike a snowstorm, which at least gives you some traction, a coating of ice can make every surface a skating rink. City crews worked overnight to treat major roads and intersections, but keeping up with an active ice storm is challenging even for Ottawa's experienced winter maintenance teams.
The Ottawa area has been hit by a series of winter weather events in recent weeks, giving Ottawans limited reprieve from the cold and difficult road conditions.
School Closures
Both major English-language school boards issued closure notices, meaning students and staff stayed home for the day. French-language boards also responded to the conditions, with many schools following suit.
Virtual learning protocols were activated for students in grades where online instruction is available, though many elementary school families simply found themselves managing an unexpected day off.
Transit Disruptions
OC Transpo warned riders of significant delays and some route suspensions due to the icy conditions. Bus service on hilly routes and those with exposed stretches was particularly affected. Riders were advised to check the OC Transpo app and social media before heading out.
The O-Train continued operating, though with some speed restrictions in place to ensure safe operations in the cold, wet conditions.
Ice Storm Comparisons
Many Ottawans can't help but think back to the catastrophic Ice Storm of 1998, which left hundreds of thousands of people without power for weeks and caused billions in damage across eastern Ontario and Quebec. That event remains a benchmark for winter weather disasters in the region, and even a milder ice event brings back those memories for longtime Ottawans.
Thankfully, this storm, while disruptive, was not on that scale.
Tips for Getting Around
If you do need to venture out during or after a freezing rain event, Ottawa Emergency Management recommends wearing boots with good grip, walking slowly, and using handrails wherever possible. Give yourself extra time, reduce speed while driving, and watch for black ice on roads and parking lots.
The city's 311 service can be reached for road conditions and winter maintenance requests.
Source: CBC Ottawa. Stay updated on school and transit closures at ottawaschoolbus.ca and octranspo.com.
