Widespread Durham storm closures are in effect as communities across the region continue to recover from a powerful winter storm that dumped more than 40 centimetres of snow over the weekend.
Most municipalities in Durham Region declared a Significant Weather Event, closing facilities, cancelling programs and extending hours at winter warming locations as crews worked around the clock to clear roads, sidewalks and public spaces amid a deep freeze.
On Sunday, the Oshawa Generals cancelled their scheduled game against the Kingston Frontenacs, while Durham College cancelled all classes at its Oshawa and Whitby campuses. A decision on Monday operations was expected early in the morning.
In Oshawa, a scheduled city council meeting was postponed to Tuesday. City recreation facilities and libraries that were closed over the weekend are expected to reopen at noon on Monday, weather permitting.
Clarington and Whitby closed all recreation centres and cancelled all programs and permits, while Ajax opened an emergency overnight warming space at town hall, which will remain open until the cold weather alert is lifted.
Across the region, Durham winter warming locations extended their hours to support vulnerable residents. A full list of warming locations and hours is available at durham.ca/WinterWarming.
In Pickering, no full service disruptions were declared over the weekend. However, city-run recreation programs at several arenas and recreation centres were cancelled Monday morning, with services expected to resume later in the day.
Due to hazardous conditions and ongoing snow clearing, both Durham public and Catholic school boards closed all schools and childcare centres on Monday. Education officials said the system-wide decision was based on the severity of the storm and the anticipated aftermath. Schools and education offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday.
The storm pushed January snowfall totals beyond 88 centimetres, making it the snowiest January in Durham Region since record-keeping began in 1937.
Officials are urging residents to remain cautious, limit travel where possible, and continue monitoring municipal updates as Durham storm closures gradually ease.
