School bus cancelled for snow in Simcoe: how to find out early and what to do with your kids
In winter, school buses can be cancelled due to bad weather. Here's where the notice is posted, what cancellation zones are and why schools stay open.
As winter arrives, a common question among newcomer families in Simcoe County is: what happens when it snows a lot? Here, the most frequent decision is not to close schools but to cancel school buses in part or all of the region. Knowing how the system works avoids surprises at 7 a.m.
Who decides and when
Student transportation for the region's public and Catholic schools is organized by the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC). On bad-weather days, the consortium and bus operators check road conditions very early, around 5:30 a.m., and the decision is usually made before 6 a.m. The announcement goes out between 6 and 7 a.m.
Where to see the notice
- On the consortium's website: simcoecountyschoolbus.ca;
- On the SCSTC account on X (formerly Twitter): @SCSTC_SchoolBus;
- On local radio stations and regional news websites;
- In some cases, by email or message from the school or school board.
The consortium's phone number is 705-733-8965, but on snowy mornings the website is the fastest option.
Understanding the zones
The county is divided into weather zones. A cancellation may apply to one zone, several, or the whole county. That's why it's important to know which zone your child's school is in. You'll find it on the SCSTC website or on your school board's transportation page (Simcoe County District School Board or Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board).
Note: when buses are cancelled in the morning, they also don't run in the afternoon. If you drive your child in, you'll need to pick them up at the end of the day.
Does the school stay open?
Generally, yes. The public board (SCDSB) says schools remain open for students when buses are cancelled. Whether to send your child is a family decision, based on travel safety. Students who stay home can access activities on the platforms their school uses, such as D2L or Google Classroom. Full school closures are rare and are announced separately.
Winter school checklist
- Find your school's weather zone and save the SCSTC website on your phone.
- Arrange a backup child care plan for days you can't drive your child.
- Update your email and phone number with the school so you get notices.
- Send your child with full winter gear: coat, snow pants, boots, hat and mittens. Recess is outdoors most days.
- If driving, leave earlier and slow down on slippery streets near schools.
Final tip
Talk to your child's teacher about how to keep up with schoolwork when they miss a day because of weather. For families still learning English, it helps to ask for important notices in writing so you can use a translator calmly.
Need help with this? See language schools in the guide, with the language of service on each profile.
