As snow and ice settle over the region, schools in Saanich are closed while Greater Victoria and Sooke school district classes are in session on Wednesday (Jan. 17).
Saanich School District announced the closures shortly before 6 a.m. due to “significant snow levels in many areas.”
There’s a blanket of fresh snow in Sidney. Town crews have been clearing roads since 5am and will continue to work their way from main roads to smaller streets. Please remember to do your part and clear sidewalks in front of your home or business. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/GRL7C33hVk
— Town of Sidney (@townofsidneybc) January 17, 2024
“Most side streets on the Peninsula are not plowed and we expect more snow before today finishes. Schools will remain closed for the day to allow municipal crews to clear streets and our district crews to clear parking lots and sidewalks at our schools,” SD 63 said in a statement.
READ ALSO: Simple steps for preparedness as extreme weather set to hit Greater Victoria
The Greater Victoria School District schools are open and buses running with the caveat that may change as weather changes. Thirdwave buses are running with altered service, and the district says parents will be notified if their child’s route is altered.
Buses are cancelled, but schools are open in the Sooke School District.
Heavy snow on the Malahat this morning. Winter driving conditions with chain up in effect. Check #DriveBC for weather & road conditions. Plan ahead, do you need to head out today? If so, drive with care! ❄️❄️❄️#BCStorm#ShiftIntoWinter#TeamEmcon#YYJtraffic pic.twitter.com/j8eoS7EyU1
— Emcon Services Inc. - South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) January 17, 2024
“It is up to the parent/guardian to decide if they feel comfortable sending their child to school. We support and respect your decision. If you decide not to send your child to school, please notify the school of their absence,” the district said in an online update.
Camosun College and the University of Victoria were originally open, but closed their campuses midday.
BC Transit is reporting that they are running most routes to UVic, but there may be delays due to snow accumulation or slippery conditions, the school said in an online update.
READ ALSO: Victoria says snow-clearing vehicles and crews ready for forecasted flurries
Transit is seeing delays and cancelled trips on several routes. Visit bctransit.com or call 250-382-6161 for the latest updates.
The winter weather is also impacting flights, according to Victoria International Airport, where staff recommend confirming flight status before heading to the airport in North Saanich.
A slightly snowy walk this morning in Victoria @VictoriaNews
— Lauren Collins (@laurenpcollins1) January 17, 2024
The latest: https://t.co/w4OvVwYffL pic.twitter.com/iCHtea22St
Snowfall could hit 10 cm in some parts of Vancouver Island with Greater Victoria potentially shifting to rain later Wednesday, according to Environment Canada.
Thursday in the Capital Region could see more snow starting in the afternoon with two centimetres expected and winds at 20 km/h gusting 40. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 1 C to 2 C range.
Are you taking a snow day? Share your photos with our readers! Email your photos and videos to christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.
READ ALSO: Island drivers urged to prepare for the rain, snow, and fog of winter
