Snowstorm Disrupts Richmond Hill and York Region; Schools Closed, Crews Deployed
A significant winter storm swept through Richmond Hill and the broader York Region on Monday, bringing heavy snowfall, hazardous travel conditions, and widespread closures across municipal services and school boards.
Environment Canada issued winter storm warnings for much of York Region, forecasting substantial snowfall accompanied by blowing snow and reduced visibility. Local authorities urged residents to limit travel as conditions deteriorated throughout the day.
Municipal Response in Richmond Hill
The City of Richmond Hill activated its winter storm response and declared a Winter Event, triggering enhanced snow removal operations across the city. Snow plows and salting crews were deployed around the clock, prioritizing arterial roads, transit routes, and critical infrastructure before moving on to residential streets and sidewalks.
As part of the winter response, on-street parking was prohibited to allow crews to clear roads efficiently. City officials warned that vehicles left on the street during snow clearing operations could be ticketed or towed.
Municipal facilities and recreation programs remained subject to change depending on weather conditions, with residents advised to monitor city communications for program-specific cancellations or delays.
York Region Roads and Services
York Region also activated its winter maintenance plan, with crews working continuously to plow and salt Regional roads. Officials noted that during active snowfall, roads may be cleared multiple times as snow continues to accumulate between plowing cycles.
Residents were advised to allow extra travel time, avoid unnecessary trips, and prepare vehicles with winter safety equipment.
Schools and Child Care Closures
All public and Catholic schools across York Region, including those in Richmond Hill, were closed due to emergency weather conditions. School boards directed families not to send students to school, citing unsafe travel conditions.
All school transportation services, including buses and taxis, were cancelled for the day. Before- and after-school programs and many child care operations located within schools were also closed. In some cases, secondary school assessments and exams scheduled for the day were postponed.
Transit and Travel Impacts
While no system-wide shutdown of public transit was announced, residents were warned to expect delays and service disruptions due to road conditions. Transit agencies continued to monitor conditions and adjust service as needed.
Ongoing Updates
City and Regional officials emphasized that snow clearing would continue after the storm subsides, including follow-up operations such as snowbank removal in high-traffic areas. Residents were encouraged to remain patient and cautious as crews work to restore normal conditions.
Further updates were expected as weather conditions evolved and cleanup operations progressed across Richmond Hill and York Region