SASKATOON — Non-stop snowfall overnight caused the cancellation of classes on Monday, Nov. 25, both in the Saskatoon Public Schools and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.
SPS and GSCS issued separate statements on Sunday, Nov. 24, adding the snow day is to allow the City of Saskatoon crews and its contractors to clear the roads. Classes and school bus services are expected to resume on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
“Due to the heavy snowfall and its impact on our road network, all Saskatoon Public Schools will be closed tomorrow [Monday],” said the SPS statement.
“This decision was made in discussion with our partners in emergency services and with the safety of our students, staff, and families in mind.”
Twenty centimetres of snow, or almost eight inches, blanketed the city since Saturday, with snow crews working tirelessly to clear priority streets that included Circle Drive.
Major roadways, bridge decks and intersections are included in the snow-clearing, with crews sanding the roads to improve traction. The SPS said cancelling the classes would reduce the number of vehicles on the streets, making snow clearing easier.
GSCS also made the same announcement, which included schools in Warman, Martensville, Humboldt and Biggar.
“Clean-up from the winter storm that hit much of the province continues, and potentially unsafe road conditions exist as crews methodically work their way through priority streets,” GSCS said.
“This decision was made collaboratively and in discussion with the City of Saskatoon and our partners in emergency services.”
The GSCS said it would be difficult to hold classes on Monday, as they identified for safely operating school and transit buses. They advise the students and parents to check Edsby, GSCS’s primary form of communication, and emails for updates.
“Cancelling classes helps ensure the safety of students and staff members while supporting efforts to clear roadways,” GSCS said.
The City of Saskatoon officials continue to monitor the weather advisory issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is forecasted that 30 centimetres or almost 12 inches of snow will accumulate in the city by the weekend.
