Dangerous winter weather has disrupted the school day for many families in southwestern Ontario. All school bus runs in Chatham-Kent's Zone 7 were cancelled on Tuesday, December 4, 2025, following a night of inclement weather that coated the region in ice.
Weather Conditions Prompt Safety Decision
The cancellation decision was made by Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS) in response to hazardous road conditions. Freezing rain created a layer of ice on roads and surfaces overnight, making travel treacherous for large vehicles. At 7 a.m. in Wheatley, the temperature was recorded at -5°C, but wind chill made it feel like a biting -12°C, with a 20% chance of snow adding to the concerns.
It is important to note that this cancellation was localized. All school buses in neighbouring Windsor-Essex were operating on their normal schedules Tuesday morning.
List of Schools Affected by Bus Cancellations
The bus cancellations specifically impacted students in the Wheatley and Tilbury areas. The following schools had their transportation services suspended for the day:
Elementary Schools
Harwich Raleigh Public School
Merlin Area Public School
St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim
St. Joseph Catholic School in Tilbury
Tilbury Area Public School
Wheatley Area Public School
W. J. Baird Public School
Secondary Schools
Blenheim District High School
Tilbury District High School
Understanding the Decision-Making Authority
The call to cancel buses was made by CLASS, a shared services organization jointly owned by the Lambton Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. This entity is responsible for student transportation across the region and makes safety-based decisions regarding bus operations during severe weather.
Such cancellations are a standard safety protocol in Ontario during winter storms, particularly when freezing rain is involved. Icy conditions significantly increase stopping distances and the risk of vehicles sliding, posing a heightened danger for school buses carrying children.
Parents and guardians in the affected zones were advised to seek alternative arrangements for their children's transportation or to keep them home for the day, as schools remained open for students who could arrive safely by other means.