Montreal's Ice Storm Aftermath: Thursday's Openings and Closures Guide
In the wake of a devastating ice storm that swept through Montreal and Quebec, causing widespread power outages and transportation disruptions, many services are anticipated to return to normal on Thursday. However, numerous institutions have indicated that final decisions will only be made early Thursday morning as officials continue to assess road conditions, lingering ice, and ongoing power issues.
Schools and Universities
Several educational institutions expect to reopen on Thursday, though confirmations will be issued in the early morning hours, contingent upon road safety and any remaining power failures. The English Montreal School Board and Western Quebec School Board have stated they anticipate schools will be open. Conversely, other English-language school boards, including the Lester B. Pearson School Board, Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, Riverside School Board, and New Frontiers School Board, had not finalized decisions as of Wednesday evening. All public elementary and high schools across the Montreal area were closed on Wednesday due to the storm. Universities in Montreal are also projected to resume normal operations on Thursday, with most planning to provide confirmation early in the morning.
Public Transit
Most public transit systems in the Montreal and Laval regions are expected to operate on Thursday. This includes the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and Société de transport de Laval (STL). The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) experienced significant disruptions on Wednesday evening, with service between Brossard and Gare Centrale suspended around 5:30 p.m. due to adverse weather conditions. The operator has announced that service will not resume before Thursday morning. Replacement shuttle buses were deployed between South Shore stations, while trains continued to run between Deux-Montagnes and Gare Centrale. The REM had previously ended service early on Tuesday night to allow crews to apply de-icing products to the rails in preparation for the storm.
Parking
Montreal has temporarily lifted several parking restrictions during the ice storm. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced that paid parking spaces and residential permit zones were suspended starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday as freezing rain began. This suspension remains in effect until 8 a.m. on Thursday, when normal parking regulations are expected to be reinstated. It is important to note that reserved lanes, spaces for people with reduced mobility, and secure zones continue to be enforced.
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
Flights at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport are largely expected to return to normal operations on Thursday, according to information available on Wednesday evening. More than 180 arrivals and departures were cancelled on Wednesday as freezing rain impacted the region.
Highways and Roads
Roads are anticipated to be slippery on Thursday, with Quebec's transport ministry warning drivers to prepare for difficult conditions. In a message posted on Facebook, the ministry stated, "Travel will be difficult due to slippery roads, reduced visibility, and likely road closures." Officials have urged residents to limit travel where possible to ensure safety.
As Montreal recovers from this extreme weather event, residents are advised to stay updated with the latest announcements from local authorities regarding service resumptions and safety precautions.
