Freezing Rain Cancels School Buses Across Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin
School bus cancellations for Jan. 6, 2026, due to freezing rain

School bus services across Waterloo Region and the Wellington-Dufferin area are cancelled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, due to hazardous weather conditions. A freezing rain warning is in effect, creating dangerous road conditions for drivers throughout the region.

Weather Warning Prompts Safety Measures

The decision to cancel bus routes was made in response to an active freezing rain warning issued for the area. This type of precipitation creates a layer of ice on roads and walkways, significantly increasing the risk of accidents for large vehicles like school buses. Local school boards and transportation consortia prioritize student safety, leading to pre-emptive cancellations when such warnings are forecast.

Impact on Local Schools and Families

While buses are not running, schools themselves are expected to remain open unless otherwise communicated by individual school boards. This leaves the responsibility of transportation to parents and guardians. Families are advised to check with their local school board for specific updates regarding individual schools or potential closures. The cancellations affect all publicly funded school boards within the Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph service areas.

Broader Weather Context Across Canada

The icy conditions are not isolated to Southern Ontario. Weather alerts for freezing rain, snow, and slippery conditions have been issued for other parts of the province, including Simcoe County, as well as in New Brunswick. This widespread messy mix of winter precipitation is causing travel disruptions beyond school transportation, affecting commuters and road safety broadly. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution if they must travel, to allow extra time, and to stay informed on the latest forecasts and road condition reports from local authorities.

The cancellations for January 6, 2026, underscore the immediate impact of severe winter weather on daily life and the proactive measures taken to protect students and staff across the affected communities.