Ottawa snowstorm cleanup still causing delays and cancellations the day after
CBC News | Posted: February 17, 2016 12:18 PM | Last Updated: February 17, 2016
No school buses for many local boards for second straight day
The cleanup from Tuesday's record-breaking snowstorm in Ottawa-Gatineau continues on Wednesday, with many services still feeling its effects.
51.2 centimetres of snow fell at the Ottawa International Airport on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada, which drifted over the previous record for single-day snowfall there: 40.6 centimetres on March 2, 1947.
The roads weren't in good enough shape by early Wednesday for several school bus agencies to offer service.
In fact, the only Ontario schools that have bus service are under the English public and Catholic school boards in Renfrew County, and French public and Catholic schools in Kingston and Trenton, plus Jeanne-Lajoie and L'Equinoxe schools in Pembroke.
The Ottawa Student Transportation Agency cited "snow accumulation and stranded vehicles" as their reason for cancelling buses to English public and Catholic schools in Ottawa.
The Western Quebec School Board says school buses are running, but may not be able to get to all parts of their urban routes until side streets are clear.
Buses are running at French-language school boards in western Quebec.
Travel still affected
There are a handful of delayed and cancelled flights going to and from the Ottawa International Airport, but not as many as yesterday.
OC Transpo says to expect delays of 10 to 20 minutes on "many routes" today because of the road conditions.
The Société de transport de l'Outaouais is asking riders to check its Infobus page to see if their route is delayed or cancelled.
Canada Post said Wednesday morning some people may not get their mail on Wednesday in the Ottawa area. The organization is asking people to clear their sidewalks, walkways and stairs for safety reasons.
Roads are starting to clear up, but Ontario Provincial Police are still asking motorists to be careful.
The entire Rideau Canal Skateway is still open, with conditions ranging from poor to fair.
Wednesday's forecast calls for a few flurries in Ottawa with temperatures falling to – 8 C by the afternoon.