Inclement Weather District Procedures & Alternate Routes

During the late fall and winter months, severe weather may occasionally require the temporary closure of one or more schools. The Superintendent of Schools has the authority to make this decision. The decision is made after consultation with management and supervisory staff who have directly assessed road conditions, walking and sidewalk safety, building operations, and access to school sites. Factors considered include the safety of students and staff, road and bus route conditions, the state of school grounds, and the operational readiness of facilities. 

All schools throughout qathet School District will remain OPEN, except under extreme circumstances. Any bus cancellations or alternate routes, school closures, or delayed school openings will be decided and communicated by 7am. If there is inclement weather or snow, but no changes to busing or schools, we will NOT send notices confirming everything is running and open. 

Details and official announcements/updates are always distributed via the below channels:   

• District/School websites (www.sd47.bc.ca); (sign up for the app which sends notifications anytime there is a new post made on our website) 
• Principals will send out a direct email to families  
• Facebook (qathet School District) & Instagram (@qathetschooldistrict) 
• Updates will also be shared with local radio stations (timing will depend on their schedules) 

Alternate Bus Routes for Inclement Weather Conditions

The district has established alternate Inclement Weather Routes to help ensure students can get to school safely when schools remain open during inclement weather. Families will be notified by 7am on the day of if these alternate routes go into effect.

Inclement weather routes may differ from regular routes in several ways. Some bus stops may be relocated to main roads or nearby intersections, multiple stops may be combined into one, and certain neighbourhood stops may not be serviced. Pick-up and drop-off times may also change, and buses may follow a different route or stop sequence.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to carefully review their student's regular and inclement weather bus routes in advance. Please check the designated stop location and scheduled time so you know where and when your student should meet the bus if alternate routes are implemented:

Alternate Bus Routes for Inclement Weather Conditions for 2026-2027:

Winter Weather Reminder  

If there is winter weather and schools remain open, it is the parent/guardians' decision as to whether their children attend school, based on their local conditions. Stay safe!  

To read our Administrative Procedure 132 re. Emergency School Closures click here!