Vancouver Island school closures: Several districts declare snow day due to icy roads, power outages

Dozens of schools across Vancouver Island are closed Wednesday after a major snowstorm played havoc with traffic and cut power to thousands of homes in the region.

Dozens of schools across Vancouver Island are closed Wednesday after a major snowstorm played havoc with traffic and cut power to thousands of homes in the region.

All schools in the Nanaimo Ladysmith school district, the Campbell River school district, the Comox Valley school district, the North Island school district and the Pacific Rim school district have declared Wednesday a snow day due to unsafe roads and icy sidewalks.

"Evening events or facility rentals for today are also cancelled," the Campbell River school district said in a release. "Groups that had reserved the use of one of our facilities should contact the school board office receptionist to reschedule or receive a refund."

All North Island College campuses are also closed, affecting all classes and campus services. The college said facilities may open by 1 p.m. if conditions improve.

Vancouver Island University has closed its Nanaimo and tiwšɛmawtxʷ campuses, as well as its facilities in Parksville.

Campus residences and the VIU library commons remained open Wednesday, as well as the VIU Cowichan campus.

The university says even though the campus is closed, classes will continue remotely if they can be conducted online, the school said.