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Snow closes Cowichan schools, cuts power to Shawnigan Lake area

UPDATE: buses, garbage pickup cancelled
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One day after the return to school for some students, they are back home again. Snow prompted the Cowichan Valley School District to close schools today, Thursday, Jan. 6 as a result of significant snow accumulation overnight.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as the day unfolds and keep you apprised,” said the district’s notification. “Stay safe and enjoy the day!”

Duncan Christian School is also closed for the day, as are Queen Margaret’s and Queen of Angels schools, with similar messages posted to their school communities.

Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan campus and Trades Centre are among VIU’s closures for the day as well but that doesn’t mean classes are cancelled.

“Campus closure days are regular workday/learning days unless the work/learning performed is on campus and cannot be performed remotely,” said the school. “

If you are unable to continue to work or study remotely on a snow closure day due to other obligations, please contact your supervisor or your instructor to discuss options.”

A number of preschools are also reporting closures for the day including but not limited to:Hiiye’yu Lelum House of Friendship, Growing Together Child Care Centre, Arcadian Early Learning, Kidzco, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre’s preschool, out of school care and group care, and Kingdom Treasures Childcare Centre.

Power went out over a large swath of Shawnigan Lake with roughly 800 customers out on the north and west sides of the lake as of 5:15 a.m. Thursday as well.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District has cancelled curbside collection of garbage and recycling in Sahtlam and Saltair for Thursday due to the snow. Residents are asked to store their waste until their next scheduled collection day.

Bings Creek Recycling Centre is also closed this morning due to the snow. The CVRD says that crews are working to clear the white stuff and will provide an update when the centre is able to reopen.

BC Transit has cancelled all bus service in the Cowichan Valley until further notice, also due to the snow.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” said Jamie Weiss, senior media relations and public affairs advisor for BC Transit said in a press release.

More to come as it becomes available