Niagara News Today: Monday, January 26, 2026 Morning Brief

What's Happening in Niagara Today

• Major closures: All schools in the District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic District School Board are closed today, along with Brock University and Niagara College campuses

• Historic snowstorm: Environment Canada's orange snowfall warning brought 20-35 cm of snow to Niagara Region between Sunday and Monday morning

• City facilities closed: St. Catharines announced closures for city facilities with winter parking bans in effect across multiple municipalities

• Extreme cold continues: Current conditions show light snow with wind chill values of minus 17, making travel hazardous

• Housing milestone: Niagara Falls exceeded its 2024 provincial housing target by 116%, securing $2.8 million in Building Faster Fund incentives

Niagara Snowstorm Recovery

According to CBC News, the District School Board of Niagara reported that significant snowfall across all areas of Niagara with high winds and additional snowfall through Sunday night made conditions difficult for buses to operate safely. Forecasted blowing and falling snow, along with very cold temperatures and wind chill values, created conditions that posed challenges for students walking to school.

Environment Canada issued orange warnings for snowfall for Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara Region, which have now been lifted. Orange is the second most serious of Environment Canada's three colour-coded warnings. The storm brought snowfall amounts of 20 to 35 cm with reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow.

St. Catharines has closed city facilities today and implemented a winter parking ban. Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses of Niagara College are both closed. Brock University in St. Catharines announced it is closed for the day, affecting thousands of students and staff. French school board Conseil scolaire Viamonde confirmed its schools in Niagara are closed as well.

The storm affected over 300 million people under winter precipitation and cold warnings or advisories across North America. Toronto Pearson International Airport reported 46 cm of snowfall, marking its largest single-day accumulation since records began in 1937.

Around the Region

Niagara Falls achieved a significant housing milestone, according to Ontario Construction News. The city exceeded its provincially assigned housing target in 2024, leading the Niagara region and securing $2.8 million in incentive funding through Ontario's Building Faster Fund. Niagara Falls constructed 774 new housing units compared with a provincial target of 667, achieving 116 percent of its goal.

Within the Niagara region, Welland achieved 113.97 percent of its target, while St. Catharines reached 85.28 percent. The 2024 incentive funding brings Niagara Falls' total Building Faster Fund allocation to $4.5 million. Funding must be directed toward capital and infrastructure projects that support the creation of affordable and attainable housing.

Grimsby, Lincoln, Fort Erie, Thorold, Port Colborne, Pelham, Wainfleet, and West Lincoln are all focused on snow removal operations today, with public works crews working to clear roads and restore normal operations following the weekend's historic snowstorm.

Niagara Events This Week

Niagara Falls — Tuesday, January 27 from 6:00 PM: Sushi & Wine Night at Danny's Sushi offers a culinary pairing experience featuring wine selections with Japanese cuisine.

Niagara Falls — Wednesday, January 28 from 7:00 PM: Niagara's Name That Tune Music Trivia at Counterpart Brewing brings live entertainment and friendly competition to this local brewery on Lundy's Lane.

Niagara Falls — Wednesday, January 28 from 6:00 PM: Carpaccio Wild Game Dinner takes place at 6840 Lundy's Lane, offering a unique dining experience featuring game meats paired with regional wines.

Niagara Falls — Wednesday, January 29: The Guess Who performs at Fallsview Casino Resort, bringing classic Canadian rock hits including "American Woman" and "These Eyes" to the region.

Niagara Falls — Through January 31: Road to Hotel California continues its run with tribute performances celebrating the music of the Eagles at various Niagara Falls venues.

Niagara Falls — Through February 1: The Hot Chocolate Trail continues across Niagara Falls with more than 50 unique hot chocolate creations at 30 locations throughout the city. January is an ideal time for the trail as lines are shorter and cafés feel cozier. See our website for our guide to the Hot Chocolate Trail.

Niagara-on-the-Lake — Friday, January 31: Cool As Ice Gala hosted by the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival marks the final celebration of Icewine season with tastings, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

Looking for more weekend plans? Check out our complete Events This Week in Niagara Region calendar with events across all 12 municipalities.

Niagara Weather This Week

According to Environment Canada, following the major snowstorm, Niagara Region faces continued cold conditions. Current observations at St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport show light snow with a temperature of minus 10°C and wind chill of minus 17. Today brings a 40 percent chance of flurries with a high of minus 8°C, while tonight will see mainly cloudy skies with 40 percent chance of flurries and local blowing snow. Wind southwest 40 gusting to 60 near midnight, with a low of minus 14°C and wind chill reaching minus 26 overnight.

Tuesday, January 27 will bring mainly cloudy skies with 60 percent chance of flurries and local blowing snow. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 60. High minus 7°C with wind chill minus 26 in the morning and minus 15 in the afternoon. Tuesday night will see clearing skies with a low of minus 16°C.

Wednesday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of minus 13°C. Residents should continue to dress warmly for outdoor activities and allow extra time for travel as road conditions improve throughout the week.

Stay safe and warm today, Niagara. Whether you're working from home, helping neighbours clear snow, or catching up on indoor tasks, our community's resilience shines through. As we dig out from this historic storm, remember to check on neighbours and take care when venturing outside in these extreme temperatures. Recovery crews are working tirelessly across all municipalities to restore normal operations.

The Niagara Digest Team