Snow day means winter fun for Montreal kids

Snowstorms could mean headaches for many: shovelling walkways, tricky road conditions and long commutes.

But it’s also a good excuse for everyone’s inner child – and even their furry friends – to come out and actually enjoy the weather.

With almost all schools closed, many kids were out having fun in the snow at Lafontaine Park Thursday.

“It was super cool to find out that we didn’t have school today,” Arthur told CityNews.

“I’m really happy because we don’t have school, and it’s not always so cool, so a little rest is really cool,” added Jade.

“We get to skip homework,” said Charlotte. “So now we can do what we like.”

“I had a test. So no tests, that’s cool,” said Maïssane.

“I was so happy to learn that school was cancelled because it meant we were going to have fun all day,” said Mathias.

“I’m super excited,” added Julian.

“I’m sledding!” said Emma.

It wasn’t just the young ones taking in the blanket of fresh show.

Stéphane and his dog Solo were among the adults enjoying the outdoors. “We’re going to play with the snow. He’s a maniac of snow. He likes play. He’s still young. He’s five months and a half.”

So was Guy: “The snow, when you don’t have to work or take your car, that’s fantastic, magical.”

And Augustin: “My roommates, we were, I don’t know… It reminds us when we were younger. “

Stay safe in the snow

The Montreal Children’s hospital has issued warnings in light of the weather to ensure children are safe while enjoying the outdoors.

“Even something that we think is simple like tobogganing, there are safety measures,” said Dr. Laurie Plotnick, an assistant professor emergency physician at the Children’s. “Everyone should be wearing a helmet.

“Ideally go to a designated area. They are usually good at ensuring that there are no, poles, trees, obstacles that can be easily hit with a toboggan.

“Younger children, certainly children under five should be going on a sled or toboggan with an adult who can better anticipate the dangers and steer away from a danger if need be.”

READ: Major snowstorm hits Montreal: schools closed, difficult driving conditions, flights delayed

Dr. Plotnick adds children lose heat more quickly than adults, so lots of layers and frequent breaks to warm up are important.

Also, she says steer clear of snow banks near roads where vehicles and snow plows are circulating because they have much less visibility than we think.

“Where families really need to consider coming to the emergency department is if they suspect there’s a broken bone, if they suspect their child’s had a head injury,” Plotnick said.

Snow began falling Wednesday night and will continue long into Thursday.

“It’s a little bit cold, but it’s fun. Awesome,” Aliénor told CityNews.

“We thought that it would be a great day to go out and have fun as a family,” said Jean-Baptiste.

Added Rose: “Cool, school is out. Finally, we get to go sliding. That’s life, a beautiful life.”