Conestoga College announced a full-system closure on Monday, January 26, 2026, citing a severe winter storm that affected campuses across Southwestern Ontario. The closure disrupted recruitment events and support for prospective students in Exeter, Ontario who are finalizing college applications in the run-up to the February 1 Equal Consideration deadline.
Conestoga’s communications channels said the college halted all campus operations on Jan. 26, including scheduled in-person tours and synchronous virtual information sessions. That cancellation affected a regional “University Pathways” recruitment webinar and in-person tours that Exeter-area students often use for last-minute portfolio checks and pathway questions.
Local high-school guidance staff in Exeter are advising students to submit their Ontario college applications online before the Feb. 1 Equal Consideration deadline and to follow up on portfolio reviews or program-specific questions after Conestoga reopens.
Conestoga has directed students to check the college website and mobile app for updates and rescheduling information.
Background: Environment Canada issued winter-storm and snowfall warnings for parts of Huron-Perth and the Waterloo region on Jan. 25–26, 2026, prompting school and service disruptions across Southwestern Ontario. The February 1 ‘Equal Consideration’ deadline is the key date for Ontario college applications; applications received by that date receive equal consideration in admissions decisions.
