Remembering the 1998 Ice Storm

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the 1998 ice storm.  Like all institutions, Concordia was affected by the Ice Storm. Fortunately, the University survived the storm with minimal damage.

The Ice Storm at Concordia

• Two weeks of the winter semester were lost and make up classes had to be scheduled. Spring break was cancelled and some classes were held on Sundays.
• Rector Dr. Lowy acknowledged that there had been exemplary cooperation during the crisis among members of the University community.
• The Board of Governors adopted the resolution R98-12 to extend its sincere thanks to each and every individual who contributed to the smooth operation of the University during the ice storm of January 1998.
• Concordia’s emergency preparedness plan were reviewed as a consequence of the ice storm.

Bursaries for students

• Many Concordia students faced serious hardships during or arising from the ice storm. To help students overcome the loss of wages or food, $50,000 in emergency funds was allocated for bursaries, food vouchers, childcare and emergency loans. Eighty students were selected to receive bursaries of $250 each.

Publications

• Several articles on the storm were published in the January 1998 issues of The Concordian, Concordia’s Thursday Report., and The Link.
• The ice storm was also featured in the 1998 Concordia Yearbook.

In conclusion, we can say that a strong sense of community prevailed throughout and that all the players deserved the Board’s commendation. To commemorate the occasion, your archivists have prepared a special page featuring several images from the storm. https://www.concordia.ca/offices/archives/stories/ice-storm-of-1998.html.

If you would like to learn more about any historical events that marked Concordia, please come and do research in Records Management and Archives.