TORONTO – Toronto residents are advised to allocate additional time for their commutes this morning as the city continues its efforts to recover from a significant snowstorm that took place over the weekend. City Manager Paul Johnson announced during a news conference that full snow clearance to the curb is expected to take a couple of days.
Johnson emphasized that priority will be given to reopening and clearing expressways and arterial roads, as well as ensuring that public transit remains operational. The weather forecast from Environment Canada indicated that Toronto experienced over 50 centimeters of snowfall, with flurries tapering off late last night.
Mayor Olivia Chow has called on residents to assist their neighbors who may be struggling or stuck due to the snow, and encouraged them to contact 311 for any assistance from city services. In light of the severe weather conditions, the Toronto District School Board, the York Catholic District School Board, and the Peel District School Board have all announced the closure of their schools, including childcare centers, for Monday.
In response to the snowstorm, the City of Toronto has activated its second major snow event response plan of the year. Several important declarations have been made to address the weather conditions, which include parking prohibitions on key routes and streetcar lines. This proactive measure is aimed at facilitating snow removal operations and maintaining safe travel conditions.
Furthermore, the snowstorm has severely impacted air travel, with FlightAware reporting that more than 500 flights were canceled at Pearson Airport on Sunday. The ongoing challenges posed by the weather necessitate a collective effort from the city, its residents, and various institutions to manage the aftermath effectively.
This significant winter event marks yet another instance of Toronto’s harsh winter, underscoring the need for preparedness and community support during such challenging conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible.
