When Toronto Called in the Army: A Snowy Tale from 1999

Name: When Toronto Called in the Army: A Snowy Tale from 1999
Start: 1933-01-14
Location: Unspecified

The Great Toronto Snowstorm of 1999

In January 1999, a major snowstorm blanketed Toronto with a staggering amount of snow, creating chaos across the city. The storm, which lasted several days, dumped approximately 40 centimeters (16 inches) of snow, paralyzing transport, disrupting electricity supplies, and immobilizing emergency services. During this emergency, Mayor Mel Lastman made an unprecedented decision to call in the military for assistance, prompting widespread media coverage and public interest.

Mayor Mel Lastman’s Controversial Decision

As the snow piled up and the city struggled to cope, Mayor Mel Lastman's action to enlist the help of the Canadian Armed Forces was both surprising and historic. Amidst the outcry from residents and the inability of city services to manage the situation effectively, Lastman recognized that emergency medical evacuations and snow removal were far beyond the existing municipal resources. This bold move marked the first time in Canadian history that military assistance was called upon to deal with urban snow removal.

The Impact of the Snowstorm on Torontonians

The storm severely limited mobility for Torontonians, with many cars stalled and public transport crippled. People were trapped in their homes, and many sought medical attention but could not reach hospitals. Lastman’s decision to invite the army was seen as a necessity to mitigate further risks to public health and safety during this trying time.

Military Involvement in Snow Removal

Once deployed, the military was able to provide urgently needed support. Armed Forces personnel joined city workers in clearing snow from major roads and assisting with emergency medical evacuations. Their involvement not only helped restore some normalcy to the city's operations but was also a logistical challenge that highlighted the need for improved winter response strategies.

Military Cooperation with City Services

The collaboration between the military and local city services showcased an effective model for addressing emergencies. Despite the chaos, it also provided valuable lessons on the importance of preparedness and coordination between different levels of government in responding to unforeseen weather events.

Public Reaction to the Events

Public sentiment was mixed; some appreciated the drastic measures taken, while others questioned why the city was so ill-prepared for such a typical winter storm. Forums and discussions erupted around the need for better urban planning and resource allocation for winter weather conditions in Canada's largest city.

Fun Fact

Mel Lastman’s Interesting Quote

In the midst of the snowstorm, Mel Lastman famously remarked, "I’m not going to wait for Mr. Snowman to come while people are frozen out there!" This statement highlighted his determination to take action during a crisis.