Toronto is bracing for a prolonged recovery following a massive snowfall – a staggering 46 centimeters – that blanketed the city. City officials are warning residents that a return to normal conditions will take days, not hours, despite an immediate and substantial response.
City Manager Paul Johnson emphasized the sheer scale of the event during a Monday afternoon press conference. “This was a major event,” he stated, explaining that while plowing is expected to be largely completed by Tuesday, full snow removal won’t truly begin in earnest until Wednesday.
The initial focus has been on critical infrastructure. Crews are prioritizing snow removal around public transit hubs, hospitals, and bridges, ensuring essential services remain accessible. This targeted approach builds on lessons learned from a previous snowfall just ten days prior.
Hundreds of urgent calls have already flooded the 311 service, highlighting the immediate impact on residents. Mayor Olivia Chow assured citizens that operations are ramping up, particularly on narrow residential streets where snowdrifts are creating significant challenges.
A massive fleet of 600 plows, supported by 1,300 staff and contractors, is working tirelessly. Major roadways have already undergone multiple rounds of plowing, while local streets and sidewalks have received at least one pass.
Officials are also addressing the issue of windrows – the walls of snow left by plows – with plans for targeted clearing to help residents access their driveways. The commute on Tuesday is expected to be noticeably improved as a result of these efforts.
The city has bolstered its snow storage and melting capacity to avoid the issues experienced last year. Repairs have been completed on existing snow melters, and new units have been brought online, significantly increasing the city’s ability to manage the immense volume of snow.
Despite the increased capacity, Johnson urged patience. “This is a big operation of large scale snow removal,” he explained, acknowledging that the process will be lengthy and demanding. Residents are asked to understand that a complete return to normal will require sustained effort over several days.
