Toronto declares major snowstorm condition, to begin snow removal operations: Tory

Toronto Mayor John Tory said the city is declaring a “major snowstorm condition” to help with the snow removal process after a massive blizzard rocked the city on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference Monday afternoon, Tory said snowstorm conditions typically last 72 hours, but added that it will “likely” be extended.

“This is, you know, a major winter storm and the city is continuing with its efforts to clean up after the storm,” Tory told reporters. “And it’s going to take some time and require some measures that are a bit more extraordinary than for just an average modest snowfall.”

A press release issued by the city on Monday, said when a major snow storm condition is declared, parking on roads designated as snow routes is “prohibited for a period of 72 hours.”

“Designated snow routes are primarily located in the downtown core and include all streetcar routes,” the release reads. “All snow routes are clearly signed.”

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According to the city, anyone who parks on a designated snow route during a major snow event is subject to a fine of up to $200.

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A map and list of streets affected by the major snowstorm condition can be found on the city’s website.

The city said emergency services “rely on clear roads to respond quickly to emergencies.”

“The City’s Transportation Services division is responsible for moving vehicles that delay crews or hinder snow-clearing operations, even when a major snow storm condition has not been declared or when a vehicle is legally parked,” the release said. “In such instances, vehicles are usually towed to an adjacent street.”

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Tory said snow removal operations will begin once snow plowing has concluded.

“There’s already been a number of rounds done over the course of the day,” he said, adding that there have been up to four rounds completed on some expressways.

“That work will have to continue because it has continued to snow over the course of the day,” he said. “And our crews will continue to do that work, and the snow removal will start once that work has been completed.”

He said once snow is removed from Toronto’s streets and sidewalks, it will be taken to a “safe location,” to melt.

Tory said there is “plenty of capacity” at the storage facilities. He said this will get the snow off the roads and sidewalks “for the time being.”

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Global News Meteorologist Ross Hull said by Monday afternoon Toronto was “out of the heaviest snow.”

However, Hull said with temperatures dropping Monday night and gusty winds, the snow “will take on more of a powdery form and blow around easier bringing a blowing snow threat – especially in exposed areas.”

He said the dropping temperature could also cause slushy snow to turn to ice and “make it more difficult for any vehicles stuck in the snow to get out.”

By 2 p.m., downtown Toronto had seen a total of 36 cm of snow.