Key Takeaways
- The winter of 1999 was one of the snowiest on record in Toronto, with over 140 cm of snow falling in January alone.
- The city was overwhelmed, and Mayor Mel Lastman called in the military to help with snow removal, with 400 soldiers arriving from Petawawa.
- In comparison, the recent snowstorm in 2026 dumped 46 cm of snow on Toronto Pearson Airport, the highest daily snowfall on record, but the total January accumulation of 88.4 cm is still significantly less than the 1999 record.
- The city’s response to the 2026 storm included deploying 600 plows on city roads and sidewalks, but it does not compare to the scale of the 1999 snowfall.
Introduction to the Snowstorm of 1999
The winter of 1999 was a memorable one for the city of Toronto, with storm after storm dumping massive amounts of snow on the city. It was, as CBC’s Adrienne Arsenault described it, "the snowiest January in 200 years." The city was ill-prepared to handle the amount of snow that fell, and by January 14, 1999, the situation had become dire. The army was called in to help with snow removal, with 400 soldiers arriving from Petawawa to assist with the cleanup efforts. The move was met with ridicule from other cities across Canada, which were also experiencing wintry conditions.
The Scale of the 1999 Snowfall
The snowfall in January 1999 was unprecedented, with over 140 cm of snow falling on the city. The storms began on January 2, with 47 cm of snow falling on the city. The next weekend, another 10-15 cm fell, and by January 12, the city had accumulated over 105 cm of snow. Another storm on January 14 dumped an additional 35 cm of snow on the city, bringing the total to 140 cm. The city was overwhelmed, with snowdrifts reaching as high as 10 feet in some areas. The situation was so severe that the military was called in to help with snow removal, with soldiers using armoured personnel carriers to navigate the snow-filled streets.
The City’s Response to the 1999 Snowstorm
The city’s response to the 1999 snowstorm was significant, with Mayor Mel Lastman calling in the military to assist with snow removal. The military worked to clear catch basins and shovel around fire hydrants, helping to prevent flooding and ensure public safety. By January 15, the worst of the storm had passed, and the city began to return to normal. The military’s assistance was instrumental in helping the city recover from the storm, and their efforts were widely praised by residents and city officials.
Comparison to the 2026 Snowstorm
Fast forward to 2026, and Toronto is once again dealing with a significant snowstorm. The storm dumped 46 cm of snow on Toronto Pearson Airport, the highest daily snowfall on record. However, the total January accumulation of 88.4 cm is still significantly less than the 1999 record. The city’s response to the 2026 storm has been significant, with 600 plows deployed on city roads and sidewalks. However, the scale of the response is still smaller than the 1999 effort, which involved the military and a massive cleanup effort.
Conclusion
The snowstorm of 1999 was a significant event in Toronto’s history, with the city receiving over 140 cm of snow in January alone. The city’s response to the storm, including calling in the military, was instrumental in helping the city recover. While the 2026 snowstorm has been significant, it does not compare to the scale of the 1999 storm. The city’s response to the 2026 storm has been significant, but it is still smaller than the effort required to deal with the 1999 snowfall. As the city continues to deal with winter storms, it is essential to remember the lessons of 1999 and be prepared for the unexpected.