Heavy snowfall cripples Toronto transit, raising questions about winter readiness
A record-setting winter storm brought Toronto to a standstill Thursday, disrupting transit, closing schools, and exposing gaps in the city’s ability to handle extreme snowfall.
Roads across the Greater Toronto Area became gridlocked as snow accumulated rapidly overnight. Transit delays rippled across the network, while many commuters found themselves stranded or forced to turn back.
For some, the disruption began before dawn. Adshayah Sathiaseelan woke up at 4:30 a.m. to begin her three-hour commute from Markham to McMaster University’s Burlington campus.
It wasn’t until after 5:30 a.m., as she was making her way toward Union Station, that she learned the university had cancelled classes due to the storm. By then, trains were delayed, platforms were crowded, and travel conditions were deteriorating.
Transit delays and road closures pile up
Toronto’s public transit system struggled to keep pace with the snowfall. Several train routes experienced significant delays, while buses and streetcars were slowed by snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
Major highways and arterial roads also became congested as collisions and stalled vehicles blocked lanes. Emergency services urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel as snowplows worked to clear key routes.
School boards across the region closed schools or shifted to remote learning, citing safety concerns for students and staff.
A stress test for snow-clearing operations
City officials described the storm as one of the most intense snowfall events Toronto has faced in years. The volume of snow placed enormous pressure on snow-removal crews, equipment, and response timelines.
Despite thousands of plows and salt trucks being deployed, many neighbourhood streets remained difficult to navigate well into the day. Pedestrians also reported snow-covered sidewalks and bus stops, complicating travel for seniors and people with mobility challenges.
Why Toronto struggles during major snow events
Urban planners and transportation experts say Toronto’s challenges are not new. The city’s winter maintenance system is designed for typical snowfall, not increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
High population density, aging infrastructure, and reliance on surface transit make rapid recovery difficult. At the same time, climate change is contributing to more intense and unpredictable winter storms, increasing pressure on municipal services.
Experts note that winter-proofing a city of Toronto’s size requires long-term investment, expanded snow storage capacity, and improved coordination between transit agencies and road crews.
Looking ahead
As cleanup efforts continue, the storm has reignited debate about how Canada’s largest city prepares for severe winter weather. Residents and commuters are once again questioning whether current systems are adequate for the conditions Toronto increasingly faces.
For many, Thursday’s storm was not just an inconvenience. It was a reminder that extreme weather is becoming a regular stress test — one that the city is still learning how to pass.
