Nearly 105,000 tonnes of snow removed from Toronto streets as warmer temps bring risk of flooding

The City of Toronto says crews have removed nearly 105,000 tonnes of snow from streets, sidewalks and bike lanes since last Wednesday as it prepares for the possibility of flooding from the piles of snow that are starting to melt. 

The city has crews have removed 104,592 tonnes snow from 362 kilometres of roads, 288 kilometres of sidewalks and 42 kilometres of bike lanes. 

Snow removal of this scale hasn't been required since January 2022, it said in an update Monday.

Officials say crews will also be deployed to inspect and clear catch basins in flood-prone areas ahead of warmer temperatures expected this week. Equipment and crews will be ready at strategic locations to quickly respond to any flooding that occurs.

Environment Canada is forecasting warmer weather in Toronto this week, with a high of four degrees and a chance of showers on Tuesday. Above-zero temperatures are expected until Friday.

However, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority said it doesn't expect to issue any flood watches or warnings this week as the snow and ice melt is not expected to cause river flooding.

"If weather forecast and conditions change, such as an expectation of significant rainfall that could possibly create river flooding conditions, TRCA would issue a flood message," it said in a statement.

The Credit Valley Conservation west of Toronto has issued an early notice of the potential for flooding, saying the snow melt could result in watershed runoff of up to 25 millimetres through Thursday.

"While neither significant river ice breakup nor flooding of the Credit River is expected, some areas will see increased water levels and localized minor flooding and/or river ice breakup may occur," it said in a statement, advising the public to stay away from all water courses.

Snow removal continues 

Snow removal operations across the city will also help reduce the volume of snow that could melt and contribute to flooding, the city says. 

Up to 23 centimetres fell on parts of the city the weekend of Feb. 15, following a dump of up to 20 centimetres only a few days prior.

The city began removing the snow that was plowed from roads and sidewalks to designated sites last Wednesday, a process officials said could take three weeks. 

The city says it prioritizes snow removal on main streets with transit routes to ensure safety and accessibility. The city is also accepting service requests for snow clearing — which includes plowing and salting — of public roads and sidewalks where snow is blocking sightlines or causing safety concerns.