Premier Doug Ford helps drivers stranded during major Ontario snowfall
Premier Doug Ford is navigating the snow-covered streets of Toronto working to assist drivers who may be caught up in the winter storm hammering much of Ontario on Monday.
“I’m just in my 4 x 4 pickup trying to help people out. I just picked some gentleman up and dropped him off at home but I just encourage everyone to stay at home,” Ford told NEWSTALK 1010’s Jerry Agar.
In images sent to CTV News Toronto by the premier’s spokesperson, Ivana Yelich, Ford can be seen digging out vehicles that appear to be stuck in snowbanks at two intersections in Toronto.
The premier's efforts come as a blizzard warning issued by Environment Canada has now ended but a winter storm warning for Ontario remains in effect.
The blast of winter weather Monday morning was so significant that the city’s Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway were closed due to the poor conditions on the road, both of which have fully reopened.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is seen digging out a vehicle stuck in a snowbank on Jan. 17, 2022. (Ivana Yelich)
Schools in Toronto, York Region and other parts of Ontario were also closed to in-person learning due to the large accumulation of snow, which could reach 60 centimetres in some areas by day’s end.
A full list of affected schools is available here.
“If you can give someone a lift, they’re stuck in their car, pull over, if you have a 4 x 4, give them a lift somewhere and get them home safely. It’s an absolute disaster right now,” Ford said.
Speaking to CP24 Monday morning, Ford said it’s hard to recall when the province last saw this much snow while advising residents to exercise caution if they try to clear it.
“Be careful. Don’t feel like it's essential that you clear the snow right at this point,” Ford said.
CTV News Toronto has compiled a list of when you can expect your street to be plowed which can be found here.
Ford wasn't the only person helping rescue those stranded in the middle of the road. On Saint Germain Avenue, neighbours came together to help free a fire truck that was stuck in the snow. About a dozen people with a variety of shovels and snow blowers could be seen in video of the incident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company
Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.