With the end of 2014 approaching, it's time to relive some of the most memorable moments with incredible photos and candids that were taken throughout the year in Toronto and the surrounding area.
This year did not disappoint, with stunning images of the awesome power of nature and glimpses into the human spirit. There were also buzzed-about images shared on social media that went viral.
Let's take a look back at some of the year’s most compelling snaps:
1. Niagara Falls comes to a standstill
Unusually cold temperatures brought on by the polar vortex partially stopped the rush of Niagara Falls in January. Images of the famous water fall were shared on social media.
2. Nearly 100-vehicle pileup north of Toronto
Dangerous white conditions in parts of southern Ontario in February caused a chain-reaction crash on Highway 400, south of Barrie, Ont. Ninety-six vehicles were involved in the massive multi-vehicle pileup, closing a stretch of the highway for hours. Provincial police said three people suffered non-life threatening injuries.
3. Storm lashes southern Ontario
A powerful twister touched down in Angus, Ont., in June, tearing off the roofs of a number of homes and leaving a trail of debris in its wake. Three people suffered minor injuries and a state of emergency was declared on the township in the aftermath of the tornado.
4. Photo showing the tearful joy of 2 fathers holding son goes viral
A photograph of two Toronto fathers embracing their newborn son for the first time quickly went viral this summer. Baby Milo was born on June 27 during World Pride Week. The photo captures the tearful moment fathers Frank Nelson and BJ Barone held their son, just minutes after he was born to a surrogate.
5. Do you believe? Mysterious lights spotted over Toronto
Flashing lights that were spotted over north Toronto in July left many residents scratching their heads. Toronto police said they received several calls about the pink, green and white lights that were seen moving in the Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue area. Theories over what the lights could be been included UFOs, lanterns, a kite with lights attached, or a drone.
6. 'Leprechaun' shamed on social media
An unidentified man was at the centre of a social media storm after a spat over an unoccupied TTC bus seat in September. The man, who was later dubbed the "Leprechaun" because of his green outfit, apparently stomped on a woman's foot and pushed her after he was asked to remove his bag from an empty seat on a 72 Pape bus. The woman later posted the details of the encounter on her Facebook page. The brief exchange, which was also captured on video and posted on YouTube, sparked the hashtag #TTCLeprechaun as other Torontonians started an online hunt to track him down.
Warning: Video contains graphic content
7. Woman trapped in The Bay live-tweets ordeal
A woman who was browsing in The Bay's downtown location found herself temporarily trapped after the department store closed for the night. Emily Keeler live-tweeted the ordeal, which she described as "terrifying." She was eventually freed after being trapped for approximately 30 minutes.
But seriously how do I get out of here? pic.twitter.com/i3xOAnNkop
— Emily M. Keeler (@emilymkeeler) February 27, 2014
Nope! pic.twitter.com/Bi25ziDKJY
— Emily M. Keeler (@emilymkeeler) February 27, 2014
These nice managers freed me! pic.twitter.com/5WR1mmgOAf
— Emily M. Keeler (@emilymkeeler) February 27, 2014
8. Rottweiler survives elevator hanging
A Toronto dog owner posted a video to Facebook of her pet Rottweiler Vlado hanging by its collar while the leash was trapped in a closed elevator door, in a bid to warn others of the potential dangers when taking leashed pets on elevators. Vlado survived the frightening ordeal, which owner Tama Seibert described as one of the "most traumatic experiences" of her life.
Warning: Contains graphic content
9. Massive fire guts Brampton church
St. Elias the Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church, located near Heritage Road and Bovaird Drive, was completely gutted after a two-alarm blaze ripped through the wooden building in early April, destroying years of memories and causing more than $500,000 in damage.
The church was a beloved landmark in the community, famous for its ornate architecture, decorated walls and priceless religious artifacts.
10. Dump truck slams into Burlington Skyway bridge
The Toronto-bound lanes of the Burlington Skyway bridge were shuttered for several days after a dump truck crashed into a beam of the scaffolding structure in July. The bridge sustained significant damage, and three other vehicles were also damaged after the crash. The 34-year-old driver of the truck has since been charged.
