City of Toronto storm response update

TORONTO, May 24, 2022 – The City of Toronto is continuing cleanup work after last Saturday’s severe storm. City and contracted forestry crews worked through the weekend to respond to storm service requests. More than 2,900 requests have been received since Saturday. Crews worked 12- to 14-hour shifts over the weekend and all available crews and inspectors were brought in and assigned to this work.

As of yesterday, all available resources remain assigned to clean-up work, and there are a total of 45 crews out with cranes, bucket trucks and ground equipment. Crews prioritize responding to hazards to public safety or property. They are clearing roads as well as assisting Toronto Hydro by clearing trees from hydro lines.

Staff continue to triage requests and assess timelines. Given the storm’s severity, it may take several weeks to complete non-emergency clean-up work.

“Public safety is our priority when cleaning up after any severe storm. City and Urban Forestry crews have been hard at work all weekend long and continue to respond to thousands of storm-related and service calls,” said Mayor John Tory. “Thank you to City staff for assisting Toronto Hydro in re-establishing power as quickly as possible and clearing roads and sidewalks as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Tory.

The City has received an extremely high volume of storm-related requests, with requests continuing today. Fallen branches or trees can be reported by calling 311 or online at toronto.ca/311.

When fallen City-owned trees or branches need to be cleared, Urban Forestry crews will perform this work. Clean-up related to privately owned property is the property owner’s responsibility and residents should contact a tree service company. City staff will investigate concerns of dangerous trees or branches on private property, and these should also be reported by contacting 311.

More information on what to do when storms damage trees is available on the City’s Storm Damage to Trees webpage.

During a power outage, food will keep for 24 to 48 hours in the freezer and for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge. Adding ice to the fridge or freezer may help food remain cold. More information on power outages and food safety is on the City’s Power Failure and Food Safety webpage.

There are also numerous community supports for residents that can be accessed by calling 211.

SOURCE City of Toronto

photo by Daisy Lankstead

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