A severe ice storm struck southern Ontario and the northern U.S. over the weekend, delivering prolonged power outages and disrupting holiday travel. Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was allegedly unreachable after the storm.
In the aftermath of a dangerous ice storm, 219,000 Toronto residents remain in the dark Monday afternoon. And according to Toronto Hydro, in will take several days, and likely into the weekend, for power to be restored to many homes and businesses. "Earlier, Toronto Hydro's chief executive officer Anthony Haines said it was 'truly a catastrophic ice storm that we have had here, probably one of the worst we've ever had'," reports the BBC.
"Torontonians are used to snow, but an ice storm is something different - and dangerous," notes "Virtually every tree branch and twig is encased in ice. Many streets are blocked by fallen branches and festooned with yellow safety tape where live power lines have come down."
According to reports in The Toronto Star, the city's embattled mayor was missing in action on Sunday morning, as "city officials, staff and cleanup crews worked to repair the havoc caused by an icy storm." Mayor Ford declined to declare a state of emergency, apparently against the suggestion of his Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, who "said on CP24 'there is a considerable feeling' a state of emergency should be declared."
FULL STORY: Toronto ice storm leaves many facing cold, dark Christmas
2013: A Train Wreck Year for Toronto
Christopher Hume reflects on Toronto’s year of natural, political and transit catastrophes.
Doug Ford, Candidate for Ontario Premier, Would Open Toronto Greenbelt to Development
A prominent conservative with an infamous name is promoting single-family home development in the Toronto greenbelt as a way to release pressure on the Toronto housing market.
10 Reasons to Feel Optimistic About Toronto
Despite the dark cloud that the policies of new Mayor Rob Ford have brought to several of Toronto's promising transportation and redevelopment initiatives, Christopher Hume gives us 10 reasons to feel optimistic about the future of the city.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service