Toronto’s Defining Storm: Hurricane Hazel’s Enduring Impact
Hurricane Hazel’s Devastating Impact on Toronto
Hurricane Hazel was the deadliest and costliest hurricane of the 1954 Atlantic Hurricane Season. While its immense impacts spread as far as Haiti and across more than eight states within the U.S., they were particularly unprecedented in Canada, especially in Toronto. With winds reaching 124 km/h and over 200 millimeters of rain falling within 48 hours, the storm caused widespread devastation:
- 81 people died.
- 1,868 people were left homeless.
- City damage equivalent to 1 billion dollars today occurred.
- Flooding destroyed bridges, washed out roads, and engulfed buildings, trailer parks, and residential areas.
- An estimated 65 billion gallons of water were added to river and creek watersheds.
In total, families, homes, and neighborhoods were devastated by the widespread flooding.
Hazel’s Significance in Toronto’s Environmental History
Apart from the obvious and strenuous impact the storm had on Toronto, it is considered one of the most significant environmental events in the city’s history because it changed Toronto indefinitely, for better and for worse. The storm is known as one of the worst disasters to ever hit Toronto, largely because its effects were unprecedented for the region.
The situation was exacerbated by a severe lack of preparedness and awareness. Torontonians had no prior experience with hurricanes, and the storm proved to be highly unpredictable. During and after the storm, local organizations and volunteers carried the majority of the burden for cleanup and recovery. As local, regional, and provincial governments were slow to respond, it became clear that federal and provincial governments needed to establish measures to prevent future disasters. Ultimately, Hurricane Hazel resulted in the creation of policies and regulations that would enforce stormwater management.
Post-Hurricane Hazel Environmental Planning Initiatives
After Hurricane Hazel, many significant developments occurred in the history of environmental planning in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Most of these initiatives focused on preventative measures:
- Lessons Learned: The tragic loss of life and environmental devastation highlighted the critical need for effective stormwater management.
- Comprehensive Flood Control: Conservation authorities, local municipalities, and the province collaboratively developed a comprehensive plan for flood control and water conservation to significantly reduce risks to life and property from extreme weather events.
- Amended Conservation Authorities Act: The provincial government amended the Conservation Authorities Act, empowering conservation authorities to acquire and regulate vulnerable lands (such as the former Raymore Drive) for recreation and conservation.
- Water Management Plan: A comprehensive water management plan for the Toronto region was subsequently developed.
- Development Restrictions: Regulations enacted since Hurricane Hazel restrict new development in floodplains, allowing rivers to flow naturally and reducing the risk to people and their property during flooding.
The Enduring Legacy: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
One of the most important legacies left by Hurricane Hazel was the formation of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), created by the amalgamation of four existing conservation authorities. The TRCA was designed to oversee watershed management and sustainability practices across the region. Governed by the Ontario Conservation Authorities Act and the Ontario Clean Water Act (which was also influenced by Hurricane Hazel), the TRCA:
- Develops and delivers programs to further the conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources within its watersheds.
- Works to take care of watersheds.
- Protects, preserves, and monitors the environment.
- Deals with stormwater management.