21 years ago Toronto called in the army after 'Snowstorm of the Century'

It’s time once again to head down memory lane, as the 21st anniversary of Toronto’s epic snowstorm is upon us.

It all began with a snowstorm that fell between January 2 and 3 in 1999, but by the third snow fall on January 13, the storm was soon called “Toronto’s Snowstorm of the Century” by Environment Canada.

There would be a total of 118.4 cm of snow on the ground when it was all over, and by the 13th day of the new year, Toronto’s Mayor Mel Lastman called for the Canadian army to help dig the city out.

By January 15, about 400 soldiers were on the ground with another 800 standing by in case additional assistance was needed, according to The Weather Network.

Snow-clearing cost the city $70 million that month, more than twice its budget for the entire year.

If you don’t remember the storm, check out these pictures taken by then-Toronto resident Christine Kelly. And be thankful that 2020 has (so far) been very kind.

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly / Flickr

Christine Kelly