Yesterday, Toronto had its rainiest July day since 2013: More than 60 mm of rainfall was recorded between 8 am and 2 pm. That lead to extensive highway flooding and terrifying videos like this one. Now the province has appointed a special advisor to try and help mitigate flooding and help Ontarians recover from massive rains.
With 60 mm of rain in just a few hours, storm drains and gutters can't keep up. Entire on-ramps were flooded, with the barriers that normally keep cars out instead keeping the water in. This video shows a nearly completely submerged Toyota Camry at Highway 401 and Islington Ave being rescued by a heavy rotator that sits in a dry lane just feet away. This isn't the ideal way to rescue your car, but there's not much choice for the recovery crew.
A day after that flood, Minister of Natural Resources John Yakabuski announced a Special Advisor on flooding. Doug McNeil has been given the role. McNeil has spent 36 years in public service in Manitoba, including as Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. He also played a role in the 1997 flood of the Red River and helped lead a project to expand Winnipeg floodways.
"We heard from people across the province and saw first-hand the damage caused by flooding in so many communities," said Minister Yakabuski. "We want to help Ontarians protect what matters most, and the Special Advisor will help better prepare our province for flooding in the future."
The new position will assess current government roles in flood management and provide areas for improvement and ensure recommendations are followed. The province has also launched a new surface water monitoring webpage with flood warning alerts.
