Aftermath of Hurricane Hazel: looking west across Old Albion Road bridge over the Humber River, October 16, 1954

J. V. Salmon (1911 - 1958).
Copy photograph.
Toronto Public Library, TRL, S 1-2086B.

Hurricane Hazel was the most devastating natural disaster ever to hit Toronto. The storm struck at 11:10 p.m. on October 15, 1954. By the time it had passed, culverts, creeks and rivers were overflowing and property damage was in the millions. Most tragically, 81 people had died including 36 on Raymore Drive, an ill-advised subdivision on the west bank of the Humber near Weston.

Spurred on by this disaster, 13 dams were built on the Humber, Don and Highland Creek, and limits were placed on construction in flood plains.

Related Information:

Hurricane Hazel at King and John streets, October 15/16, 1954