Toronto (May 2017) – According to city workers, Lake Ontario can expect to rise another 6 inches in the next few weeks.  The concern is not the rain from above adding to the rise in water levels, but rather the water draining into the smallest of the 5 Great Lakes from other surrounding water basins (i.e. rivers, smaller lakes, waterfalls).

 

Walking along the waterfront these days is quite humbling as evidence of the power of Mother Nature spreads out before us.  The Toronto Islands have been closed to the public until further notice due to intense flooding.  However, for the most part, Toronto has been spared from the terrible devastation that flooding has caused in other Canadian cities; nonetheless, it’s certainly an eye-opener and a strong reminder of how powerful the force of nature is.

Along with this reality begs the question: “How much is human involvement and interruption of the earth’s natural flow responsible for the ever-increasing catastrophic events that are playing out worldwide?”   It gives us pause to think of our role in the changing weather patterns that are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

On this day in May, the leading comment from people along the boardwalk sounded something like this, “in all my years in Toronto, I have never seen the water levels this high”!  As a fellow Torontonian, I have to concur with this sentiment.  Trees are submerged, waters are rough and turbulent, portions of the waterfront trail are off-limits, barriers erected and warning signs posted.

The encroaching water is slowly swallowing up the beach area leaving very little space for volleyball players who meet weekly at Sunnyside Beach for friendly games and tournaments.  Sadly, if more shoreline disappears as predicted it will, sunbathers and beach goers will have to wiggle their toes in sand elsewhere.

Over the next few weeks, all eyes will be on the shores of Lake Ontario as many activities   and businesses hinge on access to the waterfront.

In the meantime, play safe and stay safe!