Mel Lastman
Mel Lastman is a former Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Toronto from 1998 to 2003. He became widely known for his controversial decision to call in the Canadian Armed Forces for snow removal during a severe winter storm in 1999, a move that drew significant media attention and criticism. His leadership style and memorable quotes have made him a notable figure in Toronto's political history.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Mel Lastman was a former Toronto mayor known for calling in the army during a snowstorm.
The slippery politics of snow removal
Canada· 2026-02-04
Her predecessor Mel Lastman did in 1999 when the city was paralyzed by a series of heavy snowfalls.
Toronto digs out after a record snowfallCanada· 2026-01-27
Mel Lastman was the mayor of Toronto at the time of the protest organized by Joe Hester.
Indigenous leader Joe Hester built an innovative urban health facilityCanada· 2025-03-05
Mel Lastman is recalled for calling in the army during a major snowstorm in Toronto.
Letters to the editor, March 2: ‘Wayne Gretzky has always been held in the highest regard … now, he is dead to me’Canada· 2025-03-02
Mel Lastman famously called in the actual army to deal with snowfall in Toronto in 1999.
Why Montreal’s snow-fighting army is the envy of other Canadian citiesCanada· 2025-02-22
