Toronto Water has shut off the pipes in a large swath of the Weston area after a water main break sent hundreds of litres of water gushing over sidewalks and roads and around buildings.
The 16-inch water main break was reported in the area of Weston Road, north of Lawrence Avenue, early Tuesday.
Torrents of water could be seen gushing around buildings in the area and over the steps of a nearby church.
The water also spilled over the road and sidewalks on Weston Road, creating icy and slushy conditions for pedestrians and drivers.
City crews were eventually able to halt the river-like flow of the water by shutting off water along Weston Road between Lawrence Avenue and Highway 401. There’s currently no estimate for how long it will be before the water is turned back on.
The gushing water also created two sinkholes on Weston Road near Church Street.
Motorists and pedestrians are being advised to avoid the area for the time being.
Officials said water mains in the area are more than 100 years old and rust and cold have made it difficult for the city to stem the flow.
