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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Toronto’s Union Station Transforms into an ‘Indoor Waterfall’ Amid Severe Flooding

 

Toronto, Canada, experienced a deluge of heavy rainfall that turned streets into rivers and left hundreds of thousands without power. The downtown region and parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were severely impacted by the storm. Among the striking visuals captured during this natural disaster was an unexpected sight at Union Station—an “indoor waterfall.”

The Scene at Union Station: Union Station, a bustling transportation hub, became an unlikely spectacle as water cascaded down its marble stairs. Videos and photos circulated on social media, showing the station’s grand interior transformed into a temporary waterfall. The scene served as a stark reminder of the devastating floods that hit Toronto back in 2013, prompting questions about the city’s preparedness for extreme weather events.

City Preparedness and Concerns: Despite having 11 years to address infrastructure vulnerabilities, Toronto faced similar flooding in familiar spots. Residents wondered why the city hadn’t taken more proactive measures to prevent such incidents. A city-based lawyer expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing the need for better sewer systems and safety precautions.

Environmental Factors: Toronto’s unique geography plays a role in its vulnerability to floods. Surrounded by the Greenbelt—a system of woods and wetlands—the city relies on natural absorption to manage excess water. However, recent decisions to open up these areas for development have limited their capacity to absorb rainfall effectively.

Traffic Disruptions: The floods wreaked havoc on Toronto’s transportation network. Major highways, including the Don Valley Parkway, were submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions. Lakeshore areas were also severely affected.

Conclusion: As Toronto grapples with the aftermath of this severe storm, the “indoor waterfall” at Union Station serves as a powerful visual reminder of the urgent need for better preparedness and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.


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