Historical Events tagged with "toronto"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Vehicle Ramming Attack in Toronto

April 23rd, 2018 6 years ago

Alek Minassian drove a rental van into pedestrians along Yonge Street in Toronto, resulting in 11 fatalities and 15 injuries. This incident occurred in a busy area during the lunch hour, prompting immediate emergency responses and drawing significant media attention.

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Politics & Government

Andrew Scheer becomes leader of Conservative Party

May 27th, 2017 7 years ago

Andrew Scheer was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, succeeding Rona Ambrose. The election took place during a leadership race at the Toronto Congress Centre, where Scheer won over several candidates. His victory marked a significant moment for the Conservative party, transitioning from Ambrose's leadership after an interim period following the resignation of Stephen Harper.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Air France Flight 358 Accident in Toronto

August 2nd, 2005 19 years ago

Air France Flight 358, an Airbus A340, landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport after a transatlantic flight from Paris. Upon landing, the aircraft failed to stop on the runway, ultimately running off into a ravine, leading to a fire. Fortunately, there were no fatalities among the 309 passengers and crew, though 12 individuals sustained injuries as a result. The incident raised questions about airport safety and emergency response protocols.

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Science & Technology

Massive Blackout Hits Northeast US and Canada

August 14th, 2003 21 years ago

A widespread power outage impacted the northeast United States and parts of Canada, affecting around 50 million people. The blackout began in the early evening and was a result of failures within the electrical grid. Many cities, including New York and Toronto, were plunged into darkness, halting transportation and creating chaos. Emergency services responded to numerous incidents, with some people trapped in subways and elevators. The power was restored after several hours, but the incident raised many questions about the reliability of the energy infrastructure in North America.

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Sports & Recreation

Blue Jays Win First World Series Title

October 24th, 1992 32 years ago

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed their first World Series title by defeating the Atlanta Braves. The decisive Game 6, held at the SkyDome in Toronto, saw the Blue Jays triumph 4-3. Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off home run marked a dramatic finish, securing their place in baseball history as the first team outside the United States to achieve this feat.

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Economics & Industry

Solar Storm Disrupts Toronto Stock Trading

August 16th, 1989 35 years ago

A significant solar particle event caused electronic disruptions at the Toronto Stock Exchange, leading to an unexpected halt in trading activities. On August 16, 1989, the electromagnetic activity from the sun, intensified by a coronal mass ejection, affected satellite communications and electrical systems around the globe, notably crippling the exchange's electronic trading systems. This resulted in a temporary suspension of trading until systems could be stabilized, illustrating the vulnerabilities of technology to space weather phenomena.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Raids Target Gay Bathhouses in Toronto

February 5th, 1981 44 years ago

On February 5, 1981, the Metropolitan Toronto Police conducted a series of raids on four gay bathhouses in Toronto, Ontario. This operation resulted in the arrests of nearly 300 individuals, a move that sparked widespread protests and rallies among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The raids were seen as a significant act of police discrimination against homosexuals, leading to a powerful reaction from activists calling for reform and change in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. The events of this day became a pivotal moment in the fight against anti-gay legislation in Canada.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air Canada Flight 189 Overruns Runway

June 26th, 1978 46 years ago

Air Canada Flight 189, a Boeing 737, was attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport when it overran the runway, crashing into the Etobicoke Creek ravine. Out of the 107 passengers and crew on board, two individuals lost their lives in the incident. The flight was on approach after a routine trip from Calgary. Weather conditions at the time of landing were reported as poor, contributing to difficulties for the pilots.

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Arts & Culture

Mikhail Baryshnikov Defects to the West

June 29th, 1974 50 years ago

Mikhail Baryshnikov, a prominent Soviet ballet dancer, defected to Canada while on tour with the Kirov Ballet in 1974. During the tour in Toronto, he made the bold decision to abandon his life in the Soviet Union, seeking artistic freedom and opportunities in the West. This pivotal moment would not only change his life but also impact the dance world significantly, as he later became an iconic figure in ballet and contemporary dance.

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