EXERCISE INTRODUCTION
In preparation for the exercise, please watch the two short videos below and review other key details.
Exercise Briefing
What to expect and how to prepare
What's happening right now
Situation Recap
NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA
This section brings together the latest news, social media updates, and weather. Click each item for more details.
Major power outage hits Southern Ontario and Northeastern U.S. Officials cite software issue as restoration timelines remain unclear.
NATIONAL
Federal, provincial and municipal governments continue response efforts as the widespread power outage enters third day.
LOCAL
As much of the GTA enters its third day without electricity, Toronto has settled into an unfamiliar rhythm.
Canadian and U.S markets closed lower on Friday following the widespread power outage.
FINANCIAL
SPECIALTY
As the widespread power outage enters its third day, thousands of GTA residents are temporarily leaving the city in search of reliable power and internet access.
Weather Forecast
Monday
22° 17°
Tuesday
24° 18°
Wednesday
21° 16°
City of Toronto
@CityToronto
City services continue operating under emergency procedures. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and conserve fuel. Community centres and libraries with power remain open, offering device charging, washrooms and Wi-Fi where available.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
10:00 PM - Aug 23
Toronto Hydro
@TorontoHydro
We continue working with provincial partners to stabilize the electrical system. The cause of the outage remains under investigation. There is currently no estimated timeline for widespread restoration.
9:40 PM - Aug 23
💬 20 ◉ 1.3K
TTC
@TTC-Operations
TTC subway service is suspended across affected areas. Buses continue on a reduced schedule, subject to congestion, fuel availability and staffing. TTC also has shuttle buses running along subway routes to support criterial services, also operating on a reduced service level. All TTC fares are free at this time.
💬 19 ◉ 2K
9:30 PM - Aug 23
Metrolinx
@Metrolinx
GO Transit rail service is suspended across most affected areas. GO Bus service continues on a reduced schedule, subject to road conditions and fuel availability.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
9:27 PM - Aug 23
@Pearson
Pearson Airport
9:25 PM - Aug 23
Toronto Pearson continues operating under emergency power and contingency procedures. Airlines continue to experience delays and cancellations. Passengers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport.
💬 40 ◉ 1.2K
Emergency Management Ontario
@EMO
9:22 PM - Aug 23
Provincial coordination continues with municipalities, utilities and critical infrastructure partners. Residents are encouraged to conserve fuel, limit unnecessary travel, check on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and monitor official sources for updates.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
Sarah M
@Sarah.M
Honestly... Toronto is suprisingly calm tonight. Everyone on our street is sitting outside chatting instead of watching TV. #PowerOutage
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
Muskoka Mom
@MuskokaMom
Definitely more people in town than a normal August weekend. Grocery store was packed this morning and every coffee shop seemed full.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
Weather Forecast
Monday
22° 17°
Tuesday
24° 18°
Wednesday
21° 16°
City of Toronto
@CityToronto
City services continue operating under emergency procedures. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and conserve fuel. Community centres and libraries with power remain open, offering device charging, washrooms and Wi-Fi where available.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
10:00 PM - Aug 23
Toronto Hydro
@TorontoHydro
We continue working with provincial partners to stabilize the electrical system. The cause of the outage remains under investigation. There is currently no estimated timeline for widespread restoration.
💬 20 ◉ 1.3K
9:40 PM - Aug 23
TTC
@TTC-Operations
TTC subway service is suspended across affected areas. Buses continue on a reduced schedule, subject to congestion, fuel availability and staffing. TTC also has shuttle buses running along subway routes to support criterial services, also operating on a reduced service level. All TTC fares are free at this time.
💬 19 ◉ 2K
9:30 PM - Aug 23
Metrolinx
@Metrolinx
GO Transit rail service is suspended across most affected areas. GO Bus service continues on a reduced schedule, subject to road conditions and fuel availability.
💬 24 ◉ 1.2K
9:27 PM - Aug 23
Pearson Airport
@Pearson
Toronto Pearson continues operating under emergency power and contingency procedures. Airlines continue to experience delays and cancellations. Passengers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport.
💬 40 ◉ 1.2K
9:25 PM - Aug 23
Emergency Management Ontario
@EMO
Provincial coordination continues with municipalities, utilities and critical infrastructure partners. Residents are encouraged to conserve fuel, limit unnecessary travel, check on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and monitor official sources for updates.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:22 PM - Aug 23
Sarah M
@Sarah.M
Honestly... Toronto is suprisingly calm tonight. Everyone on our street is sitting outside chatting instead of watching TV. #PowerOutage
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
Muskoka Mom
@Muskoka.Mom
Definitely more people in town than a normal August weekend. Grocery store was packed this morning and every coffee shop seemed full.
💬 4 ◉ 1K
9:15 PM - Aug 23
SM
Click to read your messages
BB
Click to read your messages
CC
Click to read your messages
MF
Click to read your messages
CG
Click to read your messages
AH
Click to read your messages
MI
Click to read your messages
GL
Click to read your messages
JP
Click to read your messages
DS
Click to read your messages
TW
Click to read your messages
SC
Click to read your messages
YOUR MESSAGES
Select a participant to view their emails, messages, calls and other internal communications.
The following optional content is available for those who would like additional context. It is not required reading before the exercise.
Optional Content Below
Optional Content Below
The following optional content is available for those who would like additional context.
POWER OUTAGE - IMPACTED AREAS
This interactive map shows the areas currently affected by power outages. Click each location for more details.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
This section outlines key scenario facts and assumptions.
Transportation
Status - Active
Canada–U.S. land border crossings remain open but experience significant delays. Commercial traffic and critical goods are prioritized.
Regional bus services continue on reduced schedules. Highways remain open but experience significant congestion and delays.
Status - Active
Status - Active
​Major airports remain operational but experience significant delays and flight cancellations.
Government Services
Status - Active
Emergency services remain operational across affected regions but are focused on priority incidents. Response times are significantly longer than normal.
Governments remain operational, with resources focused on emergency response and essential services.
Status - Active
Toronto Police increase patrols across the city and encourage residents to avoid unnecessary travel, report suspicious activity and use 911 only for emergencies.
Status - Active
Infrastructure
Status - Active
Toronto Hydro provides regular restoration updates, prioritizes critical infrastructure and advises residents to prepare for continued outages.
Status - Active
Cellular networks remain operational but experience congestion, intermittent outages and reduced coverage.
Supply chains remain operational but experience significant delays, with critical goods prioritized over non-essential deliveries.
Status - Active
Financial Services
Retail banking remains operational but degraded. Many branches are closed or operating with reduced service.
Status - Active
Status - Active
​Electronic payments generally remain available but experience intermittent disruptions and transaction failures.
Cash becomes increasingly difficult to obtain as many ATMs become unavailable or run out of cash.
Status - Active
Status - Active
Financial markets remain fully operational but experience elevated volatility as investors respond to ongoing uncertainty and infrastructure disruptions.
Personal Impact
Status - Active
The heat wave has ended, with daytime temperatures expected to remain in the low 20s°C and cooler overnight throughout the outage. No significant weather-related impacts are expected.
Status - Active
Many businesses operate with reduced staffing, while others temporarily close offices or shift employees to remote work where possible.
Status - Active
​Grocery stores remain operational where possible, but food and essential supplies become increasingly limited throughout the outage.
Many summer camps and childcare programs are cancelled or operating at reduced capacity, resulting in workforce availability challenges.
Status - Disabled
Status - Disabled
Waste collection services experience delays and localized service disruptions throughout the incident.
Status - Active
Municipal drinking water remains safe and available throughout the incident.
Water & Sanitation
Public Health
Status - Active
Hospitals remain operational but experience increased demand and reduced non-urgent services.
Hospitals remain operational, although some facilities experience localized service disruptions due to generator, fuel and other operational challenges.
Status - Active
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
This section outlines key scenario facts and assumptions.
Transportation
-
TTC subway service is suspended.
-
TTC shuttle buses are operating along subway routes.
-
TTC buses continue operating on a reduced contingency schedule.
-
Go Rail service is suspended across most affected areas.
-
GO Bus service continues on a reduced contingency schedule.
-
Regional transportation networks remain operational but are significantly disrupted.
-
Municipal transit agencies are operating reduced contingency bus services where possible.
-
Rail services are largely suspended.
-
Highways remain open but are experiencing severe congestion.
-
Major airports, including Toronto Pearson, remain operational using backup power and contingency procedures.
-
Flight schedules are significantly disrupted.
-
Delays and cancellations are common.
-
The extreme heat wave has ended.
-
Temperatures remain cool and seasonable, with highs in the low 20s°C.
-
No severe weather is forecasted.
-
Loss of air conditioning may cause discomfort but no widespread health emergency.
-
Business operations are significantly disrupted.
-
Many offices are closed or operating with reduced staff.
-
Remote work continues where possible, but productivity is limited.
-
Essential businesses remain open at reduced capacity.
-
Grocery stores remain open where power and staffing allow.
-
Perishable food supplies are increasingly limited.
-
Essential items face high demand and shortages.
-
Purchase limits are in place at many stores.
-
Many camps and childcare programs are cancelled or operating at reduced capacity.
-
Power outages, transportation issues and staffing shortages are causing disruptions.
-
Childcare challenges are increasing employee absenteeism.
Personal Impact
Financial Services
-
Retail banking remains operational but degraded.
-
Online and mobile banking may be slow or intermittent.
-
Many branches are closed or operating reduced hours.
-
Electronic payments remain operational but may be intermittent.
-
Card payments work where power and connectivity are available.
-
Transaction failures are more frequent than normal.
-
Cash access becomes increasingly limited.
-
Many ATMs are offline or out of cash.
-
Operational ATMs face long lines and withdrawal limits.
-
Global financial markets remain open but highly volatile.
-
Market infrastructure is operational as investors shift toward bonds, gold and defensive sectors.
-
Credit and liquidity markets remain functional as regulators continue monitoring conditions.
-
Canada’s financial system remains stable and resilient and attention remains focused on outage duration and economic impacts.
Infrastructure
-
Natural gas service remains operational and facilities with natural gas backup generation are also operational.
-
Toronto Hydro restoration efforts continue 24/7.
-
Critical infrastructure and public safety are prioritized.
-
Stay clear of downed power lines and monitor official updates.
-
Cellular networks remain operational but congested.
-
Calls, texts and mobile data may be slow or intermittent.
-
Coverage may decline as backup power is exhausted.
-
Supply chains and freight remain operational but disrupted.
-
Fuel shortages, congestion and staffing issues are delaying deliveries.
-
Critical supplies are prioritized.
-
Non-essential goods face delays and localized shortages.
Water & Sanitation
-
Waste, recycling and organics collection continue where possible.
-
Staffing and transportation issues are causing delays.
-
Some areas face temporary service suspensions.
-
Municipal drinking water remains operational.
-
Treatment and distribution continue on backup power where needed.
-
Tap water remains safe to drink.
-
No widespread service interruptions or boil water advisories are expected.
Public Health
-
Hospitals remain operational on backup power.
-
Emergency departments face higher volumes and longer waits.
-
Elective and non-urgent services are reduced or postponed.
-
Hospitals remain operational on backup power.
-
Some facilities face localized disruptions from generator failures or fuel delays.
-
Temporary service reductions and patient transfers may occur.
-
No widespread healthcare system failure is expected.
-
Provincial authorities are coordinating repairs, fuel and resources.
That's all for now. Additional links and updates may be shared as the exercise progresses.
Situation
Dashboard
For the purpose of the exercise please assume it is:
Sunday August 23 at 10:00 PM