This paper documents the history of flood damages in Ontario. Following a review of the literature, the strengths and weaknesses of utilizing newspaper articles as a data source are described. By comparing stream flow records to reported floods, newspapers are found to be a reasonably reliable source for documenting flood events, but some problems in using newspaper accounts are identified. These issues include the accuracy of damage estimates and coverage. Flood damages in Ontario are reported. Since the 1950#x2019;s, annual flood damages have decreased. Hurricane Hazel which occurred in 1954 was responsible for the clear majority of flood damages in Ontario between 1680 and 1989. Riverine flood damages are estimated to have been between $378 million and $1.32 billion (1989 dollars). Between 1859 and 1987, shoreline damages are estimated to have been $188 million (1989 dollars).
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