Bunge Canada

Surveying the Remains of the Bunge Plant

From a major industrial complex producing some flavourful (but fatty) foods, to its last skeletal remains, Bunge Canada will always remain in the minds and memories of the many people who worked there, lived in the area, or enjoyed its tasty products. And then, of course, there are people like me, who appreciated the aesthetics of its gradual decay.

I already had the opportunity to explore and photograph the remains of Bunge Canada, documenting its appearance post-abandonment -- from its intricate industrial detritus to its fire-damaged office space. I recently reflected on this neglected space after a sojourn to the area, and was amazed by just how little of it remained.

Bunge Canada

What remained of the factory -- which, as you can see, seemed to be mounted on enormous stilts -- was surrounded by stony rubbish. Walking through this wasteland reminded me of its once vast passages, now no more than "a heap of broken images" (Eliot) relegated to memory (and a few photographs).

Bunge CanadaBunge CanadaBunge Canada

My fellow travellers also recalled the appearance of Bunge in the days of its derelict glory: its conduits, tunnels and pipes that stretched out seemingly endlessly, not to mention the domestic relics which remained in the rubble.

Bunge Canada

At the edge of the ruins, we stood gazing out across a sea of identical suburban housing developments -- a sea which will soon encroach upon the former site of the Bunge factory.

20100109-Bunge.jpgBunge Canada

This glove was the only remaining object which gave a sure hint of the human element that once occupied this environment.

Bunge CanadaBunge Canada

Under the brown fog of winter's dawn we returned, humbled by the disappearance of such a vast structure.

20100109-Bunge-2.jpg

(To see the rest of the images from this final journey, as well as high-resolution versions of those pictured above, you can check out my flickr slide-show below.)


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

More daily ferry trips now available to Toronto Islands but people question schedule cuts

Viral thread compares Toronto's transit system to New York

Terrifying videos show train passing through Ontario city while completely on fire

Breathtaking cherry blossoms draw massive crowds to High Park in Toronto

Toronto ranked among the best cities in the world for millennials

Toronto dog helps save poisoned fox's life through rare procedure

Toronto reacts with outrage and generosity after Umar Zameer acquitted for murder

Canadians react to Trudeau's proposal that rent 'count towards your credit score'