The 5 spookiest abandoned buildings in Toronto
Toronto might be in the midst of a construction boom, but there are still abandoned buildings across the city stuck in limbo, awaiting restoration, demolition, or repurposing.
Here are 5 of the spookiest abandoned buildings in Toronto.
Hearn Generating Station
Experts agree the Hearn power station on Unwin Ave. has potential, but no-one seems able to find a way to properly repurpose the massive building. The last electricity produced by the Port Lands plant entered the grid in 1983. Since then, the structure has been in a state of decay, attracting urban explorers like 26-year-old Ryan John Nyenhuis, who died after falling into a disused coal hopper in 2008.
Kodak Building #9
The once massive Kodak manufacturing plant at Eglinton and Black Creek Dr. is now a rubble-strewn wasteland, but at its peak 900 people worked there, producing camera film and other photographic equipment. Building 9 was the employee recreation area and the only building not demolished when Kodak fell on hard times. New owner Metrolinx has announced plans of what the building will transform into next.
Symes Transfer Station
The tall grass and detritus around the former trash incinerator near St. Clair and Keele hides what was once an impressive art deco structure, albeit one used for burning garbage. The heritage structure has potential to be repurposed but at considerable expense. In the 20 years since it was last used, it has been set on fire, used for illegal parties, and subjected to vandalism.
Canada Linseed Oil Mills Building
Before it joined the city's extensive list of abandoned industrial buildings, the Sorauren Ave. linseed oil mill, built in 1910, was a bustling factory. The company produced its last batch of pale yellow oil in 1969 and its former home has been dormant ever since. Water damage and vandalism continue to threaten the structure.
Kormann House Hotel/Canada House Tavern
The derelict and disheveled brick building on the southwest corner of Queen and Sherbourne almost became a condo, but market forces intervened. Now, the former hotel and Canada House Tavern sits empty, an empty shell awaiting a makeover.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.Photo of The Hearn by Andrew Williamson.
