Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Quite A Pump

This wonderful building is the High Level Pumping Station, with the 3rd largest capacity of the 18 pumping stations in Toronto. Toronto's water comes from Lake Ontario and the city goes uphill from the lake requiring the use of pumps to deliver the water to the higher elevations. This building was built in 1906 in Edwardian Classical style and it has heritage designation but is still totally functional and is the hub for controlling the transmission of tap water across the city. It was open to the public during our Doors Open event in May but somehow I never got around to posting any pics till now. More pics for the next few days.
It is hard to read it but there is a sign over the door and I am taking part in Signs, Signs. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.

27 comments:

Blogoratti said...

A fine building indeed.

VP said...

At first sight it could pass for a library or even a church...

Sharon said...

This reminds me of the water tower and pumping station in Chicago, another city that gets it's water from one of the great lakes. I love the way these grand looking buildings housed all the equipment.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It's not often these days to have such an old building still being used for it's original purpose Pat, can't wait to see inside!

Lowell said...

1906? It looks in beautiful shape from your photo. I just hope the powers-that-be are monitoring what is being dumped into Lake Ontario! :)

Anonymous said...

A grand looking, and important, place indeed!

William Kendall said...

I like its design!

Andy said...

Brings back memories of the parking lot at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. Back in the 50's and 60's It used to be a LOVER'S LANE. What can I say... you are only young once.

cieldequimper said...

VP got here before I did. I love how they used to build such beautiful functional buildings. No one would do that nowadays...

Lesley said...

It's a building that would blend in with the rest, and not look totally industrial. Just imagine how it would look were it built today!

Tom said...

Years ago they built classy stuff.

TexWisGirl said...

a pretty building.

Gosia said...

looks well-maintained

Taken For Granted said...

When I first saw your photo I thought this was a university or church building rather than a pumping station.

Cloudia said...

Says so much about civic pride










ALOHA
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=


Photo Cache said...

I am a sucker for brick buildings.

My SIGNS, SIGNS

Michelle said...

a stately structure

Lois said...

It is a beautiful building! I enjoyed reading the information about the use of pumps to deliver water.

Stephanie said...

Pretty building!

Mari said...

Pretty old building...but does look nice and in good condition.

Halcyon said...

We saw this during Doors OPen one year. One of the best places we visited. It's really fascinating and so beautiful inside. Can't wait to see your pictures.

Lea said...

Beautiful building!

EG CameraGirl said...

It's quite a nice looking building!

Anonymous said...

I always enjoy an old brick building. It has pumped a long time! :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Great building and so neat it is still being used as it was meant to be. I think those open building tours are great ideas.

Laura. M said...

Nice facade has ;)

Gemma Wiseman said...

An intriguing, impressive old building.