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.
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27 comments:

  1. BlogorattiSeptember 9, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    A fine building indeed.

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  2. VPSeptember 9, 2015 at 9:23 AM

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

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  3. SharonSeptember 9, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    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.

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  4. PerthDailyPhotoSeptember 9, 2015 at 10:46 AM

    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!

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  5. LowellSeptember 9, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    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! :)

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2015 at 11:18 AM

    A grand looking, and important, place indeed!

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  7. William KendallSeptember 9, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    I like its design!

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  8. AndySeptember 9, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    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.

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  9. cieldequimperSeptember 9, 2015 at 2:20 PM

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

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  10. LesleySeptember 9, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    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!

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  11. TomSeptember 9, 2015 at 4:26 PM

    Years ago they built classy stuff.

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  12. TexWisGirlSeptember 9, 2015 at 4:58 PM

    a pretty building.

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  13. GosiaSeptember 9, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    looks well-maintained

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  14. Taken For GrantedSeptember 9, 2015 at 5:36 PM

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

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  15. CloudiaSeptember 9, 2015 at 5:47 PM

    Says so much about civic pride










    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^=


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  16. Photo CacheSeptember 9, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    I am a sucker for brick buildings.

    My SIGNS, SIGNS

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  17. MichelleSeptember 9, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    a stately structure

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  18. LoisSeptember 9, 2015 at 7:52 PM

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

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  19. StephanieSeptember 9, 2015 at 9:55 PM

    Pretty building!

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  20. MariSeptember 10, 2015 at 2:03 AM

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

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  21. HalcyonSeptember 10, 2015 at 3:42 AM

    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.

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  22. LeaSeptember 10, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Beautiful building!

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  23. EG CameraGirlSeptember 10, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    It's quite a nice looking building!

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  24. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2015 at 3:42 PM

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

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  25. Sallie (FullTime-Life)September 10, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    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.

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  26. Laura. MSeptember 11, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    Nice facade has ;)

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  27. Gemma WisemanSeptember 11, 2015 at 9:20 PM

    An intriguing, impressive old building.

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