McLennan Physics is the building on the University of Toronto Downtown campus to hold the honour of being the tallest publically accessible building (the Central Utilities smokestack is taller), which makes it an excellent location to get a high-up view of campus and downtown. Well, it used to be.
Location | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U of T Downtown | ||||||
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) | ||||||
Built | Status | Difficulty | ||||
1967 | Active (Secured) | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ||||
Hazards Risk | Security Risk | AUE Rating | ||||
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | ||||
Hazard Observations | Security Observations | |||||
Asbestos | Campus Police |
Due to an unfortunate accident at Queen's University where a student was killed, the rooftop is off limits and will get you a criminal trespass charge if caught. So don't be caught if you go to take a look up there. Also, be aware that there are people up at the top of the building due to the observatory at the top of the building. The basement houses a large, two floor utilities room and an area with a large door and a very large radioactivity warning; don't even think about going back there!
The building has an asbestos hazard, especially in the utilities areas as all the pipes there are asbestos insulated. This is clearly marked, as can be seen in some of the pictures below. Just avoid disturbing the pipes and everything will be fine. As well, since the building is active, be aware of staff around the building and skittish students who might report you to the U of T police.
The view of campus is second-to-none, especially during the day, but with the new limitations it isn't worth the hassle for the view. The utilities areas are fairly interesting with several odd passages and ladders that really serve no purpose.