A single flick of a switch, and 230 kilovolts of power would respond to the call. A flick of a second switch, and an entire neighbourhood would be without power. A third switch, and power would be delivered from a different substation. This all could have been a daily event at the hydro control centre.
Location | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Willowdale | ||||||
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) | ||||||
Built :: Closed | Status | Difficulty | ||||
Unknown :: 1998 | Demolished | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ||||
Hazards Risk | Security Risk | AUE Rating | ||||
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | ||||
Hazard Observations | Security Observations | |||||
None Specified | Residential Neighbourhood |
Not anymore. The building sits unused and battered, cast aside after the merging of North York Hydro with Toronto Hydro. The panels of switches sit disconnected from all, with components damaged or outright removed. The operator terminals sit vacant, never to see another day of operation. The maintenance bays, desolate save for the odd electrical component that remains.
The building isn't too difficult to get into, if one can avoid nosy neighbours surrounding it. The surrounding streets see a fair amount of traffic, which can be frustrating when trying to get in, as lingering around the building can raise eyebrows. Hazards wise, most items have been removed, although there is a room that still contains lead acid batteries. And signs of vandals... there was broken glass galore in the old office sections of the building.
However, just seeing the switch panels, which at one point controlled the substations of the former city, makes this trip worth the time and effort.
MARCH 21, 2019 UPDATE
Missed the update on this one. It was demolished back in mid-2013 and is now the site of large, expensive homes. The neighbouring transformer yard still stands, however.