Abandoned since the 1960's | The Story of Toronto's Ghost Tower - Documentary (Short Film)

Abandoned since the 1960's | The Story of Toronto's Ghost Tower - Documentary (Short Film) #1
The Whitney Block Tower is located in downtown Toronto, Canada. This is a secret abandoned building that not too many people know about. The tower has been empty since the 1960’s. The building was named in honour of former Premier James P. Whitney. It was designed by architect Francis Heakes who died in September 1930 before the building was completed. The Whitney Block Tower was built in 1932 it has 16 storeys and contains one of the few operational hand cranked elevators remaining in Toronto. Only a handful of people have seen inside this building after it was abandoned so finding interior photos was extremely hard. Thanks to The City of Toronto Archives I found only a few. At the top there are 4 female guardian eight foot tall sculptures made by Charles Adamson representing Justice, Tolerance, Widsom and Power. At the mid height there are eight male figures representing occupations: a labourer and a miner on the north, a judge and a professor on the east, , a farmer and a lumberjack on the west, and a businessman and a doctor, plus a small boy looking up at the doctor, on the south. There was once a bowling alley in the basement and stories of an underground tunnel leading to the Ontario Parliament building across the street. The provincial veterinary services was located on the sixth floor. There are animal pens left over from when provincial veterinary services were housed there. They brought up cows to the lab in an service elevator. There are also reports of the tunnel and tower being haunted. There is no ventilation system in the tower so the only way to get fresh air into the building is by opening the windows. In the summer months the building would get extremely hot and its rumoured they even brought huge amounts of ice to the top of the building in an effort to cool down the interior of the building using the downwards airflow. The lower level of the building is used by government workers but the tower is completely empty. The tower only has 1 set of stairs and a hand cranked elevator. The building does not meet the current fire and safety codes so it has been unused since the 1960’s. There were talks to install a new set of emergency stairs and an elevator on the outside of the building but the plans failed. The tower is still being maintained and they have repaired and upgraded the exterior over the years but the interior is dusty, dark and empty.
Produced and edited by: Abandoned Urbex Canada
Drone footage: Abandoned Urbex Canada
Voiceover: Jeff Laurence
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Pictures:
- Abandoned Urbex Canada
- City of Toronto Archives
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[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Want to see abandoned places I explore? kzbin.info/aero/PL55wWBj2eUHWY8uO2uVh0pTYbEDaamvij

[@lindagillies5689]

I worked in the 6th floor of the Whitney Block in the 70s and one time the security guard took me up the hand cranked elevator and out to one of the balconies. He said the tower was mostly used for storage.

[@vikingblood0408]

I also worked there for Parks Ontario. Designing parks buildings.

[@thomassmith1922]

And smoking

[@imnorthey4708]

Beautiful, we've lost so many old buildings in Toronto Awesome to see they are saving thus one. Least for now.

[@christinenikiforovs9820]

I can't tell you how many times I have seen this but never aware of its history. Good choice, Brent. Very well done.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you Christine 😁

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks!

[@ruthanderson1758]

What a beautiful, stately building. Too bad it couldn't be retro-fitted to today's standards and turned into a hotel or conference center or something.

[@Insomniac_tv]

In reality the city will most likely demolish it for shitty condo development

[@guacamolehole9634]

@@Insomniac_tv no way, it’s heritage

[@kyleburch7958]

@@guacamolehole9634 there are few heritage buildings currently on the chopping block in Toronto.

[@goldenretriever6261]

@@Insomniac_tv last time I was downtown it look like that whole block of all government is closed and being demolished.

[@photopunks9195]

@@Insomniac_tv It is still owned by the provincial government.

[@vap57]

I must have passed this building in my travels around Toronto hundreds and hundreds of times, both in day and night. I had no idea this building is abandoned!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Yes same 😁

[@goldenretriever6261]

Same

[@BlessedL-yr5lc]

Same here!!

[@argopunk]

Nice video. Besides the tower, the rest of the original Whitney is still in full use, maintained and protected. The tunnel from the Whitney to the Legislature exists and is still in regular use. And those two red-tailed hawks live happily in one of the Legislature's windows.

[@edmonton906]

Nice video. The top floor was actually used by the Ontario Department of Mines in the 1970s to store rocks and minerals. This is where they made the small rock and mineral kits the Ministry would distribute for free at public mining classes. I was up there in the early 1980s and there were rocks, minerals and those small kits all over the place. All this had to be moved out in the 1980s to make room for renovations. I remember a fellow, at that time, who drove the elevator. He would take you up the tower and then return with the elevator to pick you up at a designated time.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this. Another viewer mentioned they used to keep mining documents on the 13th floor

[@sheltr9735]

"...and then return with the elevator to pick you up at a designated time." LOL That single clause neatly sums-up the entire building: Charming, yet completely unable to be a useful part of society. I do hope that, at some point in time, it would be renovated and brought-up to current code. Such a shame that such beauty is so isolated from the millions of people all around it.

[@PWingert1966]

@@sheltr9735 It's been looked at several times in the many decades since the 60ès. It ends up being expensive. Something like you could demolish it and rebuild it twice before you were even done spending half the money for the initial renovation assessment. After the pandemic, many government staff worked from home, so the need for office space is diminished and thus it's not worth the hundreds of millions of dollars it would take to make it compliant, let alone functional and comfortable.

[@sheltr9735]

​@@PWingert1966Such a shame, huh...?

[@scottmccambley764]

Turn it into nightly light show. That building would look amazing lit up at night like they do to heritage buildings in Montreal

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Good idea!

[@patriciaavenmarg5927]

This video is so high quality. This is better than most television shows, commercials, even movies. Stunning!!!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Oh wow thank you very much 😁

[@85percentjesus]

In the late 90s and early 2000s I was good friends with the Head of Maintenance for all of Queen's Park. I saw only tiny hint of what is below this large government complex, but I can definitely say there are many levels below ground level, and tunnel systems connecting many or maybe all of the buildings that make up Queen's Park.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Very cool, thanks for sharing 😁

[@comancherocha7013]

I herd there was some tunnels at central tech that connect to the subway at Bathurst station , never seen them just told by a janitor

[@foamer443]

@@comancherocha7013 Ex TDSB maintenance. I think you should check to see if one leg is a bit longer than the other.

[@comancherocha7013]

@@foamer443 sorry i dont get it

[@foamer443]

@@comancherocha7013 Old saying meaning that someone is pulling your leg. So what is being told to you is pulling your opinon in the tellers direction.

[@moonwalker091000]

What a stunning old building, all the details that went into it. Thanks for sharing

[@jmonti-1811]

Very nice drone work. That is a shockingly beautiful building. I’d love for you to get in there and document it!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Me too but it’s near impossible

[@valengreymoon5623]

That would be a truly epic explore, if it's even possible.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

It’s like impossible

[@cheetyliciousmeowmeow1085]

I go with ya. .be fun adventure

[@marchumphreys3865]

@@AbandonedUrbexCanada it's ok to try new things , and this music is still a good for this a different setting and grand style of building , but Please don't lose your usual intro music from nomyn , as Nomyn is perfect at setting my mood for intregue & immerseion into the rest of a vid , just a polite request but it's your choice. Anyways Great work here yet again . All the best & much respect from the UK 🇬🇧.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Intro stays 😁👍

[@marchumphreys3865]

@@AbandonedUrbexCanada Great & thank you that is really cool 👍

[@ladyoflimerick519]

Sweet biscuits. What a breath taking piece of art this building is. It is weirdly sandwiched...like it's been prevented from trying to escape back to Gotham City. Canada is amazing and full of surprises. I am learning so much about it via your channel Brent.

[@1joshjosh1]

If that picture is your face, You are a breathtaking work of human art.

[@trashyspeeds266]

Imo. Its not as nice looking as other stuff from the time period

[@rumanda36]

With real estate prices where they are today in TO I’m very surprised someone hasn’t done something with it. Gorgeous building and fantastic presentation.

[@dixonpinfold2582]

Perhaps I mistake you, but this building is at Queen's Park, the provincial capital. If it's ever demolished and there's still an Ontario, another government building will be erected on the same spot. Besides, it's only one part of a large building which is still very much in daily use. Where you live, is land at the capital considered the domain of developers? If you're American, can you picture condos on The Mall, beside the Washington Monument, or nestled up against the Capitol building?

[@clairefunnell8481]

Hi Brent. Sure is beautiful. I'm glad to hear it is being taken care of instead of being left to rot and decay. Thank you Brent. Stay safe.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Claire 😁

[@alliekingsley7919]

What a gorgeous, stately old Queen. I've driven within a few blocks of her once or twice and never realized she was abandoned. They're doing an amazing thing, keeping her repaired, though I wish they could bring the building up to current code. 💖

[@bsage5514]

Eyes wide open! Watching and Loving every minute! Thank you for sharing this VERY informative Great mini doc! Beautifully done, filming and editing excellent🔥🔥🔥

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much bsage I really appreciate this

[@cerberus6654]

I'll also add that in the mid-80's College Park housed some completely abandoned gems that now, thank God, have been restored. The condo developer was a client and one afternoon she took me through the dusty shambles that had been the dining room and the recital hall and there was this immaculate grand piano on the stage surrounded by footprints in the dust. My client mentioned that the Eaton's family let Glenn Gould come in here on his own, usually late at night to practice. Otherwise it was a shambles, with the beautiful stone flooring having been lifted and re-purposed and heaps of broken crockery and rotting waitresses uniforms in the corners. This at a time when Montreal's Eaton's still had that Art Deco marvel of restaurant inspired by the first class dining room of the Queen Mary up on the 9th floor packed for lunch weekdays and on Saturdays.

[@sashineb.2114]

That's very interesting. I was in the old Eaton's College store about three weeks after it closed. The Casavant pipe organ was being dismantled and moved to storage, as it had been bought by a local church (to be installed in a new building project.) As it turned out, the organ did not get used again in Toronto and it was sold to a church in Texas. It was eerie going up the elevator, looking out at the floors (glass doors) as we passed them to get to the 7th floor. There were still some items and decor that remained. I was in the dining room the night before they closed it. They gave out complimentary menus as souvenirs. But that was the last time there until the Carlu re-opened and was featured in Doors Open a few years ago.

[@kingofcomments4832]

I don't understand why it wouldn't become some of the most expensive penthouses in Toronto? Lots of millionaires would have no problem in renovating and installing proper ventilation and updating the elevators.

[@4623620]

An architecturally and historically significant building, I hope a way is found to preserve it and use it in a meaningful way.

[@PWingert1966]

Not with the pandemic and Doug Ford in Office.

[@4623620]

@@PWingert1966 I merely expressed my hope, what you mention is a domestic affair over which I have no power, your reply is therefore off-topic !

[@PWingert1966]

@@4623620 I felt that since it was a government building it was worth mentioning that the current government doesn't see much value in saving buildings. I apologize if it is off-topic as I felt it was relevant given the original post.

[@LaynaPimentel]

Always wondered about that building. Loved the short film approach too, Brent. Fabulous job!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Layna 😁

[@tocdn4242]

Beautiful. I worked for MNR, in the 1980's we stored 100's of file cabinets of air photos on the 13th floor of the tower. From time to time we'd go up to retrieve photos. There are beautiful marble washrooms and a very narrow staircase. When surveying the beautiful views in all directions, a colleague stated that the tower would make spectacular condos! Thank you very much.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Oh wow thanks for sharing this! 😁👍so cool

[@susiecox8413]

Interesting video! The building is beautiful and it's sad all of it can't be used Great to hear they have kept it in good shape. The drone shots are amazing and even tho I have a terrible fear of heights I have to watch them! Thanks for sharing!!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much Susie 😁

[@patmccamy4126]

Very interesting and very eerie!!!!!! Thanks for sharing! Pat

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Pat

[@garthwhillier8292]

Very nicely done. As a Toronto local, I appreciate the detailed info and visuals. I hope that some use can be found for this lovely piece of our past.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Garth I appreciate it

[@colleenhelminiak1429]

All the tower is lacking is the requisite gargoyles lol

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

😂

[@NeilRoy]

I think there may be one around 0:23, look under the statue's hand. ;)

[@stevenchrisco4641]

@@NeilRoy Good eyes 👀!!! Thanks!!

[@andrewellis7656]

It's beautiful, rich, handsome - oh someone please put in stairs & build some glorious condos - it is so well done. Just needs an upgrade. I love it. My heart hurts - it's so good.

[@rjeagle3057]

Wow I drive by this building all the time and thought it was just an regular old style office building being used. Now I want to take a walk down there and try to get up close to take a better look at it. Really cool and intricate architecture! Thanks for sharing!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Your welcome!

[@DungeonStudio]

Such a beautiful building still. And yes, I had used the tunnel to Queens Park numerous times in the late 80's. Another interesting thing was the lower offices were one of the first to use 'robotic mail delivery' back in the mid-late 80's. Special tape on the floors motorized robots would adhere to. Much like a self propelled delivery cart, the robots would stop by or even enter offices and use it's robotic arm to take out and place the specific compartment of mail onto the desk, and continue on to the next office. Wildest things I ever saw!

[@sewcrazybaker]

That is a beautiful building! Thank you for making this video and sharing it with us.

[@smallstudiodesign]

00:04:33 “the tower is still being maintained ... but remains dusty and unoccupied ..” so at least it’s being cared for & not abandoned, kudos to the building’s owners,

[@survivalteamzero1741]

Gorgeous cinematography!

[@lenoraeaton]

Really enjoyed this. It was different!! I hope you can do more of these.🌟😊

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

1st of many I will add in between my normal explores 😁👍

[@ES-zt8sj]

Abandoned Urbex Canada. Don't forget your regular intro. I had to double check that it was actually you.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Ya I will only add my intro to my regular exploring videos not the short film documentaries

[@kdhill4419]

Very beautiful work and storytelling. I worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources in the early 90s, and I was fortunate enough to have a tour. I remember the beautiful marble washrooms and the narrow staircase. Thank you very much for this 💕😊.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@prime63829]

Fantastic job on this, this video feels like a high end production with studio backing. Really like the gothic architecture of the exterior.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much I appreciate it

[@imaoky4440]

Looks like it is wedged between those other buildings. Strange.

[@88Hellrazr]

Base was built first before the tower it came in afterwards

[@greg12145]

@@88Hellrazr Can you verify that? Does look like it was built around... like an old remnant, then they copied around it at base to give the look... to get construction equipment in around it would be difficult (especially back in the day). Why would you build like that? That's just stupid! The lower part of the building does not have the ornamentation, etc of the main shaft ... Good Eye Ima! People around the world are noticing discrepancies in architecture. Hellrazr GLI are you making an assumption or can you support your claims with verifiable facts... not upgrades, but the actual building of that building... People aren't stupid... that building can be retrofitted any which way they desired! Is it a remnant of a past we aren't told about (and kept as a relic)? People are noticing old buildings with sophisticated ornamentations... that for some reason aren't put on modern day buildings.... Looks like the Government built around it to safe-guard it... not the same ornamentations, etc. Weird stuff... but you'll convince me other then your words if you provide sufficient documentation!

[@greg12145]

Ima/hell I noticed you were the 2 brokers of questioning... but we really know who you are... most of the comments are just ---> AWFUL (with questioning)!

[@johnandrews3568]

I used to work in Whitney Block and I can tell you without a doubt, there is no rumour of a tunnel to the legislature.... there IS a tunnel from Whitney to the Lege and I used in countless times in my days working at the premier's office. I have been up the tower three times on tours. Never saw any evidence of animal kennels or rumours thereof. I walked around every floor. Never saw anything like that. The second highest floor was actually a canteen for provincial employees who were allowed out on the balcony that goes all around that floor. Also the building is NOT dusty at all. Last time I was up it was very clean, no dust anywhere. Plus the elevator shaft was still used not only for maintenance staff to access the floors, but because it IS one of if not THE last hand cranked elevator in the city, Otis uses it to test cable tensile strength because they can apply even force on the cables until they snap. And when they do the testing, it's in the early morning and the snaps can be heard throughout Whitney Block.

[@janicepowell6066]

What an amazing building. I was hoping you would explore it! Great drone footage and overall video!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

I would have loved to but it’s impossible

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

@@AbandonedUrbexCanada Nothing's impossible.

[@andrewwyatt6612]

I've marveled at the statues located high up on the exterior of this building over the years. I had no idea it wasn't in use. Sounds like it never will be given the HVAC issues and elevator. Too bad. It really is a beautiful building.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

I heard they have plans in the works Andrew 😁👍

[@randypickering5793]

I worked at the Whitney Block (lower level main building) for a number of years. Visited the tower one time and it wasn't all that dark with all the windows. It wasn't totally empty as some areas were used for storage. It was, however, definitely dusty! A classic (and classy) looking building though.

[@sheltr9735]

Yes, exactly! The Whitney Tower has class. Seems that idea is obsolete, these days. Pity!

[@kmfsinny8436]

Time for another trip to Toronto. I remember seeing this building from afar, now I want to go get pictures of the figures on it. Love the history of this place!

[@alliesutherland4151]

This is very different from what you usually do but really neat! Great job putting this together. Can't wait for your next explore, Brent! You're my favorite!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you Allie 😁

[@TerrificTara]

What a beautiful building. Thanks for all the information. Excellent drone footage and vintage pictures. A well put together video. I’m impressed Brent!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much Tara your very kind

[@karenchurchill654]

Amazing building! Needs to be appreciated and used for something meaningful.

[@MrMarumari]

I used to work in the govt buildings next to the tower (now undergoing renovation, pictured covered in white sheath). Stared at this tower every day - I never really knew what the story was. And yeah, as someone else pointed out, there are plenty of tunnels connecting the bureaucracy complex to the legislature and the subway system. I never saw any ghosts though ..

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey Kieran thanks for sharing this! Glad you didn’t see any ghosts 😁👻

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

I have lived in Toronto all my life. Ive seen this building many times and had no idea. That was awesome.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks!

[@jenniferbutcher8393]

This was super cool! Great job on the whole project! 😊

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Awesome glad you liked it thanks!

[@cindyluwho602003]

OMG, Brent! That was absolutely stunning!! Congratulations!

[@debboyea9567]

Very interesting! Truly a beautiful building. I would love to see more of it.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Me too 😁

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Considering how hot it gets in the summer, it would make a great greenhouse!

[@brianherbert9474]

That was really awesome loved the drone shots. Great work Brent!🇨🇦❣️

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Brian 👍😎

[@eyecomeinpeace2707]

With the pandemic still around and more and more people working from home, I can foresee dozens of the commercial skyscrapers in downtown Toronto abandoned in the not too distant future.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

High Deco. What a gorgeous building!

[@marilynlevia4766]

This is wonderful to have this history. Thank you so much

[@cleetusvandame]

What a beautiful building. I've gone by it who knows how many times and never even noticed it was there. If it gets taken down for condos I'm going to bomb someone's house!!! Toronto's history is being depleted and replaced with condos everywhere. Makes me so 😡. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

They will keep this one 😁👍

[@jelenamanojlovic1008]

Wooow excellent short doc,very interesting building with amazing architecture and history,and a very interesting story I really enjoyed in every second of the video your work is worthy of all praise you are the best 👏👍💯% Big greetings and kiss for my favorite explorer No.1 from other side of the world 🌏 from Serbia ♥️🇷🇸 take care and be careful 🇨🇦❣😁

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you Jelena appreciate your kindness 😁

[@maxpax4441]

This tower should be made a Provincial priority in order to maintain and restore it.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

They do maintain it they just don’t use it

[@Nautilat0r]

It is on the provinces to do list, it’s being renovated and resurfaced on a few other buildings on the east end of Whitney block.

[@PWingert1966]

@@Nautilat0r Didn't they undertake a major maintenance project on the building a few years ago? I read about a plan in 2016 to make it usable again and part of the McDonald block revitalization project, but the cost was tens of millions of dollars and it was abandoned. I on't see Doug Ford spending any money on this given the pandemic.

[@Nautilat0r]

@@PWingert1966 It's always going to be its own block, the government isn't going to make it as its own separate block and add it to another. That just doesn't make sense nor have i read that anywhere. Government projects always take a while... because well its the government and parts of a project can change on daily basis or their can be setbacks. They as doing a resurfacing of some of the buildings on the property which is why their cover up i those massive white tarps. Thiney block tower inside is being striped down inside and brought up to modern day era and will see a external staircase because legally any building being used today for living purposes, commercial or in this case government is mandated to have 2 staircases incase of an emergency. I could imagine the elevator as well will be brought up to the present time period along with anything else that doesn't meets todays code as well as design in some keys areas.

[@PWingert1966]

@@Nautilat0r The real issue with the building is HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The building has some structural issues with have a significant impact on the ability to perform this work and explains why it's been sitting for so long. It will remain its own block, but the question remains: Can any government justify investing millions of dollars to do the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing considering the impacts of Covid and the move to work from home.

[@Guillan80]

Wow now that was beautiful architecture not like the new building being built around the city. The statues represented greatness, farmer , worker , judge, doctors, miner…. Make farming great again.

[@timothyhopkins6960]

I went to school on Toronto it’s a very beautiful elegant old city . If I could I would live there again . Hope they will use the tower again . Thank you .

[@tdunph4250]

@ timothy hopkins You mean to say that it WAS a very beautiful elegant old city. Try Montreal. At least they had the decency and common sense to hold onto much of their historical buildings.

[@ndasix2889]

@@tdunph4250 you don’t know Toronto very well. Stating nonsense from hearsay. Toronto has the oldest maintained Victorian buildings in all of North America, located in the distillery district. It is also a very good mixture of old, mid and modern structures. I’ve neen to Montreal. Wouldn’t compare. Quebec City on the other hand is a better example.

[@tdunph4250]

@@ndasix2889 I've been to Montreal, old Montreal by the river 4 times in the last 2 years. I will respectfully disagree with you. I grew up in Toronto from 1970 (when I was born) to 2010 when I moved east. If you have been to Montreal you would know what I am talking about. Don't say you have. Your lying. By the way, what do you mean by "hearsay"?

[@gerardacronin334]

Toronto is an old city?? (Laughs in European).

[@wictimovgovonca320]

Very interesting, I worked about 2 blocks from there for 3 years in the 80's, and another 5 years a few blocks further. I have walked by there countless time, and have been in the Whitney block a dozen or more times. I never really took note of this tower, just considered it another government building. My guess is the main building regulation that would be very difficult to comply with is having multiple egress staircases. There are some exceptions when the building occupancy is low and the distance is short, but this may exceed them.

[@prbi1989]

What an absolutely gorgeous building.

[@porkakoo6196]

What a beautiful building? I love the sculptures of the workers around the building.

[@tomwcameron]

Very interesting story and terrific drone photography! Does anyone know what the low rectangular building in front oc the tower is? Its such a shame that the full expanse of the tower's front can no longer be seen.

[@billdaverne9389]

That's the Whitney Block. At this moment each of the main building making up the Whitney Block was being externally refurbished, one at at time. Those floors are where many of the Government of Ontario executive offices are located, along with some MPPs. The Ontario Block, a 4-building complex immediately east of Whitney is in final stages of an 8-year refurb which is removing all the asbestos installed when the complex was built circa 1969. When finished, various Ministry offices will return from rented spaces in downtown Toronto which has complicated govt since their refurb started in 2018 (scheduled by Wynne Govt). All of the main Ontario Govt buildings are linked by tunnel and overhead passages.

[@dougiebee8504]

It’s such a beautiful old building. It would be lovely to see new brought into it.

[@dirty364]

I can’t believe I’ve never noticed this video!! I have been in the Toronto area 43 years. I can’t wait to to go check this out

[@simplevidz6025]

They need to get this up to code this is Toronto history. Simply amazing

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

They are now 👍🏻😁

[@youtubewatcher6323]

Oh wow ! Such a beautiful building. Just like everything in your channel Brent, so professional ! Even behind camera you are the best out there, no doubt. Thanks for sharing a new kind of video, very enjoyable and very well done. 👍 Can't wait for the next !

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much Adriana! This means a lot to me 😁

[@ReactionBandit87]

Had no idea this building was even there .....what a gem

[@alvarbilly]

Wow, Queen's Park was built on an insane asylum. Makes sense considering the behaviour of the denizens thereof.

[@peterrivney552]

Still is an insane asylum look at all the idots in government there now 🤔🙄😜lol.🇨🇦. 🤕all sickos and don't know what the ____ there doing... Should I have put this into the comment section ? 🤔🙄

[@texaspoontappa2088]

I've seen that building before. I didn't know it was abandoned.

[@Garland67]

Wow, I live nearby and had no idea. I have looked up at this tower so many times and never realized it was abandoned! Great video with interesting historical facts. Sad that it has been empty for so long! There's a red-tailed hawk on the top of the roof vent at 4:52!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you!

[@hrddrvto]

I have taken photos over the years I lived in Toronto. I lived only a few blocks away. It's one of my favourite older buildings in the city. Very nice drone shots particularly interesting to see the two hawks sitting on top in some of the shots.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Yes the hawks didn’t mind 😁👍

[@emeraldlynx7]

It's beautiful and eerie. The perfect combination for abandoned 😳❤️

[@AsgardStudios]

Fantastic video! What a beautiful piece of history. Thanks so much for sharing that.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Your very welcome! Thanks!

[@formerx]

A beautiful Art Deco structure. Great announcer voice, by the way.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you! Not my voice lol had a voiceover friend do it 😁👍

[@dbaileyanorchardistsdaught5041]

What a beautiful historical building. Thanks for sharing! More please!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks!

[@brian13105]

Born on the doorstep of this building in Women's College Hospital in 1951. I knew of three tunnels in Toronto as a boy. One between Union Station and the Royal York Hotel, another between Eaton's Queen Street and Eaton's Annex and my favorite between Casa Loma and it's stables. (which I assume is still there.) NOW I think half the pedestrians in Downtown TO are under ground at any given time. But boy those tunnels were "Magical" to a little boy!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks for sharing this Brian, would love to see those tunnels

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Very well done. Excellent job. These empty places should be used for homeless.

[@joharmon2148]

What a gorgeous building! At least it is being maintained on the outside.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Yes they have repaired it a few times over the years

[@lennyt-man4229]

I've never been that far into Ontario, only too Thunder Bay and was nice too see this Tower in Toronto telling about it's history Brent..

[@customscreenprinting]

Thanks brent for sharing this real interesting video about Abandoned since the 1960's | The Story of Toronto's Ghost Tower - Documentary (Short Film) i really enjoyed it and i can't wait to see your next video and God Bless and thanks again.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much

[@michele2855]

Had no idea yet I’ve lived my whole life an hour west of downtown Toronto. Great video, interesting

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks michele !

[@LeeSaintLewHiss]

Beautifully done and extremely classy. Great job, didn’t blink once.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much 😁

[@connieliscio5593]

I love this building. I went to school near there and always wondered what it was and used for? Great job in shedding a light!

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Connie!

[@ChristopherKing]

Fantastic video. So well done.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Hey thanks Christopher I really appreciate this 😁👍

[@bobbiesox6289]

That was very interesting! It is a really neat old building! Love the outside and the figures that were on it! It would be great to explore with you! I wonder if it really haunted? Take care, be safe! Missed your beautiful smile and those bright eyes! 👠🧸💜👗🎠👻💘🎪🌟💋❤️

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thank you very much Bobbie! You will see me next time 😁😎

[@dixonpinfold2582]

It's one of the handsomest buildings in the city. I wish it could be used again. Probably it's possible. If certain renovations could be made and ample precautions taken, a special dispensation might be arranged so that special events could be held there at times of the year neither too hot nor too cold.

[@DKHD176]

it was renovated in 2023. Do a search and you'll find the details.

[@patricialangford5380]

Beautiful building and history great job. Never been to Canada thank you for sharing.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Your welcome!

[@Hopscotchlemonadespritz]

The tower currently functions as more of an enormous piece of public art than a building. Fitting that a rare art deco structure should find itself in this position.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Thanks for sharing this video. I have driven my car, ridden my bicycle and walked passed this building and spent time around this area at least a million times. I spent every Remembrance Day ,November 11th, for the last 25 years across the street at the parliament buildings at Queens Park. Worked on Bloor for 15 years. Worked at the University and didn't notice it. I'm usually very aware of these landmarks. I'm going to make a point to go down to spend time looking and photographing it myself. Anyway thankyou again for sharing. Great footage! Those Drone's are amazing. ✌❤🇨🇦🐈

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks Kathrine 😁

[@mostlydollshelicopters4799]

No chance getting stuck in a hand cranked elevator 👋😁

[@OofusTwillip]

It has a motor. The crank is just a control-handle, common on manually-controlled elevators of that era. There are YT videos of historic, manually-controlled elevators that are still in use. As late as the mid-1970s, Eaton's and Simpson's still had manually-controlled elevators, staffed by female elevator operators.

[@GoDaddioTV]

@@OofusTwillip I remember those in Vancouver

[@bonniecrawford1442]

Beautiful building, beautiful video, beautiful stone statues! Great job Brent, this video shows why you are the best Explorer out there. Thanks to your Dad, you found your true calling at 7 years old, and you don't disappoint. Unfortunately, this video now completes my viewing experience with you, I have watched every single one of them and now have to wait with bated breath for more!! I should have taken my time. P.S. You could have narrated this yourself, you do a great job on all your others...just saying! Thanks for all the time you spend doing these, it's appreciated by many.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much bonnie 😁 ya I could have narrated this one but thought it would be a little different having Jeff do it 👍😁

[@R118GSiVVC]

Thank you for the history lesson Brent!

[@AgxntAqua]

It's a shame that it can't even be used for tours and the like. What a wonderful piece of history condemned to sit idle until we inevitably decide to build over its ruins.

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

It is such a beautiful structure. Your exploration was outstanding Brent! I love the opening.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much Mike 😁

[@susanlederle4597]

Thank you for this. Francis Ryley Heakes was my great-grandfather. This is a beautiful building.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Oh very cool! Your welcome

[@SuperTater2000]

Great video Brent. I enjoy all your videos.

[@AbandonedUrbexCanada]

Thanks so much 😎👍

[@kellysaunooke740]

Thats really interesting about this building. The statues are unique. THANKS for sharing.