Urbex: Abandoned Insane Asylum

Welcome to an exploration of an abandoned and creepy insane asylum in Ontario. It opened in 1870 after taking two years to build. After changing names several times throughout the course of its life, it finally closed its doors in 2014 although this particular building has been abandoned much longer.
By 1924, there were 1,200 patients here. This building was the exam building or infirmary building which made up a group of buildings on the property. The main hospital building and other buildings (north building and cottages) were demolished in 1975. The newer hospital on the grounds was built in 1965 and patients were transferred to that one around 1967, although, there is evidence of the asylum still being in operation until around 1990. The newer hospital on the grounds just closed its doors in November of 2014. All patients were transferred to a newer hospital.
The main hospital buildings were built in 1870, this one was built in 1904 as they needed more room. The main building held the chronically-ill long-term patients. This building, the exam building, was for the acute-ill that they felt they could cure. Their stay ranged anywhere from three days to three years. The wards were similar. Some were private and some were dorm style. They also had solariums at the end of each ward (east and west) where patients could sit and socialize while getting some fresh air and sun. They were gender specific. The center block was where the nurses stayed and was also the surgical area where skylights were used as a natural lighting source for the surgeries.
Many gynaecological surgeries were performed at the Insane Asylum as the second superintendant (a reknown doctor), believed there was a correlation between the female sex hormones and mental health. He performed over 200 surgeries on women hoping to cure their insanity. Within a 3-year span, he believed he cured or saw an improvement on 71 female patients. The specific type of surgeries were hysterectomies, respositioning of the uterus to a normal position, removing dieseased ovaries and tubes, etc.
Restraints were used, but the reknown doctor tried to limit them as much as he could believing in a "moral therapy" (labour activities) as he felt restraining only made them worse. He tried to create a less institutionalized setting for the patients. If the staff were reported using them, they were reprimanded. He also felt females needed to be restrained more than males as he felt the males were easier to control. Even though restraints were allegedly abolished in 1883, there were reports that they had continued their use.
Alcohol was used as a sedative before the advent of medication.
Hydrotherapy was used as another form of treatment. Hot or cold water was used depending on the mental illness. This could be in the form of continuous hot baths that could last overnight to a few days. Cold packs or sprays were used to calm down some of the patients.
Insulin shock therapy was used since the early 1930s but very dangerous. Insulin was used to induce the seizures or comas during the shock therapy. In 1939, they used the drug Metrazol to induce the seizures. Finally, in 1943, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was introduced and used up to three times per week over the course of a three-week period. The dangers of this therapy were fractured bones from the convulsions and brain damage. It is still used on some patients today even though it is controversial.
Lobotomies were performed between 1944 to 1967.
Unfortunately, this building is in so much disrepair, the government had no plans to restore it. The land has since been purchased by a land developer with plans to turn the entire property into a neighbourhood with multiple condos, highrise apartment buildings and streets.
Enjoy!
Sources: www.lib.uwo.ca...

[@Daddiebear]

Tiki!!! It’s so great to have you back leading us on another great adventure!! We’ve missed you!!

[@thecrystalcrow]

So happy you're back, what a nice explore!

[@hqgirl567]

Yes!! I’m so happy ur back. It’s been awhile

[@ashlashackelford1604]

I'm so excited to see content from you! ❤️

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

WOW I WOULD HAVE DONE AN EVP SESSION THERE. THANKS FOR THE UPLOAD HERE

[@EphemeralProductions]

An apt i used to live in had one of those claw foot tubs just like the ones at 8:30. :). I loved that tub i thought it was cool.

[@TikiTrex]

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian subscribers! 😊 And a special thank you for all of your welcoming heart-felt comments! It’s great to hear from everyone again! ❤️ However, I’m not back on a full-time basis as I was in the past years.

[@Beautiful-ey5nb]

Happy Thanksgiving! 🥰

[@mikelajoie1433]

Happy Thanksgiving Too You Tiki Trex and welcome back ♥️♥️♥️

[@chrisbland3931]

Thank you

[@t18amgr]

Bless

[@northhankspin]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[@MartieMc]

Omg! You're back! You're the first urbexer I ever watched. Glad to see you're still around

[@missmartpants2269]

Same! Ahhhhhhh! So exciting! God bless!

[@ChipGuy]

Hmm same for me. Was the word "urbexer" even invented back then?

[@daisyiscute87]

Yes likewise!

[@debbiegoolsbyjackson95]

Me, too!!!

[@Rathfarnham]

Yep same here 🇮🇪

[@fredricjulien8738]

Wow! Pam, you're back! I had given up long ago that you retired from urban exploration and would never see or hear from you again. So good to see you're back. Pretty Spookky place. Just in time for Halloween. Welcome back!

[@karl.weaver]

Shame on you, she’s far too young for retirement, lol :)

[@fredricjulien8738]

@@karl.weaver Thought maybe she was one of the lucky few that got to retire in their 30's. 😉

[@ianrobertson-molden9521]

OMG it’s like talking to Shakespeare . . . She’s back . . Alive.

[@EllicottCity1]

SO happy to see this! Hi Tiki 👋 About 7 years ago I started watching your uploads, bc of you abandoned videos are my favorite to watch!! I hope that you & your family have been well 😊 Wonderful to hear your voice again ♡

[@rpierce7004]

I couldn’t believe it when I saw the notification. Glad to see you back with another adventure 😊

[@Tifani_0213]

Yes !!!!!!! TikiTrex…. It’s been 2 very looonnnggg years …. Oh how I’ve missed your videos. Today is a great day. Thanks Tiki😆

[@clarencejones7916]

Oh wow thought you had moved on to other things you were the one who got me interested in urban exploration 😮🎉👏🏼

[@rellegirl100]

I thought my phone was glitching! But it's really you! Let me tell you how much I love your videos. When nobody was home I would turn off all my lights and explore my own house as if it was abandoned. That's the closest I'll ever get to the real thing.

[@craigcottingham35]

Holy moly Pam. Craig from Australia. Absolutely amazing to see you back.🙏❤️

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Welcome Back Tiki we have missed you one of the best you tubers ever. We have kept watching your videos over and over.

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

YOU KNOW IT

[@andrewmccrea37]

So happy you're back! We have truly missed our TikiTrex!

[@laurelb4173]

So excited to see your video pop up on my subscription list! When I joined KZbin a few years ago, your channel was one of my first subscriptions! Then you disappeared! I never stopped hoping you would return. Whenever freight arrives at work damaged, I say to myself it's been "smashed", and think of you. Welcome back!🥰❤

[@cmiller4171]

Yay!!!!!! You've been missed. Good to have you back adventuring!

[@pipsumpter]

OMGOSH!!! Ur back!! So so excited to see ur videos again in my notifications!! We've missed u!!

[@unexpectedvixen5685]

Omg you're back!!! I'm so happy! Hope you and yours are doing well. Welcome back tiki!

[@barbaraann7664]

Wow! An unexpected treat!!! And it is truly a treat to have you back on the youtube airwaves. First urbexer I ever watched back in 2015 or thereabouts.

[@presidentsanta4785]

Please tell me this means your back?? I’m so glad I never unsubscribed!! Thanks for you video.

[@TheSupercrazyman11]

Just the other day I was talking to my sister about how much I miss this channel, so glad to see a new upload!

[@911dips5]

Good to see you !

[@stephenford669]

You are mighty brave for going in there, it looks very creepy. If it were me in there and I heard such as a door creek I would be like I’m outta here 😅

[@thomasmcclenan1776]

EVP SESSION IS IN ORDER HERE

[@Rathfarnham]

So happy you are back. You are the most informative explorer I have ever watched. Love that you explain everything. Looking forward to more 🇮🇪💖

[@10toedFAIRY]

I have never clicked on a video so fast 😁

[@Beautiful-ey5nb]

YEY!!! Your back!! HUGS*🤗Love ya Tiki!💕

[@y00h0011]

Wow! So good to know that you are okay. It's been so long. I have missed the intelligent narration of your explorations. You're def. the smartest female You Tuber out there. And what I mean is, your ability to recognize and not only correctly name, but also, correctly pronounce the various items and details as you carry on. Believe me when I say, there's plenty of male You Tubers who will refer to something as "that thingy"! lol I just appreciate the professionalism that you deliver. Dental molding deserves so much more than being called "neat woodwork" . One thing that I learned from this video was that I did not know that Canada used Push-a-Matic load centers. I will say that you are a brave girl. You can never know who or what may be within. Thank you for a long ...anticipated video. Be safe and don't be a stranger.

[@freeplayfrank7736]

Hey Pam, so happy to hear your lovely voice again. Hope you enjoyed your hiatus. I gave you a shoutout on my channel last year, good job surviving that creepy place (: take care

[@markgrinsted8728]

You have no idea how pleased i am to have you back great video as usual looking forward to many more big love to you from the UK!

[@puusch5332]

TIKI! We missed you!!

[@carpdude73]

Wow, I was so happy to see your name come up. It has been a very long time! Great to see you back at it!!! You research your locations so deeply! It is refreshing to see a video where some background has been done and details of what is being watched is described! Great to see you back again!!

[@kaylap4133]

OH MY GOSH! You can't go away for that long ever again!!!!! Please don't ever leave us like that 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@MikiTheTraveller]

I sewar i read your nikname several times before realizing....omg shes backkkkkk!!!! Yeeee more urban explore stufffffd😁😁

[@samorayee420]

our sunshine is back after many years . the moment writing i was watching ghost adventures . saw TikTrex update so much happy to you active once again . hopefully see more video . we always love and respect you

[@HelenaMikas]

How wonderful to see you back .It's great to see you again ...All I can say is if a person wasn't insane pre entering the facility they sure would be after a while .Not a lot of compassion in those days .The Dr you. describe sounds terrible with beliefs so crazy and possibly warped by religion ..Thanks Tiki .👏🏻👍for making my day ..

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

I don't know how spell the sound I just made seeing this video so I'll just type "GASP!" What a joy to see a TikiTrex video!!!

[@MiBSuM]

I love the background information you've provided. This is the part nearly always missing on other channels. I am glad you are back! 😊

[@dawnberthold3894]

Wonderful, you're back!!! Looking forward to seeing all your videos.

[@yurintroubl]

Heeeeyyyyy.... The Grande Dame of urbex is back!! Hallelujah!

[@adelebaker6227]

Omg, I saw Tiki Trex and thought that this must be an old video! But then I saw it is new!!! So happy to have you back! Missed your voice!

[@divalover159]

YERSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, Finally Glad to have you Back! cannot wait for more adventure from you!

[@Murfs_Niche]

Long time no see, right?!! Lovely to hear your voice & enjoy your work again! Welcome back❣

[@tomlangley6236]

Hey! Its great to hear from my favorite explorer! I hope this is a return.....You have been missed!

[@imaginaryfriendsadventureclub]

Thanks Tiki, it's nice to see a new one from you again. I've watched them all. Excellent!

[@Carrie_.]

Wow I kid you not I just looked at your channel last night to see if you had ever came back and here you are! 😲. I'm away to buy a lottery ticket now ... 😆

[@foxtrott99]

Wow ! So exciting to see you're back 😊😉 Not too long ago I started rewatching all your videos again. It must have been my conscious telling me that you'll be coming back soon 😉 So glad to see you again and am looking forward to more of your videos 😊😉

[@annemurphy9339]

What?!? Where have you been Tikitrex? Glad to see your post again.

[@andersj.p.eskilsson3655]

Whohoo the OG is back!!

[@david-hi7yx]

Welcome back TikiTrex, I've missed you! Glad to see a new video.

[@johnb.7979]

SHE'S BACK!! WOO HOO!! Do you think you've been missed? 😁

[@decayingdreamsphotography]

So glad to see you back! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jerroldmcley4347]

Hey awsome your back yours are some of the first explore videos I came across welcome back

[@mariahp421]

So excited to see more videos from you! I find your voice so soothing and relaxing as well.

[@susanrook2718]

It is so nice to see that your back Tiki Trex. I'm glad your back I have never given up on you I still watch all of your videos all the time you are my favorite to watch.Happy Thanksgiving in Canada 🦃🍁🍂🍃🌳🍁. So glad your back and the one who inspired me to go urbxing where I live because girls can do anything!! Nice to see your back!!.

[@ZPDSurvival]

Great to see another Video from you. The Original Urbex Channel. You studied your History about this place. Excellent Work TikiTrex!

[@cathischoll7989]

So glad to see you making a video! I am sorry to say I gave up on this happening! Hope you are here to stay.

[@rubenbustamante1828]

There she is ! She's back with a Vengance ...., Good to see you again Pam👋🏼 This exploration is spooky i love it👍🏼

[@owen4248]

It's good to see you back Pam I have missed your explore videos this one was great I like your narrative and play on words your smooth voice is very calming I enjoyed this very much :-)

[@NeilRoy]

Hey their stranger! it's so nice to see a fellow Canuck return (I'm in Ontario myself). I've missed you! Hope you and yours are doing well. Love ya. ❤

[@MikailaSyman]

So glad to see you back!! Hope you’re doing well!

[@Ghostin3]

So happy to see you back. Miss your adventures.

[@chrisbland3931]

Missed you and your videos. Welcome back!

[@Glambert1877]

Yay!! So happy that you’re back…love and missed your videos ❤❤

[@eily_b]

I just recently came over here to check if I missed a video and now you are actually back! Yay! 🥳

[@eclipsemoon2b]

Hey Tiki! Glad to see you back! Great video!

[@karl.weaver]

O M G ❤ You have made an already great year, fantastic - welcome back (Pam) TikiTrex 🎉

[@ohboynothimagain]

Just for the Record I miss your videos sometmes I go back and watch he older ones

[@Cz007_]

Omg wow I didn't think you'd be back!!! You were the first channel that got me into exploring abandoned buildings when I found you on YT years ago. So glad to see this pop up in my notifications!

[@teresawoodruff1170]

Probably the best abandoned explorer on KZbin. So glad to hear your voice again

[@Pawel33007]

Omg Pam I thought I never hear you voice again so happy you are back

[@abbyk.n.2314]

I started watching your videos when I think I was around 12 an today your video came on my home page for the first time in like 2-3 years an I was sooo incredibly excited to watch, AND YOUR NEVER DISAPPOINT

[@TikiTrex]

Wow, KZbin is a little behind on the notifications. And thank you so much for your nice comment and long-time viewership!

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Hey stranger, it's so good to see your content again. Thank you for the Information. 😊

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

Oh my gosh, hi Pamela! Great to see a video and it was a very interesting explore too! Hopefully see you again soon! You like to surprise us 😂

[@RBPx1]

Good to see some videos on KZbin again Pam…

[@DonKnotts1924]

Wow, well this is a pleasant surprise! 😁

[@jonsymmonds1120]

Tiki, SOOOO nice to see you back! You were one of the first explorers I followed! Going to sit back and watch some more.

[@TikiTrex]

Hi Jon, thanks! Enjoy!

[@endeavor8850]

Hiiiiiiiiiii. I've been a member on this channel since I was a kid... 2 years and I thought you'd retired but having you back Is a wonderful surprise :) so wonderful to go on a nostslgia adventure with you again.

[@TikiTrex]

Thank you so much! It’s nice to have you along.

[@kimmckeever9001]

Great to see a video from you. We don’t mind if it’s just an occasional video, we’re happy to hear from you again. 🎉

[@TikiTrex]

Thank you, Kim!

[@mjg263]

Yaaay! TikiTrex is back!! Really missed you, so great to hear your voice and go on another great exploring adventure! Thanks for taking us along, you are the BEST urbexer there is IMO!!

[@gitterbugg679]

Wow good to hear you again!

[@mistywoods4407]

So good to see you back.

[@Nikephorus]

Wow --been a while!

[@911dips5]

How interesting

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

YAY! Welcome back! We're all glad you're still kickin' & exploring! Always a treat to tag along on your adventures.

[@Maxdekriek]

Nice to see you back here i love youre style..... greetsz to you and happy Thanksgiving from a long time fan from holland ...max....

[@Dontwantahandle0]

So nice to see a video of yours, missed them. Have you considered doing some revisits of past explores?

[@TikiTrex]

I have considered it. :)

[@CarnivoraFilm]

Nice to see you again, it's been a while.

[@redneckbryon]

That red panel box in the basement is the fire system, usually anything red will be for fire. I find when you do explore places, you normally know what you are talking about, unlike others.

[@megadethgigantour]

Welcome back, TikiTrex, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too, stay safe. 😊🇨🇦.

[@AprHla]

Yay!

[@cnyphotovideo]

So nice to see you back on doing videos. It’s been quite some time.

[@TruBluYahoo]

Wow London psychiatric hospital.. Very cool. Welcome back!

[@heatherfeather7593]

OMG HEYYYY I check all the time to see if you’ve posted anything. It’s been so long!!! Welcome back! Where’d you go?! Hope all is well!! ❤

[@maxnaethe7187]

😃YES!!!! So glad to see your latest video, totally enjoyed watching. So glad to see you are back and look forward to seeing more from you, Thanks!

[@JustBeth617]

😮😮😮 what??? 😮😮😮😮 I was just thinking about you the other day and came by the channel to make sure I hadn’t missed anything! And poof 💨 You are here!! ❤❤

[@EphemeralProductions]

Tiki!!! Been so long!!! I’m so glad i stayed subscribed! I knew you’d post something again eventually. ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Welcome back my dear!