|
|
| City Guide - Toronto - Further Distractions | ||
|
||
|
Further Distractions R C Harris Waterworks: Located on sprawling grounds in Toronto's Beaches district, the R C Harris Waterworks is first and foremost a water filtration plant, the city's largest. Intakes located 2.5km (1.5 miles) into Lake Ontario suck up to one billion litres (520 million gallons) of water each day for processing. But no matter how interesting it may be to witness the various stages of water purification - pre-chlorination, screening, coagulation, settling etc - this attraction merits a visit due to its stunning architectural design. Often described as a 'Palace of Purification', the plant was built between 1937 and 1941 and is, as such, a gem of Art Deco engineering and design. From the outside, features include a Byzantine façade and an Egyptian Tower, while its rich interior, replete with marble and brass surfaces, is redolent of another era. A historical narrative of the plant's construction was described in Michael Ondaatjse's In the Skin of a Lion. 2701 Queen Street East Tel: (416) 392 3566. Transport: Tram to Queen Street. Opening hours: Sat only; guided tours at 1000, 1130 and 1300. Admission: Free. Toronto Islands: Located in Toronto Harbour, the Toronto Islands have long been regarded as a place of leisure and relaxation. The islands did not become islands, however, until 1858, when a storm caused a rift between the then peninsula and the mainland. Over the years the main islands - Ward Island, Centre Island and Hanlan's Point - were popular resort areas and included a baseball park where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run. In the last 50 years, as a 230-hectare (568-acre) public park, the islands have become popular picnicking places. Facilities include designated picnic areas (with fire pits), wading pools, softball diamonds, beaches, an amusement area, a farm and plenty of restaurants. Today, the islands offer an ideal outdoor environment in which to take a waterside walk, relax at a café or enjoy an unparalleled view of the city's skyline. The islands are only accessible by ferry. Toronto Harbour Tel: (416) 203 0405. Fax: (416) 203 2167. E-mail: parks@city.toronto.on.ca Web site: www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/to_islands/islands_index.htm Transport: Subway Union Station, then ferry. Opening hours: Ferry times vary seasonally. Admission: Free; C$5 (ferry ticket). |
||
