Italian herringbone tiles, brass elevators and rose-coloured marble.
These were the lavish dreams of the Commissioner of Works for Toronto back in 1932 for our water treatment plant in The Beaches.
THE PROBLEM?
We were in the throes of the Great Depression.
Despite these economic constraints, R.C. Harris would get his wish. $15 million was spent across the 19-acre property; a feat to marvel at in and of itself. No wonder its nickname is “Palace of Purification”.
Harris’ vision to create a public space for the community is apparent through today’s visitors: Dog walkers, film studios, photographers, park goers and lakefront lovers enjoy the grounds, alongside its expansive architecture.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FILMS SHOT HERE?
- Strange Brew (Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis)
- Handmaid’s Tale (Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes)
- Undercover Brother (Eddie Griffin, Dave Chappelle, Denise Richards)
- The Expanse TV Series (Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham)
CAN WE TOUR THE INSIDE?
Because it operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, filtering 950 million litres a day, the interior is closed to the public. However, events such as Doors Open Toronto make an exception.
R.C. Harris would become our city’s longest serving Commissioner of Public Works holding the position from 1912 to 1945. Today, the filtration plant provides 30% of Toronto’s drinking water.
Click here for the location of the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant.
