High Level Pumping Station

I find that the annual "Doors Open" event gives everyone a chance to visit places that otherwise would be closed to the public.
Case in Point is the High Level Pumping Station on Poplar Plains Road.

The original pump house was built in 1875 to deliver water, from the Castle Frank Brook to the local businesses and residences.
Initially, there was a reservoir on the property to cool the steam pumps.
When the City converted from steam to electric, the basin was filled in.
It is now a park and playground, and is accessible to the neighbourhood.

So, Marcia and I took a self-guided tour of the facility on a bright Saturday morning.
Herewith are some pictures of the interior.

Below, is the 1906 Steam Pump Room.
The picture shows the vertical triple-expansion steam engine that was built by John Inglis. (It should be noted here that the City named one of their Island Ferries after this gentleman).

Here, we have the 1915 Steam Pump Room with the surviving Bellis & Morcom steam engine, which drove the 20 million gallon centrifugal pump - the biggest unit ever at this pumping station.

This next picture is the 1911 Electric Pump Room.

I love the vitrified cream tile walls and the red quarry floor tiles.

The building(s) were designed in the Edwardian Classical style by the City Architect's Office.
The designs can be seen in the elaborate door and window surrounds(in stone), the cornices and entablatures (in tin), as well as the generous round-arched window.