One of Torontos local architectural gems is without a doubt the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant at the eastern end of Torontos Beaches neighbourhood. On August 7, 2009 I decided to get a closer look at this historic Art Deco jewel.

Also often referred to as The Waterworks, this plant was built between 1932 and 1941 and to this day operates as one of Torontos main water treatment facilities. Water travels into the plant through intake pipes that stretch out about 2.6 kilometres into Lake Ontario. Inside the treatment facility the water gets chlorinated before it is pumped out to various water reservoirs through the city. About 45% of the water supply of Toronto and the adjacent Region of York comes from the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant.

During the early 200s the facility was opened to the public in Torontos Doors Open architecture festival, but due to security concerns after 911 only the outside grounds can be visited today. The Waterworks has a great location on the waterfront and has been used as a backdrop in many movies.

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