This is all wonderful. But the most astounding, most historically important, and most exciting feature of this edifice is its colossal *wheelpit* and renowned *twin tailrace tunnel* , a tunnel unlike any other in the world, a tunnel so magnificent that it eclipses both the Rankine tunnel (now open as a family-friendly activity) and Journey Behind the Falls in majesty, because it combines the best features of both of those attractions and surpasses them. Not only is the great Confluence Tunnel an architectural marvel in its own right, but it opens *right behind the Horseshoe Falls* (not nearby, but verily INTO the Falls) in a colossal, towering arch that is, honestly, the greatest sight in all of Niagara other than the Falls themselves (indeed, it is the most epic view of the Falls that exists). I hope that the references in this video to other Niagara adventure attractions indicate that adventure-like exploration of the mighty wheelpit and confluence tunnel beneath this historic structure will be part of the renovation project. A "Confluence Tunnel" experience would be the most thrilling attraction in all of Niagara, bar none. And if one had to book a room in the hotel to take part in the adventure, then I guarantee that room bookings would double in number as a result!
@@ThomasC-Crazy4NiagaraFalls It was accessed as recently as 2019 by urban explorers and is in comparable condition to Rankine's tunnel prior to its (arguably overly zealous) reworking. It is structurally sound. The wheelpit staircases could be reasonably upgraded and the debris in that space cleared out. A sound idea would be to make it more of an "adventure" experience (still open to the general lay public, like adventure caving, i.e. safe -- raincoats and headgear -- but not go overboard and install elevators or mobility ramps or such; to keep it closer to its original working state).
Good to see fellow tunnel enjoyers, as well as preserving the history of Niagara falls hydroelectric industry. They're PERFECT tourist locations. It's sad how long they've sat abandoned, but good to see an effort is being made to bring them the attention they deserve.
When we lived in Ontario we'd visit Niagara Falls once a year and always park near this building to walk by and admire it. I thought it would make a great addition Niagara's tourism as a restaurant. Your vision is beyond what I was thinking of but I'm so glad it's being brought to life. Good luck! Hope we can get back to see it.
Apart from my comment about the key significance of this structure's incredible tailrace tunnel, I also applaud this proposal for incorporating a museum devoted to the edifice and its architect (the story of how the tunnel was built, which involved workers in the early 1900s literally climbing along the rocks behind the Horseshoe Falls, venturing farther behind the falls than any explorers had ever gone before, all the while rope-tied together like mountain climbers, is an exciting saga in its own right), and for the fact that the architectural additions to the structure, particularly in its river face, are aesthetically in harmony with its original design.
Love EJ Lennox! Would add to your good list that I believe this power plant may have been the first to have been built with private capital, something that subsequent nationalization may have obscured?
Love the news!!! Cannot wait for this marvel to open to the public! Any chance the tailrace and portal get tge same treatment as the NP power station? I think it would be a once in a multi-generational lifetime opportunity to open the hole behind the falls to people. Even though you won’t see much, it’s the intense feeling of the force and power right in front of them that would amaze them, myself included. Hope it comes to be!
I am very glad to see this wonderful building will be saved. But a 5 star boutique accomodation? In other words, us common folk won't be able to afford it. Nice they will have free space open to the public but still. I think Niagara Parks does a great job of preserving the beauty and history of Niagara Falls but it seems they are slowly turning their properties/restaurants into upper class attractions the middle class family can no longer afford.
Well, there are many, many lower-priced accommodations in the area, from budget hotels to mid-price hotels. No shortage there (as long as, er, unexpected guests of the government are not warehoused in them). I don't mind the idea of an upscale lodging. I just wish that the lobby weren't so bare white but instead retained more of the original hues of the stonework, after a thorough cleaning.
I can't wait to see this in real life! I love how the architecture is being preserved. You can't beat old world charm.
This is so amazing! As a Niagara resident, so happy to see this building get the love it deserves.
This is all wonderful. But the most astounding, most historically important, and most exciting feature of this edifice is its colossal *wheelpit* and renowned *twin tailrace tunnel* , a tunnel unlike any other in the world, a tunnel so magnificent that it eclipses both the Rankine tunnel (now open as a family-friendly activity) and Journey Behind the Falls in majesty, because it combines the best features of both of those attractions and surpasses them. Not only is the great Confluence Tunnel an architectural marvel in its own right, but it opens *right behind the Horseshoe Falls* (not nearby, but verily INTO the Falls) in a colossal, towering arch that is, honestly, the greatest sight in all of Niagara other than the Falls themselves (indeed, it is the most epic view of the Falls that exists). I hope that the references in this video to other Niagara adventure attractions indicate that adventure-like exploration of the mighty wheelpit and confluence tunnel beneath this historic structure will be part of the renovation project. A "Confluence Tunnel" experience would be the most thrilling attraction in all of Niagara, bar none. And if one had to book a room in the hotel to take part in the adventure, then I guarantee that room bookings would double in number as a result!
Totally agree, thank you for stating so well the importance of this opportunity
I agree opening the tunnel would be amazing. But I have heard the tunnel is too far gone to renovate and open to the public.
@@ThomasC-Crazy4NiagaraFalls It was accessed as recently as 2019 by urban explorers and is in comparable condition to Rankine's tunnel prior to its (arguably overly zealous) reworking. It is structurally sound. The wheelpit staircases could be reasonably upgraded and the debris in that space cleared out. A sound idea would be to make it more of an "adventure" experience (still open to the general lay public, like adventure caving, i.e. safe -- raincoats and headgear -- but not go overboard and install elevators or mobility ramps or such; to keep it closer to its original working state).
Good to see fellow tunnel enjoyers, as well as preserving the history of Niagara falls hydroelectric industry. They're PERFECT tourist locations. It's sad how long they've sat abandoned, but good to see an effort is being made to bring them the attention they deserve.
Wow, that is crazy. Thanks for sharing! Any idea where I can find more info about this place?
As someone moving to Ontario soon I had no idea that was there! It's a stunning building 😍
When we lived in Ontario we'd visit Niagara Falls once a year and always park near this building to walk by and admire it. I thought it would make a great addition Niagara's tourism as a restaurant. Your vision is beyond what I was thinking of but I'm so glad it's being brought to life. Good luck! Hope we can get back to see it.
Apart from my comment about the key significance of this structure's incredible tailrace tunnel, I also applaud this proposal for incorporating a museum devoted to the edifice and its architect (the story of how the tunnel was built, which involved workers in the early 1900s literally climbing along the rocks behind the Horseshoe Falls, venturing farther behind the falls than any explorers had ever gone before, all the while rope-tied together like mountain climbers, is an exciting saga in its own right), and for the fact that the architectural additions to the structure, particularly in its river face, are aesthetically in harmony with its original design.
Love EJ Lennox! Would add to your good list that I believe this power plant may have been the first to have been built with private capital, something that subsequent nationalization may have obscured?
Finally. Ontario Power Company Generating Station next.
Love the news!!! Cannot wait for this marvel to open to the public!
Any chance the tailrace and portal get tge same treatment as the NP power station? I think it would be a once in a multi-generational lifetime opportunity to open the hole behind the falls to people. Even though you won’t see much, it’s the intense feeling of the force and power right in front of them that would amaze them, myself included. Hope it comes to be!
This one's tail races discharge behind the falls. This would be an awesome experience if it could be enjoyed by tourists.
Looks incredible.
Wonderful!
I am very glad to see this wonderful building will be saved. But a 5 star boutique accomodation? In other words, us common folk won't be able to afford it. Nice they will have free space open to the public but still. I think Niagara Parks does a great job of preserving the beauty and history of Niagara Falls but it seems they are slowly turning their properties/restaurants into upper class attractions the middle class family can no longer afford.
Well, there are many, many lower-priced accommodations in the area, from budget hotels to mid-price hotels. No shortage there (as long as, er, unexpected guests of the government are not warehoused in them). I don't mind the idea of an upscale lodging. I just wish that the lobby weren't so bare white but instead retained more of the original hues of the stonework, after a thorough
cleaning.
What no 50 storey condo on the site.