Iconic Sudbury water tower thunders down
Neighbourhood residents reflect on 50-year-old landmark
People who live near Sudbury's Pine Street water tower have mixed feelings about its demolition.
The now rusty, green structure — also known as the Ash Street water tower — has been standing for nearly 50 years. But it has sat empty for the past decade, prompting Sudbury City Council to make a decision to dismantle the landmark.
A demolition company, Aurora-bases Priestly Demolition, started taking down the green tower last week.
Janet Fortin has lived next door to it for 29 years.
"It is an eyesore but it’s also an icon," she said.
"So to me, it’s been here a long time ... it’s part of the city's history."
Neighbourhood resident Catherine Kankainen, who’s lived in the area for 20 years, said she’s not sorry to see the tower come down.
"It was so ugly — all rusted and everything," she said.
Rumblings of demolition
As the top part of the water tower vessel was dismantled, the metal dropping into the bowl of the giant vessel sounded like thunder, Kankainen said.
"So my dogs were getting all freaked out."
Beatty Street resident Heather Reid said she too has heard the rumblings of demolition.
She will miss the familiar sight.
"It’s sad to see it go in a way," said Reid. "It’s in my backyard … it’s a landmark in Sudbury."
The city plans to turn the space into a park after the roughly $190,000 demolition job is finished. Some are hoping the park will include some sort of tribute to the old water tower.