Supply Depot (Toronto)

In 1952, the Canadian federal government acquired an airfield and several buildings located in the then North York neighbourhood of Downsview. A de Havilland Canada aircraft production facility was already located on the property, and the site would eventually become Canadian Forces Base Downsview. The Supply Depot's location was well-suited for shipping and receiving, with a Canadian National Railway mainline located along the building's east side, connected to the north side of the Supply Depot by a spur-line. The recently constructed Ontario Highway 401 was a short distance south. The warehouse portion of the Supply Depot was so expansive that workers moved from station to station using bicycles. When CFB Downsview closed in 1996, a portion of the former base—including the Supply Depot—became part of Downsview Park, the first national urban park in Canada. In 1998, the Supply Depot became one of 11 properties at the site listed on a municipal heritage inventory. ==Design==

The Supply Depot is a unique example of Cold War military construction in Canada, with heavily reinforced concrete used to create a fortress-like structure designed to survive a nuclear blast. In the Supply Depot's basement are two deep, water reservoirs used to supply the fire sprinkler system, and the roof was designed to store up to of water as a backup supply. On the building's south side is a door leading to a "Decontamination Centre", where individuals could enter the Supply Depot following a nuclear attack. The heavily-reinforced building also contained a bomb shelter. An architectural review from 2009 wrote, "the building was constructed during the period of Cold War and reflects the uncertain mood of the time with its tough envelope and back-up systems". CFB Downsview Supply Depot, Toronto, Canada - post-nuclear attack Decontamination Centre (1).jpg|Entering Supply Depot after nuclear attack CFB Downsview Supply Depot, Toronto, Canada - post-nuclear attack Decontamination Centre (2).jpg|Decontamination centre beneith office building CFB Downsview Supply Depot, Toronto, Canada - post-nuclear attack Decontamination Centre (3).jpg|Shower and dressing area ==Today==

The Supply Depot is used as a farmer's market and movie studio. Doors Open Toronto tours have also been conducted there. Since mid-2011, Toronto Roller Derby has played its home games in the south end of the building, known as The Bunker, including hosting the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup in 2011. ==References==