Ruins Of One Of North America's First Power Plants

The Brantford Electric & Operating Company's power generating plant on the Mohawk Canal was built in 1885 (4th built in North America) by Alfred Watts. To power his manufacturing plants in the area and it quickly started being used to power 9000 street lights. By 1911 it was deemed as obsolete and the city connected to the new provincial power grid.

The building become ruins in the last century, and most who have seen it. Don't even know what it was. I didn't either for my first explores of the area, but I did some research and found out. So I had to come back and document it!

Just off of the canal trail you find some partial old stone walls, a tunnel opening and a small waterfall.

Directly behind that is the stone foundation of the building. With three deep "rooms" that graffiti artists have utilized heavily.

When you walk along the top of the stone walls you are greeted by a 30 foot drop and a nice view of the grand river.

The only "room" that I could safely access was covered in graffiti and was very grown over. With a circle hole in the furthest end, that led into a square room.

Beside the structure I found the remains of a wall, that looked like it was part of another room.

Once at the bottom of that 30 foot drop, I found a large mural on the stone wall. With overgrowth and stinging nettle everywhere.

It is such a cool piece of our history and it is amazing that it is still there! I would have loved to have visited without all the graffiti but its neat even with it!

Overall an amazing spot to visit if you're in the area!