Historic Government Building Fitted With Modern Snow / Ice Melt System
Built in 1845, the Queen's Park Provincial Government Building in downtown Toronto, Ontario, is an impressive example of
19th-century architecture. Facing Queen's Park itself, the north entrance of the building has a decoratively carved sandstone
staircase that leads up to a wide landing made of the same material. Two 100-foot-long wheelchair ramps also approach the
landing from either side. The stairs, ramps and landing lead to an imposing entrance with high arches and thick columns. The dark
stone and large proportions resemble a fortress. By 1994, however, the harsh climate and snowy conditions had taken their toll on
the building.
"Sandstone buildings may look indestructible," says Mark Euteneier, president of KLIMATROL Environmental Systems in
Brampton, Ontario. "But the stone is actually susceptible to a number of elements. Acid rain, salts, other snow melting agents and
countless shovels chipping it, all erode the stone and mortar. As a result, the front of the building was deteriorating, and the stairs
were working loose."