After almost 5 years of worrying about security cameras and guard patrols, this photo finally became a recent reality...
Inside Out by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
... but perhaps it should have been with a heavy heart. Every new industrial urbex opportunity translates into a loss of more future career opportunities for my own boys in Ontario.
The John Deere plant remained an industrial icon along the Welland Canal for a full century. Deere bought it from Dain Manufacturing in 1910. Remember those TV commercials with the slogan “Nothing runs like a Deere”? The Welland work force was 800 strong when it was announced, in September 2008, that the plant would close in stages over two years. Infuriated employees hung a collection of work boots along the fence at the north employee exit in protest for each group that was let go. CAW head Buzz Hargrove publicly announced, “It is the Harper government that bears the brunt of the responsibility for this closure. This government's utter insensitivity to the plight of working Canadians is shameful and must come to an end. In my 16 years as president of the union, I have never seen such governmental indifference."
For a short time in 2009, there was hope that the city had found a new successor for the property. There were rumours floating around that Mercedes or Bombardier were interested, but both companies ultimately withdrew. The shell of the once bustling property still stands, but is almost entirely empty. Even the majority of the office furniture was removed and donated to charities around the Niagara region.
Industrial Sunrise by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Walk of Silence by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Bustling Workfloor by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Open Season by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Demolition Danger by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Around the Bay by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Crushing Dain City Loss by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
No Longer Necessary by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Barrier Post in Shadows by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Respir(expir)ation by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
The Fall by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Lights Out by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Barren Shadows by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
No Question When Injured by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Central Break Room by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Personal Stores by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Run Stop by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
High Voltage by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Lack of Maintenance by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Light in Dark Corners by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Useless Orders by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
Toxic Exit by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
A special thanks to DM420 and L0wkey for chancing the CCTV eyes and
drive-through vehicle patrols for a look inside before the entire property is razed.
Bay Door Silhoutte by
Ground State Photos, on Flickr
"We just let industries walk in and walk out with no regard for what
it means for communities, for workers and ultimately for the Canadian
economy in general. That's a travesty and that needs to stop."
- Welland MP Malcolm Allen, 2010