Plans to convert a former tannery complex in Toronto, Canada, into film studios were abandoned last week (commencing 26.03.01) after the building was badly damaged by fire.

The former A.R. Clarke & Co. tannery caught light at around 6.00 am on Monday when workers using acetylene cutters set fire to material in the building’s ventilation system. Despite the best efforts of the fire crews in attendance, the blaze raced through the historic wood beamed complex, causing roofs to collapse and several hundred local residents to be evacuated. For most of the day, the area was marked by a massive plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles around.

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