10 December 2013

Turn of the Century Teleglobe


In February 2008, I received an unsolicited email from a gentleman offering some insight into the former Teleglobe facility located in Queens County, Nova Scotia. The email included photos of both the interior and exterior of the building, and the satellite dishes, as it was before the electricity was turned off and the building was left open to the elements. Operations ceased at the facility in 1995. Photos must date between 1995 and 2002.

The email's author, who requested anonymity, mentioned a few other things I was previously unaware of in 2008. According to the email, the facility was bought by it's private owner, from Teleglobe, to be scrapped. The new owner was plagued by theft and vandalism long before this satellite station ever appeared on an urban explorer's radar. Approximately one year after purchasing the station, the owner attempted to start it's gas turbines, only to find out someone had stolen the entire tank of fuel that was included in the sale of the facility. There was even talk about Nova Scotia Power operating from the site, however the theft and vandalism was too much, and the owner began the process of scrapping the building and dishes before sale of the property.

Also in the email was a paragraph about the danger that lies beneath the water in the foundation of the rear satellite dish. The dish has since been removed, however, as far as I know, the foundation remains. The emailer warned the foundation is four to five stories deep, that portions of the decking had been cut, and that underwater gates could "easily trap you." This hazard likely still exists in 2013.

Enjoy!



Check out highlights from my 2005 Teleglobe adventure here.