Church of Scientology of Toronto

What secrets hide behind boarded-up windows? Right here at 696 Yonge Street, the vacant Church of Scientology of Toronto stands as a silent enigma. The Church of Scientology of Toronto once bustled with activity within its eight-story frame. In 2012, the building was vacated. By 2013, its windows were boarded, hinting at a planned transformation into an “Ideal Org.” The ambitious renovation sought to reshape the very core of the building. The plans called for the removal of all interior and exterior walls, followed by the construction of a completely new structure. However, as of 2022, the Church of Scientology of Toronto remained untouched, still boarded up, and vacant. Adding to the intrigue, in 2015, the Church of Scientology of Toronto owed over $100,000 in property taxes and penalties. This raises questions about the future of this imposing structure. The Church of Scientology of Toronto also faced legal challenges and controversy in the past. In 1983, its Toronto headquarters was raided by police, resulting in the seizure of a massive amount of documents. This raid led to the R. v. Church of Scientology of Toronto case in 1991. The Church and several members were convicted of offenses related to covert operations against government organizations. These incidents, coupled with the vacant building, paint a picture of a complex and controversial institution. The Church of Scientology of Toronto’s current state leaves us with many unanswered questions. What will become of this building? Will the “Ideal Org” ever materialize? Only time will tell the fate of this silent sentinel on Yonge Street.