Firgrove Learning & Innovation Community Centre (FLICC) / Firgrove-Grassways Community

Origin:

The Firgrove Learning and Innovation Community Centre (FLICC) is located at the heart of a Toronto Community Housing complex and provided a variety of educational and social services to its residents.  The non-profit centre first opened in 2008 and was a central meeting place in the community which ran after-school programs, summer camps, food banks, annual BBQs and other popular programs. The interior of the FLICC was proudly adorned with a variety of artwork from community members. 

Abandonment:

The FLICC was closed permanently on February 13th, 2020 due to an overnight fire that caused significant interior damage. Nobody was injured in the fire.

Nearly 800 residents have been forced to relocate from the sprawling Firgrove-Grassways townhouse and apartment complex over the last 5 years due to a drawn out domino effect of vacant homes falling into disrepair and developing rodent infestations, leading to more vacant homes, more disrepair, more infestations, and ultimately to full scale relocation of its final remaining tenants last year. 

The FLICC fire was the final nail in the coffin and the entire property has now been slated for demolition and redevelopment.

Future:

2021: The entire housing complex is currently an active construction site. Interior demolition of most buildings has begun as of December 2021.

Interesting Features:

• 234 housing units to explore, at least a dozen buildings. The vast majority of the furniture and personal belongings have been removed but as of December 2021 all interior walls are still intact.
• Interior fire damage to the FLICC is extensive but has left most of the furniture and interior belongings intact, albeit covered in ash. 
• As of December 2021 there is still live power and functional lights in many buildings.