The Rise and Fall of a Giant
Documenting the Demolition and Legacy of the Sudbury Superstack
A long-term photo documentation project by Sarah Reese
Looking northwest up Diorite Street in Copper Cliff. Shot on Kodak Tri-X 400 35mm film in June 2025.
The Superstack has stood for over 50 years as a landmark of Sudbury's industrial legacy and environmental transformation. As its demolition marks the end of an era, this project proposes a long-term photographic documentation of the process starting in 2025. The project will capture the physical dismantling of the Superstack while exploring its broader cultural, emotional, and environmental impact on the community.
The demolition of the Superstack is about more than just a structure - it's about identity, memory, and legacy. As Sudbury continues to redefine itself beyond its polluted past, this project invites reflection on what we leave behind and how we move forward. As both a geologist and photographer, I bring a unique dual perspective to record this iconic moment in Sudbury’s history.
The project will culminate in a coffee table style book that documents the legacy of the Superstack. I am using film and digital photography to document the stages of the demolition from various perspectives around Sudbury. To complement this, Superstack-related stories and memories from community members will also be highlighted. In addition, to provide context, the book will also cover some of Sudbury's long mining history.
Thus, as part of this project, I’d love to hear from anyone with stories, memories, and/or old photos connected to the Superstack.
If you have something to share, please reach out! You can contact me via email (sarahreesemedia@gmail.com) or use the form below to start a conversation.
This is an independent, community-focused project. Thank you for helping to capture this important transition for Sudbury, and for keeping stories alive.
Thank you!