This is the story of a massive psychiatric hospital located 2 hours and 30 minutes from Ottawa, Ontario. The abandoned building has been transformed into a paintball arena, offering both thrills and eerie encounters. Locals believe in the presence of ghosts and paranormal activity within the hospital grounds. I Ottawa delves into the fascinating and sometimes chilling history of this unique location.
What Was It Before Becoming a Unique Paintball Arena?
The abandoned psychiatric hospital in Picton, Ontario, dating back to the 1970s, stands as one of the most unique structures in Canada. Previously known as “Prince Edward Heights,” it began as a military barracks before being converted into a hospital for intellectually disabled patients. The Ontario government purchased the building in 1970, and it operated as a medical facility until its closure in 1999.
Situated atop a hill in Picton, the massive building looms large, its abandoned state adding to its allure. Rusty metal, broken furniture, and peeling walls only enhance the chilling atmosphere of the location.
Ghosts and Paranormal Activity
The site has garnered attention from paranormal investigators, who have noted an exceptionally high level of supernatural activity. Visitors have reported phenomena such as:
- Sudden cold spots
- Glowing orbs
- Distant screams, despite being alone in the building
While there is no definitive evidence, rumors persist about patient mistreatment and even alleged murders during the hospital’s operational years.
A Virtual Tour of the Facility
The hospital’s eerie ambiance is evident the moment you step inside. The main doors resemble those of an old school, and each room bears silent witness to the suffering of its former patients.
Inside the facility, there was once a kitchen and dining area. Although chairs and tables are long gone, remnants of the steel counters, mixers, and other appliances remain.
Visitors can explore the residential wings where patients lived. Hallways feature railings that patients used for support while walking. Dormitory-style rooms housed four patients each, evident from the deep bathtubs and sets of four lockers in each space. The floral wallpaper from the 1970s hangs in tatters, further accentuating the building’s abandoned feel.
Paranormal investigators have conducted sessions near the reception desk, where they reportedly received a clear response:
“Leave this.”
The group immediately left the area and tried another spot—the kitchen, where meals were once prepared for patients and staff. In every room they visited, they claimed to hear the same message urging them to leave.
A Fully Functional Paintball Arena
PRZ Paintball transformed this abandoned government facility into a fully operational paintball arena, preserving much of its original structure. Many of the rooms remain as they were in 1999, the year the hospital closed its doors.
Today, the arena is a popular destination for thrill-seekers who enjoy paintball in an unconventional setting. It’s a perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping fun and the spine-chilling possibility of encountering something paranormal.
