Drake fans bid farewell to ‘Iceman’ tower as firefighters, private crews hose it down

TORONTO – Fans continued to gather around Drake’s diminishing tower of ice blocks on Wednesday as Toronto firefighters, and later a private company, attempted to melt it down, following reports of rowdy behaviour including some people taking flames to the structure.

Fire Chief Jim Jessop said crews were called Tuesday evening about “dangerous and unsafe activities” at the downtown Toronto site of the installation, which teases the rapper’s forthcoming album, “Iceman.”

He said crowds of people had shown up with flammable liquids and made uncontrolled open flames to try and melt the blocks of ice. He added the activity posed an “immediate threat to life” and that crews were taking measures to mitigate the risk to public safety.

Toronto Fire said crews were hosing down the ice structure with warm water in an effort to reduce its size, while also monitoring drainage. 

Firefighters left the scene at around 2:20 p.m. and the city said further work would be handled privately by the organizers. 

Later in the afternoon, workers for Prime Mobile Wash were seen spraying the glacial sculpture. A representative for the business said they were hired to melt the ice by Frozen Moments LLC, which is the name of one of Drake’s companies. 

City of Toronto communications director Russell Baker said that because Drake’s “Iceman” tower was set up on private property — in a parking lot at 81 Bond St. — the owner did not need a permit to install the ice blocks.

Baker said the decision to dismantle the 25-foot-high monument came after “multiple complaints and raised concerns for public safety,” adding they received reports of “several people climbing on and around the slippery ice structure with pickaxes.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told reporters Wednesday that she agrees with Jessop’s decision to take down the frozen monolith.

“I support his decisions. His responsibility is people’s safety,” she said during a news conference. 

When asked about the allocation of police and fire resources, Chow said the city has no plans to recoup the costs and that it’s their responsibility to keep the public safe. However, she added she will need to check with the police and fire chiefs.

“I can understand why fans are excited. They want to go and find out what is that date, because that’s what (Drake) said is in there. So, folks climbed it and picked it. I’ve seen them doing all types of things.”

A city spokesperson said a Toronto Fire Service response such as this one is funded through the city’s annual operating budget.

Even as it suffered a slow, dripping demise, Drake fans continued descending upon the monument.

Yana Kocovski and her friend Bionca Gleeson said they drove more than two hours from Kawartha Lakes, Ont., just to look at the installation.

“‘Views’ has been my favourite album since I was, like, a baby,” said Kocovski.

“We were hoping we were going to see Drake today, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Police fenced off the area around the structure from the public. Meltwater from the ice blocks pooled around surrounding sidewalks before draining into sewers.

Onlooker Veer Chheda said he was disappointed to see fire crews thawing the tower.

“I feel like we’re wasting resources. It’s going to melt in a week,” he said.

“We can’t even go in. Drake put it here for us to go to. I think it’s stupid.”

Student Abadir Wahba said he skipped an exam just to visit the dissipating monument.

“We are looking at our tax money being wasted,” he said, referring to the fire crews tasked with hosing down the structure.

“But it’s for a good purpose. It’s for Drake, and he’s the GOAT.”

Drake confirmed in an Instagram post that his “Iceman” album will be released on May 15 after Toronto-based content creator Kishka livestreamed himself finding a booklet inside the ice sculpture containing the date.

Kishka was among the people who climbed the structure, some breaking off chunks with pickaxes on Monday and Tuesday.

Fan Aaron Alfonso said he thinks the stunt has been very successful at promoting “Iceman.”

“Look at how much attention it’s getting, especially in the last two days. It’s all over social media, every platform,” he said.

“Streamers from the U.S., they’ve all seen this and they all want to come here. We’re fortunate to have this in the city. I think it’s a blessing.”

Even Mayor Chow said she’s looking forward to Drake’s forthcoming album.

“Drake is a big supporter of our city, and there’s so much excitement across our city towards this new Drake album, ‘The Iceman,’” she told reporters.

“I’m excited too.”

— With files from Aaron Sousa

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2026.