CN Tower
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Architect
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John Andrews Architect and WZMH Architects |
Date Built
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1972 - 1976
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Location
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Beside The Rogers
Centre and "The Path - Skywalk"
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Description
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When the CN Tower was completed in 1976
it was the tallest free-standing structure in
the world. Built as a communications and
observation tower, it became an instant tourist
attraction and an icon for the city of
Toronto. Located on old railway land near
Toronto's Union Station, the tower was built for
the Canadian National Railway Company.
However, in the 1990s the tower was transferred
to the Canada Lands Company, a Crown
Corporation.
The tower consists of a hollow concrete shaft
that accommodates six elevators and a formidable
staircase of 2,579 steps. At the top of the
shaft is a circular pod containing the public
areas. The lower observation area,
originally known as the Sky Pod, stands 346
metres above ground level. At 446.5 metres
is the Space Deck. The public areas
feature a glass floor and for the more
adventurous vistors the Edge Walk, "the
world’s highest full circle hands-free walk."
Participants walk outside in groups of 6 along a
1.5 metre wide pathway, "while
attached to an overhead safety rail via a
trolley and harness system." For
less adventurous visitors the public area also
offers a rotating restaurant that makes a
complete revolution every 72 minutes. At
the top of the tower stands a 102 metre high
metal broadcasting antenea that was lowered into
place by a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter.
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Close
Window
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