by Ashline Zenia Mathias
Toronto, Jun 28: The CN Tower is not only the tallest freestanding structure in the world, but also a renowned Canadian icon. The tower is one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World and serves to complete the Toronto skyline. On Monday June 26, 2006, the Canadian National Tower celebrates its 30th Birthday with a special public event.
The Canadian National Tower was completed in 1976 and took roughly 3 years to build. It was designed and constructed by the Canadian National Railway as a large TV and Radio Tower for the Greater Toronto Area. It was also meant to symbolize the strength of Canadian Industry. The entire project took approximately $330 million Canadian dollars to complete. Today, the tower still represents Canadian strength and history.
The CN tower stands at an amazing 553.33 m., easily making it the tallest building in the world. A glass floor and an outdoor observation deck make it the highest public observation deck in the world. It is a strong structure made to withstand heavy storms and an earthquake of 8.5 on the Richter scale. The tower hosts approximately 2 million tourists every year. To Canadians it is a strong part of history and culture. To newer immigrants it is an icon of a venture in a land of many opportunities.
The tower has a very long staircase and a pair of very cool elevators that take visitors all the way up to the top. The staircase to the top of the tower is definitely the longest staircase in the world. It is an emergency staircase that is only open to the public during charity climbs. For those who make it to the top, the world famous 360 Restaurant awaits them. As its name suggests, the 360 Restaurant completes a full revolution every 72 minutes. Imagine a restaurant that spun around while you ate lunch!
The 30th anniversary celebrations include performances from various musical guests including the Canadian band Lighthouse. There will also be a commemorative ceremony officiated by Toronto Mayor David Miller and other dignitaries. And just like any other birthday party, there will be a “toast”, some cake, several prizes and loot bags for all the visitors and everyone is invited.
In honour of the 30th anniversary, the CN tower is also hosting a contest known as “181 Stories”. People are invited to share their stories and memories of the tower. The stories will be posted on the CN tower website (www.cntower.ca) and later on in a commemorative anniversary book. The top 30 entries will receive a special prize.
The CN tower is an icon in Canada’s past, present and future. It has always been a landmark of strength and progress in Canadian culture. As Canada progresses through its diversity and multiculturalism, the CN tower will stand as a milestone to all Canadians and the newer Immigrants.
In 2008 Burj Dubai in U.A.E will be completed and may surpass the height of CN Tower, though the height of Burj Dubai is a closely-guarded secret.
Here are some statistics and answers published by the CN Tower.
Is the CN Tower the World’s Tallest Building?
Yes, it is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Tallest Building. The CN Tower has also been recognized as having the World’s Longest Metal Staircase and World’s Highest Wine Cellar.
How tall is the CN Tower?
The CN Tower is 553.33 m (1,815ft, 5 inches) tall or the equivalent of 5 ½ football fields stacked end-to-end.
Why was the CN Tower built?
In the 1960s, Toronto’s growing skyline created problems for radio and television transmission because the pre-skyscraper transmission towers were simply not high enough to broadcast over the buildings. The prime function of the Tower is a telecommunications hub and several Canadian radio and television channels broadcast from there.
How much did it cost to build the World’s Tallest Building?
The CN Tower was built for $63 million (about $300 million in 1998 dollars).
How long did it take to build the CN Tower?
It took approximately 40 months to complete the CN Tower. Construction started on February 6, 1973, and wrapped up in June of 1976.
How many people did it take to build the CN Tower?
1,537 courageous workers toiled around the clock, five days a week, 24 hours a day, to build the CN Tower.
Who owns the CN Tower?
Canadian National (CN) built the tower in 1976, and retained ownership until 1995 when it became a public company. At that point, ownership of the CN Tower was transferred to Canada Lands Company, along with a number of other real estate properties.
How much does the Tower weigh?
The World’s Tallest Building weighs in at 117,910 metric tonnes (130,000 tons). This is about the equivalent of 23,214 large elephants.
How much concrete is in the Tower?
There is a full 40,524 cubic meters (53,000 cubic yards) of concrete in the CN Tower, enough to build a sidewalk curb from Toronto to Kingston, Ontario.
Is the Glass Floor safe?
Yes. The CN Tower’s Glass Floor, opened on June 26, 1994, is 23.8 square meters (256 square ft.) of solid glass and is five times stronger than the required weight bearing standard for commercial floors. It can withstand the weight of 14 large hippos.
How many elevators are there in the CN Tower?
There are now six glass-fronted, high-speed elevators. They travel at a rate of 22 km/hour (15 miles/hour). It takes only 58 seconds to reach 346m (1,136 ft.).
How many people visit the CN Tower each year?
Each year, approximately 2 million people take advantage of all the CN Tower has to offer.
Does the CN Tower move in high winds?
Like all tall, narrow buildings, the CN Tower was built to be flexible and wind resistant. Here is the wind resistance of various parts of the Tower in winds of 120 mph, with 200 mph gusts:
Antenna - 1.07 m (3 1/2 ft) from centre
SkyPod - 0.46 m (1 1/2 ft) from centre
Main Pod - 22.9 cm (9 inches) from centre
When did the Tower add the base expansion?
On June 26, 1998, the CN Tower officiallly opened a new $26 million entertainment expansion and revitalization featuring all new multimedia displays, motion simulator rides, films, themed arcade, shopping and food experiences. The expansion, as well as revitalization of interiors from bottom to top represents a total of approximately 75,000 square feet of new and renovated spaces and offers a broader range of entertainment appealing to guests of all ages.