As opposed to focusing on health, fitness and wellness, today we’re paying homage to an iconic Toronto landmark. The CN Tower turns forty years old years old today and while it may no longer be the world’s tallest freestanding structure, it is still a deep part of Toronto history that will never be forgotten. To commemorate the birthday of the most famous landmark in Toronto, we present 10 surprising facts about the massive beauty that makes the Toronto skyline special.

The CN Tower Cost $63,000,000 to build in 1976

The CN Tower cost $63,000,000 at the time of its construction. Today, that money is equivalent to $257 million dollars. The Canadian National Railway paid off this cost just 15 years after the tower was built.

The CN Tower took approximately three years to build

It’s quite remarkable that a tower of this kind was built in three years when you consider the time and it is the first of its kind during the 1970s. 56,000 tonnes of earth were removed from the base and a team of 1,532 people helped pour the concrete. Finally, plenty of manpower, tools and equipment was used to assemble the iconic tower.

The Tower was the tallest tower in the world for 34 years

Times have changed therefore it’s widely understood that the CN Tower no longer holds the title as the largest tower in the world. However, this gigantic masterpiece of concrete held the record for 34 years before being edged out by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

With great visibility, visitors can see as far away as 160kms away

If you’re lucky enough to look out of the CN Tower on a clear day, you will be able to sneak a glimpse at Niagara Falls. Visitors could also see bits and pieces of New York State, which is approximately 100 miles away.

During migration season, exterior lights are dimmed to prevent bird casualties

Unfortunately with the bright lights comes bird casualties. To combat this unfortunate predicament, engineers are able to dim the exterior lights on the CN Tower during migration season, meaning that birds could safely travel without any interference.

The CN Tower attracts approximately 75 lightning storms each year

That’s right, the CN Tower is struck by lightning approximately 75 times each year. To prevent any injuries, the EdgeWalk which is designed to handle all types of weather including rain and wind does not operate if there is a threat of lightning.

A helicopter was used to install the antenna

If you’ve ever looked at the CN Tower then you may be confused as to how workers got the antenna at the top of the structure. This helicopter which installed the antenna in 1975 helped the tower grow several extra feet.

The tower can handle winds up to 418 kms per hour  

Architects and engineers made sure that the tower could handle all elements of the weather when constructing the structure. The CN Tower can handle winds of up to 418 kms/hour, or a magnitude 8.5 earthquake on the Richter scale.

Original plans called for shops, restaurants, and more at the base of the tower 

The original plans for the tower included shops, restaurants, trees, a park, and a reflective pool which was expected to be completed at the base of the tower. However, due to costs and time, none of these features were ever completed.

The fastest recorded climb of the tower stairwell is 7 minutes and 52 seconds

In 1989, OPP Officer Brendan Keenoy made history by climbing the stairwell in just 7 minutes and 52 seconds. This is the fastest climb that has ever been recorded for the tower. To put it in perspective, the average climber would take just over 30 minutes to complete the journey. Others have attempted to break this record but generally finish over the ten minute mark.

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