One of Canada’s national treasures and Toronto’s very own landmark -- the CN Tower -- is celebrating the big 4-0 today.
According to Canada Lands Company -- a Crown corporation that manages real estate, development and attractions -- the CN Tower held the title of the world’s tallest free-standing structure when it was built in 1976. Though later outdone by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tower remains the tallest in the Western Hemisphere and its “EdgeWalk” tour currently holds the record as the world’s highest outdoor walk.
Its assembly required more than 1,500 construction workers, 40 months of around-the-clock work and $63 million to build, a fact sheet by the World Federation of Great Towers states.
By 1995, the tower was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, sharing the title with other famed landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge.
But the CN Tower is more than just a picture perfect postcard– it also works as a communications tower by providing transmissions for a number of different TV and FM radio stations.
Today, the CN Tower is a beacon for events, memorials and celebrations, and a key destination for newcomers to Toronto. It’s ability to light up in different colour patterns – including a rainbow colour scheme to honour the upcoming Toronto Pride parade – makes it an ever-changing part of the Toronto skyline.
In honour of the tower’s 40th birthday, people are taking to Twitter to share memories, photos and happy birthday wishes to the Toronto favourite.
Bonne fête à la tour CN! #CNTower #happybirthday pic.twitter.com/JomNwBFFNB
— Chloe Tate-Marion (@chloetatemarion) June 26, 2016
Visiting the CN Tower Aug. 1999, on my first trip to Toronto. With my sister @rhondaMD_gale . Happy 40th #CNTower pic.twitter.com/UwVlkRMRCV
— Robert MacDougall (@MacDoug1) June 26, 2016
I once worked @ the CN Tower as an elevator hostess "Now we're travelling at 15mph, we'll reach the top in 58 secs!" https://t.co/DRfZF8ehGY
— Christine Estima (@christineestima) June 26, 2016
Didn't realize I was older than the CN Tower.
— Djanger (@IKvsDK) June 26, 2016
Happy 40th birthday @TourCNTower! Got this glass years ago during an early visit! #CNTower pic.twitter.com/QRrDErLQf1
— Gillian Moorecroft (@gillianrae59) June 26, 2016
On this day in 1976, the CN Tower opened to the public. pic.twitter.com/tocHwyG2OZ
— Norm Kelly (@norm) June 26, 2016
Happy Birthday #CNTower ❤
— Hαғѕα K.❄ (@Hafsaahk_) June 26, 2016
Best lightenin rod out there#40Years #Since1976 #the6ix #VIEWS #Blessup #Toronto pic.twitter.com/7N8dj55vFp
Happy 40th birthday to the CN Tower, standing tall since 1976. We couldn't imagine the view without you. pic.twitter.com/3d5s2BxRos
— ArtGalleryofOntario (@agotoronto) June 26, 2016
@22_Minutes maybe I will celebrate and open this? Na! #CNTower #CanadianWisky pic.twitter.com/Q04GpdVjxT
— Jim McDowall (@jdmcdowall55) June 26, 2016
Happy 40th Birthday to the CN TOWER Today pic.twitter.com/224Mlj7ZLx
— Carlos Xavier Cedeño (@carlos_xavier_c) June 26, 2016
Happy 40th, #CNTower. You look lovely in rainbow. pic.twitter.com/7iVUJJMTxp
— Sally L. (@IambicTrochee) June 26, 2016
'Happy 40 - Looking good from the Tiki Taxi! #CNTower #SundayFunday #Toronto pic.twitter.com/gl5hW8sl4y
— Marty (@inthesunshine) June 26, 2016
Happy 40th Birthday #CNTower #Toronto pic.twitter.com/gKddVc3Hmp
— Maria Soares (@mariagfsoares) June 26, 2016
Happy birthday big guy and I ain't talking about Drizzy #CNTower pic.twitter.com/dArrBYaXML
— Humble Marissa (@knowyoself_) June 26, 2016
I know you've had work done, but you don't look a day over 30! Happy 40th @TourCNTower #CNTower pic.twitter.com/wBt6JdNDB6
— Eamon McKay (@elmoten) June 26, 2016
Happy 40th to that big, pointy thing everyone sees when they get to Toronto. You look great, #CNtower pic.twitter.com/lQvYAsVm0m
— CWL Inc. (@cwl_cc) June 26, 2016