'Never too old to meet a challenge': Trio of Toronto octogenarians tackle CN Tower's EdgeWalk
It’s only about 16 kilometres from the Tapestry Retirement Residence to downtown Toronto, but it’s a trip that’s taken some residents more than a year to plan.
“We talked about it ... 14 months ago,” resident Bill Chapman told CTV News Toronto, “Now we’re doing it.”
It's the EdgeWalk. The popular attraction where people walk around the outside of the CN Tower’s main pod, some 116 storeys above ground.
As Chapman and two fellow residents, along with two staff members from Tapestry, arrived at the base of the tower, they looked up. Asked if he had any second thoughts, the 80 year old laughed as he said: “I’ll tell you when I get up there”.
Fellow EdgeWalker, 87-year-old Ed Simms, said he was feeling good and excited about going up. Remembering that he’d been to the top of the tower once for dinner shortly after it opened, but never imagining he’d get to walk around the outside of it.
As for the oldest member of the group, 88-year old Joan Osmond said she had no fear. “I’ve been up many towers and heights don’t bother me, so I feel quite confident about everything,” Osmond said.
Osmond said she's already crossed zip-lining and whitewater rafting off of her bucket list.
After completing their safety briefing and being fitted with their harnesses, the group rode the high-speed elevator up and stepped out on the ledge -- some 356 metres above ground.
“Visibility was perfect,” said Chapman. “You could see for miles.”
But the walkers also stepped out into some strong winds.
“It got a bit windy up there,” admitted Osmond. “It’s an experience. I’m glad I did it.”
As for Simms, he admitted he didn’t lean back off the platform, saying with a laugh “that part got to me”. Chapman said leaning over the edge was the best part of the walk, saying when he felt the rope holding him as he hung over the edge “the fear went and it was just a super experience.”
Back on solid ground, it wasn’t long before the trio of adventurous octogenarians were considering what to do next.
“Skydiving, yeah that would be fun, or parasailing,” said Osmond, adding that she was looking forward to another challenge.
“You’re never too old to meet a challenge.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
'Terrifying': Manitoba resident speaks on wildfire and evacuation
As a pair of wildfires burn near Flin Flon and The Pas, a number of Manitobans are being told to evacuate their homes.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document
Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
No concert ticket? No problem — Swifties can still gather at 'Taylgate' in Toronto
Whether you were lucky to nab tickets to one of Taylor Swift's six sold-out Toronto concerts in November or not, a new 'fan experience' hopes to get you into the party spirit.