'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
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
'There are kids … who'd rather be dead than gay,' says former NFL star Carl Nassib who was first active player to publicly identify sexuality
Carl Nassib knows the power of opening up. In 2021, Nassib – then playing for the Las Vegas Raiders – became the first active NFL player in league history to publicly identify as gay.