CN Tower To Celebrate 30 Years

Celebrating a milestone birthday for the world’s tallest freestanding structure is a tall order indeed, but if any city can get it done, that city is Toronto.

That was the goal heading into Monday, as the 30 ^th anniversary celebration kicked off early for what is inarguably Canada’s best-known landmark, the CN Tower.

The glass floor, revolving level and high-speed elevators are just a few of the things that have made the massive needle unique over the years, and it’s for those reasons and many, many more that millions visit the landmark each year.

“You get the beautiful view, you get to see the whole city and it puts it in more perspective,” said a visitor named Nick.

But the popular spot is much more than just a Toronto, or for that matter Canadian icon – it’s also a marvel of modern engineering.

When construction began in 1970, 1,500 people working 24 hours a day for 40 months were needed in order for the project to reach completion.

But it did, and now to honour that momentous accomplishment when the official birthday celebration takes place Monday, there will be a special ceremony complete with cake, music, and an announcement that June 26 will now officially be CN Tower day.

Still, just like any other day you can bet plenty of people will be on hand to check out a structure that’s remained as amazing at 30 as it was the day it opened.

“At the time we were building the tower they told us we would be the tallest tower, but it would only be for eight or nine years,” said Larry Prevecek, who piloted the skycrane that put the final touches on the Tower.

“But it’s 30 years.”

A replica of that skycrane will be present at Monday’s festivities, which start at 12:30pm, but there will be plenty of genuine articles on hand as well, including Stewart “Bud” Andrews, the orginal project designer.

“I don’t think Canadians could be more proud of the Tower,” said Andrews.

“It’s a piece of sculpture…it’s not just an ordinary building, it’s a work of art.”