History of CN Tower in Timeline
The CN Tower is a 553.3-meter communications and observation tower located in downtown Toronto, Canada. Completed in 1976 on former Railway Lands, it was originally built by Canadian National (CN) railway. Before its privatization in 1995, CN transferred ownership of the tower to the Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation.
1965: MacMillan Yard Opening
In 1965, the MacMillan Yard north of the city opened, rendering the Railway Lands redundant.
1967: Supertall Structures
In 1967, other supertall structures were built, suggesting that the likelihood of similar events occurring at other supertall structures is extremely low.
1968: Original Concept Conceived
In 1968, the original concept of the CN Tower was conceived when the Canadian National Railway wanted to build a large television and radio communication platform to serve the Toronto area.
1972: Project Became Official
In 1972, the plans for the CN Tower became official.
February 6, 1973: Construction Began
On February 6, 1973, construction of the CN Tower began with massive excavations at the tower base for the foundation.
February 22, 1974: Tallest Structure in Canada
By February 22, 1974, the CN Tower became the tallest structure in Canada, surpassing the Inco Superstack in Sudbury.
August 1974: Construction of the Main Level Commenced
In August 1974, construction of the CN Tower's main level commenced, utilizing hydraulic jacks and steel bracket forms.
March 31, 1975: World's Tallest Free-Standing Structure
On March 31, 1975, while still under construction, the CN Tower officially became the world's tallest free-standing structure.
April 2, 1975: Tower Topped-Off
On April 2, 1975, after 26 months of construction, the CN Tower was topped-off, capturing the height record from Moscow's Ostankino Tower.
1975: World's Tallest Free-Standing Structure
In 1975, the CN Tower began its reign as the world's tallest free-standing structure.
June 26, 1976: CN Tower Opened
On June 26, 1976, the CN Tower officially opened to the public.
1976: Supertall Structures
In 1976, other supertall structures were built, suggesting that the likelihood of similar events occurring at other supertall structures is extremely low.
1976: CN Tower Observation Points Opened
In 1976, when the CN Tower opened, there were three public observation points.
1979: Dar Robinson's First Jump
In 1979, stuntman Dar Robinson jumped off the CN Tower for a scene from the movie Highpoint.
1980: Dar Robinson's Second Jump
In 1980, stuntman Dar Robinson jumped off the CN Tower for a personal documentary.
1984: Metro Toronto Convention Centre Completion
In 1984, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (north building) was completed, contributing to the development around the CN Tower.
1985: Tour of the Universe
From 1985, the CN Tower basement level hosted the world's first flight simulator ride, Tour of the Universe, based on the flight of a Space Shuttle.
June 26, 1986: Dan Goodwin Climbs the CN Tower
On June 26, 1986, Dan Goodwin climbed the outside of the CN Tower to advocate for high-rise firefighting and rescue.
1989: Fastest Stair Climb Record
In 1989, Brendan Keenoy, an Ontario Provincial Police officer, set the record for the fastest climb to the base of the radome in 7 minutes and 52 seconds.
1989: SkyDome Completion
In 1989, SkyDome (renamed Rogers Centre in 2005) was completed, further developing the area around the CN Tower.
1992: Tour of the Universe ride replaced by Space Race
In 1992, Tour of the Universe ride was replaced with a similar attraction entitled "Space Race."
1994: Glass Floor Installed
In 1994, a glass floor was installed at an elevation of 342 m in the CN Tower.
1995: Sale to Canada Lands Company
In 1995, Canadian National Railway sold the CN Tower to Canada Lands Company, and the tower's official name was renamed Canada's National Tower.
1995: Declared One of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World
In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
1996: Guinness Classification Change
In 1996, Guinness changed the CN Tower's classification to "World's Tallest Building and Freestanding Structure".
1997: Expansion Projects
From 1997, TrizecHahn Corporation managed the CN Tower and instituted several expansion projects including a CA$26 million entertainment expansion and the addition of two new elevators.
1997: Incandescent Lights Removal
In 1997, the original incandescent lights of the CN Tower were removed due to their inefficiency and high repair costs.
August 2000: Ostankino Tower Fire
In August 2000, a fire at the Ostankino Tower in Moscow resulted in fatalities and extensive damage, highlighting concerns about the safety of supertall structures.
September 11, 2001: World Trade Center Destruction
On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was destroyed, leading officials to note that supertall structures also have excellent safety records.
2002: Jeff Adams Stair Climb
In 2002, Canadian Olympian and Paralympic champion Jeff Adams climbed the CN Tower stairs in a specially designed wheelchair.
2003: Stairwell Relocation
Around 2003, the stairs were moved to the inside of the core, resulting in top climbs generally taking over ten minutes in the new, windowless stairwell.
January 2004: End of Changes
By January 2004, further changes were made to the CN Tower.
2005: SkyDome Renamed Rogers Centre
In 2005, SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre, continuing the development of the entertainment area surrounding the CN Tower.
March 2, 2007: Freezing Rain Storm
On March 2, 2007, a freezing rain storm caused a thick layer of ice to form on the CN Tower, leading to fears that falling ice could damage cars and nearby buildings.
March 6, 2007: Gardiner Expressway Reopened
On March 6, 2007, the Gardiner Expressway, which had been closed due to falling ice from the CN Tower, was reopened after the winds abated.
June 2007: LED Lights Installation
In June 2007, the CN Tower was equipped with 1,330 super-bright LED lights.
June 28, 2007: Official LED Lighting Ceremony
On June 28, 2007, the official opening ceremony took place, with the tower being outfitted with super-bright LED lights.
September 12, 2007: Burj Khalifa Surpassed CN Tower
On September 12, 2007, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed the CN Tower as the world's tallest free-standing structure on land.
2007: LED Lights Replaced Incandescent Lights
In 2007, light-emitting diode (LED) lights replaced the incandescent lights that lit the CN Tower at night.
2007: Burj Khalifa Exceeds CN Tower
In 2007, the Burj Khalifa exceeded the height of the CN Tower, raising questions about what constituted the tallest structure.
2007: Surpassed by Burj Khalifa
In 2007, the CN Tower was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest free-standing structure.
2008: The Top surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center
In 2008, The Top was once the highest public observation deck in the world until it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center.
2008: Glass-Panelled Elevator Installation
In 2008, glass panels were installed in one of the CN Tower elevators.
2008: Elevator Upgraded with Glass Floor Panel
In 2008, one of the CN Tower's elevators was upgraded to add a glass floor panel.
2009: Surpassed by Canton Tower
In 2009, the CN Tower was surpassed by the Canton Tower as the world's tallest tower.
2009: Canton Tower Surpasses CN Tower
In 2009, the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China, surpassed the CN Tower as the world's tallest tower.
2010: Chicago Spire Cancellation
In 2010, the proposed Chicago Spire, which was expected to exceed the CN Tower's height, was officially cancelled due to financial difficulties.
2010: Tallest Tower Definition
Until 2010, the CN Tower was the tallest tower as it was defined, a free-standing structure that may have observation decks and a few other habitable levels, but do not have floors from the ground up.
August 1, 2011: EdgeWalk Opened
On August 1, 2011, the CN Tower opened the EdgeWalk, an amusement in which thrill-seekers can walk on and around the roof of the main pod of the tower.
August 27, 2011: Tower Lit for Jack Layton
From sundown on August 27, 2011, to sunrise the following day, the CN Tower was lit in orange to commemorate the death of federal NDP leader Jack Layton.
2011: Tokyo Skytree Surpasses Canton Tower
In 2011, the Tokyo Skytree surpassed the Canton Tower as the world's tallest tower.
April 10, 2013: Rick Mercer Report Episode Aired
On April 10, 2013, an episode of Rick Mercer Report featuring Rick Mercer and Jann Arden on the EdgeWalk first aired.
2013: Tallest Structure in Western Hemisphere
As of 2013, the CN Tower remained the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
2013: Ripley's Aquarium Opening
In 2013, Ripley's Aquarium opened by the base of the CN Tower, adding to the tourist attractions in the area.
November 13, 2015: Tower Lit for Paris Attacks
On the night of the attacks on Paris on November 13, 2015, the CN Tower displayed the colours of the French flag.
2015: Pan American Games Production
In 2015, the CN Tower and surrounding areas were prominent in the Pan American Games production.
July 1, 2017: Canada 150 Celebrations
On July 1, 2017, as part of the nationwide celebrations for Canada 150, fireworks were shot from the CN Tower.
August 16, 2017: Electrical Fire in Antennas
On August 16, 2017, the CN Tower experienced its first fire, an electrical fire in the antennas.
April 16, 2018: Falling Ice Damages Rogers Centre
On April 16, 2018, falling ice from the CN Tower punctured the roof of the Rogers Centre stadium, leading to the postponement of the Toronto Blue Jays game.
June 8, 2021: Tower Lit for Montreal Canadiens
On June 8, 2021, the CN Tower displayed the colours of the Montreal Canadiens after they advanced to the semifinals of 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs.
February 2022: Tower Lit for Ukraine
In late February 2022, the CN Tower was lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to show support during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2022: CN Tower Ranking in 2022
As of 2022, the CN Tower stands as the tenth-tallest free-standing structure on land, remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, and is the third-tallest tower.
2023: Value of first stunt
In 2023, stuntman Dar Robinson received $981,875 for his first jump.
2023: Construction Costs in 2023 Dollars
In 2023, the construction costs of CN Tower were valued at $318 million dollars.
June 4, 2025: Tower Lit for Edmonton Oilers
On June 4, 2025, the CN Tower was lit in the colours of the Edmonton Oilers for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.
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