I’m very skeptical that this addition to the tower will benefit its architectural program. The supplied rendering shows that the support structure will alter the tower’s profile, which has remained unchanged for 35 years. I don’t yet know how the patrons will exit from the tower but I fear it will break the symmetry of the pod. This might not seem like a heritage issue to some, but not all heritage buildings have Greek columns. The distinctive look of the CN Tower is a critical piece of Toronto’s skyline. The power to alter it should not belong only to the owners.
I’ve spent the last few days trying to find out what, if any, heritage review took place. The CN Tower is designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage ACT which recognizes it as part of the Union Station Heritage District. This is different than ‘designating’ the tower itself under Part IV of the ACT. The City of Toronto’s website is not completely clear if this gives the city the legal right to refuse a building permit on heritage grounds. However, since the Tower itself was ‘listed’ as a heritage property in 1992, Heritage Preservation Services would have had the opportunity to review the application. I’m trying to get that review from them.
Since I went down there to get the building permit number I took some photos of the ticketing counter and dressing room which seem to be finished. They’re located on the southwest side of the concourse (gift shop level). It looks like thrill-seekers will have to wear full bodysuits and special footwear in order to do the walk. But, as it’s been questioned by others, I wonder how the engineers plan to secure the vomit radius.
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| EdgeWalk |
