One of Canada’s most iconic landmarks — the CN Tower — is now also one of the most accessible after receiving the highest level of certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation.
The Canada Lands Company, which is responsible for the tower, announced on Wednesday that it had received Gold certification from the foundation for its efforts to make the monument accessible to all.
“As we work together to create an accessible and barrier-free Canada, we must ensure everyone can access spaces and buildings,” said Carla Qualtrough, Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
Accessibility has been one of its top priorities since 2015, although renovating a building like the CN Tower has presented some challenges, said Peter George, the monument’s chief operating officer.
“We realize we have a lot of work to do and we are committed to that progress,” George told CBC Toronto.
George said the renovations which are being carried out in consultation with accessibility experts have helped bring the CN Tower to this level of accessibility.
The building underwent a series of upgrades, such as the installation of floor-to-ceiling glazed walls over the observation deck and the removal of view access barriers.
George says the outdoor terrace level below the viewing platform, which is currently being renovated, will also improve accessibility throughout the site.
“Ensuring our building is accessible and inclusive means everyone can feel welcome visiting the tower,” George said.
It also helps us attract a diverse team of talented people to work here, and that benefits everyone.”
More work to remove barriers
Rick Hansen started the British Columbia-based foundation after taking a 26-month trip around the world in his wheelchair in May 1987. He became famous for his efforts to make the world inclusive for people with disabilities and to find a cure for paralysis.
Hansen was one of the first wheelchair users to complete the CN Tower EdgeWalk in 2015.
The athlete and accessibility advocate says there’s still a lot of work to be done to break down more barriers.
“One in five Canadians has a disability and that’s only increasing as our population continues to age,” Hansen said in a video.
“And it’s important that iconic Canadian attractions like the CN Tower are enjoyed by people of all abilities.”
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