Lighting up the news
There’s virtually no such thing as a universal “good news” story. There is always someone who will point out the negative aspect of even the most seemingly benign little tidbit that comes to light in our world.
Recently, on my very early morning drives into the station, it’s been a kick to watch the light tests on the CN Tower. They lit it up for real on Canada Day. It’s very pretty.
Every major city in the world illuminates its most magnificent landmark to draw ooohs and aaahs from tourists but the Tower has been dim for about a decade. The old lights on the aging Tower were expensive and problematic to replace, not to mention the size of a washing machine. Eventually the managers just gave up.
But now technology has advanced and the lights are smaller, easier to use and are computer-programmed to morph into virtually any colour combination or scheme. The LED lights are more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. After consultations with experts, the Tower managers have taken a responsible approach to saving wildlife and agree that the lights will be turned off during times of peak bird migrations.
But the landmark beautification program has its detractors. Some say it’s irresponsible to begin a new lighting project during times when every level of government is reminding us all that it’s our duty to conserve energy. Others have said it’s frivolous to light the tower now after all of these years when we’ve gotten by just fine without it.
Two million people visit the CN Tower each year. Imagine the kick they’ll get when they’re out at night, seeing it shooting up into the black sky, all purple or green or red or any other hue you can think of. It’s been giving me a kick and I’m a local who’s just driving to work at a very silly hour! Sometimes this city just needs a little sparkle just for sparkle’s sake.
Lisa
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 am
I can’t think of anything less beautiful than turning the CN Tower into a giant Lava lamp.
One colour. Fine.
Two colours like this past weekend when it was a patriotic - and NON FLICKERING - White and Red - is also well within the bounds of good taste.
However, when it is changing colours like a neon sign outside of a seedy strip club, then i think we have to draw the line right …..there.
July 5th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
I think it looks beautiful in any colour…..I’m just wondering why it took so long to get the lights back on…..
July 7th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I’m beginning to wonder whether there is a second more sinister motive behind the new lights. A few years ago new high-tech lights were added to the iconic Eiffel tower in Paris. But they did it with Euros in mind! They were put up so that they could charge for commercial use of the tower’s image. You can still use photographs of the tower during the day to sell perfume or whatever, but if you shoot it at night with the lights, prepare to shell out. I somehow doubt the new owners of the CN tower missed that!
July 9th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Evidently some people have not seen Hong Kong’s massive light displays. We endeavour to be a world class city without giving it much effort. At least this is a step in the right direction. Besides, Lisa said it right: “Sometimes this city just needs a little sparkle just for sparkle’s sake.”