Iconic Canada Life Weather Beacon Gets Major Upgrade

Toronto, ON, December 19, 2019. . . Torontonians can now look to the sky for their weather forecast, as the iconic Canada Life weather beacon shines again after a major upgrade.

The beacon has been off for several weeks following a major overhaul of its lights and wiring. It was turned back on at 11:00 a.m., as dozens of Canada Life employees looked on.

All 1,004 bulbs have been replaced with modern LED fixtures housed in polished stainless-steel enclosures. The main beacon light has also been completely replaced with 108 LEDs, totaling 2,160 watts. This is the first major upgrade to the weather beacon since 1953.

On top of the Canada Life building at 330 University Ave., the Canada Life weather beacon is the first of its kind in Canada and has been a city landmark for almost 70 years. These upgrades will make the beacon more energy efficient and ensure this important landmark will continue to operate reliably for many years to come.

How the weather beacon works

The weather is updated four times a day – 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• 7:00 a.m. – weather forecast for the morning
• 11:00 a.m. – weather forecast for the afternoon
• 3:00 p.m. – weather forecast for the evening
• 7:00 p.m. – weather forecast for the following day

The colours:
• Green – clear weather
• Red – cloudy
• Flashing red – rain
• Flashing white – snow

The beacon tower lights:
• Running up – warmer
• Running down – cooler
• Steady – no change

For more information, contact:
Liz Kulyk
Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Canada Life
204-926-5012
Media.Relations@canadalife.com