![Toronto's 'iconic' weather beacon receives major upgrade](https://dpdajlq3ew794.cloudfront.net/20191219104849/imgonline-com-ua-FrameBlurred-5R3MQNpFFCmRAex.jpg?format=auto&width=1920)
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Canada’s oldest weather beacon?
Standing nearly 100 metres above University Avenue atop of the Canada Life building in downtown Toronto is the city’s weather beacon.
And after receiving some much-needed upgrades, the towering structure once again welcomes Torontonians to look to the sky for their weather forecast.
The beacon has been dark for several weeks following a major overhaul of its lights and wiring and on Thursday, December 19, they shine again.
![Weather Beacon](https://images.dailyhive.com/20191219104514/IMG-5777-375x500.jpg)
Image courtesy of Canada Life
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According to a release from Canada Life, all 1,004 of the beacon’s 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, totalling 2,160 watts. This is the first major upgrade to the weather beacon since 1951.
![](https://images.dailyhive.com/20191219104528/IMG-5772-768x1024.jpg)
Canada Life
On top of the Canada Life building at 330 University Avenue, 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.
![](https://images.dailyhive.com/20191219104522/IMG-5775.jpg)
Image courtesy of Canada Life
So the next time you’re in the area, make sure to look up for the weather forecast.
Here’s how the weather beacon works:
- 7 am: Weather forecast for the morning
- 11 am: Weather forecast for the afternoon
- 3 pm: Weather forecast for the evening
- 7 pm: 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