First Canadian Place: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Skyscraper in Toronto, Canada}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Short description|Skyscraper in Toronto, Ontario}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox building
{{Infobox building
| name              = First Canadian Place
| name              = First Canadian Place
| image              = First Canadian Place August 2018 01.jpg
| image              = First Canadian Place August 2018 01.jpg
| image_size        = 250px
| image_size        = 250
| caption            = First Canadian Place in 2017
| caption            = First Canadian Place in 2017
| logo              = First Canadian Place logo.png
| logo              = Logo of First Canadian Place.svg
| logo_size          = 175
| alternate_names    = FCP
| alternate_names    = FCP
| former_names      =  
| former_names      =
| location          = 100 [[King Street (Toronto)|King Street West]]<br>[[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]
| location          = 100 [[King Street (Toronto)|King Street West]]<br />[[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada
| coordinates        = {{coord|43|38|55.6|N|79|22|54.1|W|type:landmark_region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates        = {{coord|43|38|55.6|N|79|22|54.1|W|type:landmark_region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| highest_region    = Canada
| highest_region    = Canada
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| tip                = {{convert|355|m|abbr=on}}
| tip                = {{convert|355|m|abbr=on}}
| top_floor          = {{convert|289.9|m|abbr=on}}
| top_floor          = {{convert|289.9|m|abbr=on}}
| floor_count        = 72<br>4 below ground
| floor_count        = 72<br />4 below ground
| elevator_count    = 61
| elevator_count    = 61
| cost              =  
| cost              =
| floor_area        = {{convert|250849|m2|abbr=on}}
| floor_area        = {{convert|250849|m2|abbr=on}}
| architect          = [[Bregman + Hamann Architects]] <br />[[Edward Durell Stone|Edward Durell Stone & Associates]]
| architect          = [[Bregman + Hamann Architects]] <br />[[Edward Durell Stone]] & Associates
| structural_engineer=  
| structural_engineer=
| main_contractor    = [[EllisDon|EllisDon Corporation]]
| main_contractor    = [[EllisDon]] Corporation
| developer          = [[Olympia and York]]
| developer          = [[Olympia and York]]
| owner              = [[Manulife Financial Corporation]] (50%), CPP (50%)
| owner              = [[Manulife Financial Corporation]] (50%), CPP (50%)
| management        = [[Brookfield Properties]]
| management        = [[Brookfield Properties]]
|website = {{URL|https://fcpex.ca/}}
|website = {{URL|https://fcpex.ca/}}
| references        = <ref name=skyscraperCenter>{{CTBUH|543}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/112676 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407180013/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/112676 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |title=Emporis building ID 112676 |work=[[Emporis]]}}</ref><ref>{{Glass Steel and Stone|3506}}</ref><ref>{{SkyscraperPage|34}}</ref><ref>{{Structurae|20003283}}</ref>
| references        = <ref name=skyscraperCenter>{{CTBUH|543}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/112676 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407180013/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/112676 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=7 April 2015 |title=Emporis building ID 112676 |work=[[Emporis]]}}</ref><ref>{{Glass Steel and Stone|3506}}</ref><ref>{{SkyscraperPage|34}}</ref><ref>{{Structurae|20003283}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''First Canadian Place''' is a [[skyscraper]] in the [[Financial District, Toronto|Financial District]] of [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], at the northwest corner of [[King Street (Toronto)|King]] and [[Bay Street|Bay]] streets, and serves as the global operational executive office of the [[Bank of Montreal]]. At {{convert|298|m|abbr=on}}, it is the [[List of tallest buildings in Canada|second-tallest building in Canada]], the [[List of tallest buildings in North America|35th tallest building in North America]], and the 244th tallest in the world.<ref name=skyscraperCenter/> It is also the fourth tallest free-standing structure in Canada, after the [[CN Tower]] (also in Toronto), the [[Inco Superstack]] chimney (projected to be demolished) in [[Greater Sudbury|Sudbury]], and [[One Bloor West|The One]] (also in Toronto). It was Canada's tallest building from 1975 until June 2025, when it was surpassed by The One.<ref name="theone"> {{Cite news|last=Pereira |first=Ana |date=June 25, 2025 |title=Almost two years since it went into receivership, here's a first look inside troubled condo project The One |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/almost-two-years-since-it-went-into-receivership-heres-a-first-look-inside-troubled-condo/article_af96afb8-f4b9-45e3-8398-0d4ae2b9ae86.html |quote="The One has officially conquered Toronto's skyline as Canada's tallest building" |location=Toronto |work=[[Toronto Star]] |accessdate=June 25, 2025}}</ref> The building is owned by [[Manulife Financial Corporation]] (50%) in addition to a private consortium of investors including [[CPP Investment Board|CPP Investments]]. The building is managed by [[Brookfield Properties]].
'''First Canadian Place''' is a [[skyscraper]] in the [[Financial District, Toronto|Financial District]] of [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], at the northwest corner of [[King Street (Toronto)|King]] and [[Bay Street|Bay]] streets, and serves as the global operational executive office of the [[Bank of Montreal]]. At {{convert|298|m|abbr=on}}, it is the [[List of tallest buildings in Canada|second-tallest building in Canada]], the [[List of tallest buildings in North America|35th tallest building in North America]], and the 244th tallest in the world.<ref name=skyscraperCenter /> From its completion in 1978 until 2025, it held the title of being the tallest building in Canada. It is also the fourth tallest free-standing structure in Canada, after the [[CN Tower]] (also in Toronto), the [[Inco Superstack]] chimney (projected to be demolished) in [[Greater Sudbury|Sudbury]], and [[One Bloor West|The One]] (also in Toronto). It was Canada's tallest building from 1975 until June 2025, when it was surpassed by The One.<ref name="theone">{{Cite news|last=Pereira |first=Ana |date=25 June 2025 |title=Almost two years since it went into receivership, here's a first look inside troubled condo project The One |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/almost-two-years-since-it-went-into-receivership-heres-a-first-look-inside-troubled-condo/article_af96afb8-f4b9-45e3-8398-0d4ae2b9ae86.html |quote="The One has officially conquered Toronto's skyline as Canada's tallest building" |location=Toronto |work=[[Toronto Star]] |accessdate=25 June 2025}}</ref> The building is owned by [[Manulife Financial Corporation]] (50%) in addition to a private consortium of investors including [[CPP Investment Board|CPP Investments]]. The building is managed by [[Brookfield Properties]].


==History and architecture==
== History and architecture ==
[[File:-First Canadian Place under construction-3.jpg|thumb|left|upright|First Canadian Place under construction in 1975]]
[[File:-First Canadian Place under construction-3.jpg|thumb|left|upright|First Canadian Place under construction in 1975]]
First Canadian Place is named for Canada's first bank, the Bank of Montreal. The main building in the complex was intended to be known as "First Canadian Bank Tower."<ref>{{cite news |title=Builder starts battle for giant project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-builder-starts-battle/165040908/ |work=The Toronto Star |date=3 November 1973 |location=Toronto ON |page=3 |format=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Designed by [[B+H Architects]] with [[Edward Durell Stone]] as a design consultant, construction was completed in 1975.
First Canadian Place is named for Canada's first bank, the Bank of Montreal. The main building in the complex was intended to be known as "First Bank Tower."<ref>{{cite news |title=Builder starts battle for giant project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-builder-starts-battle/165040908/ |work=The Toronto Star |date=3 November 1973 |location=Toronto ON |page=3 |format=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Designed by [[B+H Architects]] with [[Edward Durell Stone]] as a design consultant, construction was completed in 1975.


The tower and associated buildings occupy a block once home to two major newspapers, the ''[[Toronto Star|Toronto Star’s]]'' [[Old Toronto Star Building|Toronto Star Building]] and ''[[The Globe and Mail]]''{{'}}s [[William H. Wright Building]]. The site was the last of the corners at King and Bay to be redeveloped in the 1960s and 1970s, and a major bidding war began over the property. The then-little-known firm of [[Olympia and York]] eventually obtained nearly the whole city block, but the election of reformist mayor [[David Crombie]] led to new rules banning skyscrapers. It took three years of lobbying before permission for First Canadian Place was granted. When completed, the building was nearly identical in appearance to Stone's [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Standard Oil Building]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]];<ref name=mcmillan>{{Cite news| last=McMillan| first=Greg| title=Two buildings, two cities, one problem| newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]| page=B10| date=12 June 2007| url=http://www.therealdominican.com/pdf/GLobmarble.pdf| access-date=24 September 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717023737/http://www.therealdominican.com/pdf/GLobmarble.pdf| archive-date=17 July 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref> completed two years previous, the Chicago tower is of the same floor plan and clad in the same marble,<ref name=museum>{{cite web| url=http://www.skyscraper.org/EXHIBITIONS/BIG_BUILDINGS/CONTENT/jumbos/j_15.htm| title=First Canadian Place| publisher=The Skyscraper Museum| access-date=24 September 2009}}</ref> the only overtly visible difference being the vertical orientation of the windows, as opposed to the horizontal run of those on First Canadian Place.
The tower and associated buildings occupy a block once home to two major newspapers, the ''[[Toronto Star]]'s'' [[Old Toronto Star Building|Toronto Star Building]] and ''[[The Globe and Mail]]''{{'}}s [[William H. Wright Building]]. The site was the last of the corners at King and Bay to be redeveloped in the 1960s and 1970s, and a major bidding war began over the property. The then-little-known firm of [[Olympia and York]] eventually obtained nearly the whole city block, but the election of reformist mayor [[David Crombie]] led to new rules banning skyscrapers. It took three years of lobbying before permission for First Canadian Place was granted. When completed, the building was nearly identical in appearance to Stone's [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Standard Oil Building]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]];<ref name=mcmillan>{{Cite news| last=McMillan| first=Greg| title=Two buildings, two cities, one problem| newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]| page=B10| date=12 June 2007| url=http://www.therealdominican.com/pdf/GLobmarble.pdf| access-date=24 September 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717023737/http://www.therealdominican.com/pdf/GLobmarble.pdf| archive-date=17 July 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref> completed two years previous, the Chicago tower is of the same floor plan and clad in the same marble,<ref name=museum>{{cite web| url=http://www.skyscraper.org/EXHIBITIONS/BIG_BUILDINGS/CONTENT/jumbos/j_15.htm| title=First Canadian Place| publisher=The Skyscraper Museum| access-date=24 September 2009}}</ref> the only overtly visible difference being the vertical orientation of the windows, as opposed to the horizontal run of those on First Canadian Place.


First Canadian Place was the 6th tallest building in the world to structural top (currently [[List of tallest buildings in the world|103rd]]) and the tallest building overall outside of Chicago and New York when completed in 1975. It was also the tallest building in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] until the completion of the [[Petronas Towers]] in [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]], in 1998. The Bank of Montreal "M-bar" logo at the top of the building was the highest sign in the world from 1975 until overtaken by the sign atop [[CITIC Plaza]] in 1997. The roof is still the location of a number of antennas used for [[radio]] and [[television]] broadcasting. The structure contains 29 [[elevator]]s, and is one of only a few buildings in the world that uses the [[double-deck elevator|double-decked variety]], and is connected to the underground [[PATH (Toronto)|PATH]] system.
First Canadian Place was the 6th tallest building in the world to structural top (currently [[List of tallest buildings in the world|103rd]]) and the tallest building overall outside of Chicago and New York when completed in 1975. It was also the tallest building in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] until the completion of the [[Petronas Towers]] in [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]], in 1998. The Bank of Montreal "M-bar" logo at the top of the building was the highest sign in the world from 1975 until overtaken by the sign atop [[CITIC Plaza]] in 1997. The roof is still the location of a number of antennas used for [[radio]] and [[television]] broadcasting. The structure contains 29 [[elevator]]s, and is one of only a few buildings in the world that uses the [[double-deck elevator|double-decked variety]], and is connected to the underground [[PATH (Toronto)|PATH]] system.
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The building was pictured on the front and rear cover of the 1981 album ''[[This Is the Ice Age]]'' by Canadian New Wave band [[Martha and the Muffins]] and also their 7" single "[[Women Around the World at Work]]". The album featured two photos which were taken from the same place but at different times by Muffins guitarist Mark Gane using a time-lapse camera and features the building at midday and dusk. The 7" cover again features the same photo but has 9 small images taken at various times of the day and night.
The building was pictured on the front and rear cover of the 1981 album ''[[This Is the Ice Age]]'' by Canadian New Wave band [[Martha and the Muffins]] and also their 7" single "[[Women Around the World at Work]]". The album featured two photos which were taken from the same place but at different times by Muffins guitarist Mark Gane using a time-lapse camera and features the building at midday and dusk. The 7" cover again features the same photo but has 9 small images taken at various times of the day and night.


===Cladding===
=== Cladding ===
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| align            = left
| align            = left
| width1            =  
| width1            =
| image1            = Toronto - ON - First Canadian Place.jpg
| image1            = Toronto - ON - First Canadian Place.jpg
| caption1          = FCP in 2008 prior to recladding
| caption1          = FCP in 2008 prior to recladding
| width2            =  
| width2            =
| image2            = FCP-recladding.jpg
| image2            = FCP-recladding.jpg
| caption2          = New cladding being installed in 2011
| caption2          = New cladding being installed in 2011
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}}
}}
[[File:CN Tower SkyPod 2023b.jpg|left|thumb|upright|View from the [[CN Tower]] SkyPod in 2023]]
[[File:CN Tower SkyPod 2023b.jpg|left|thumb|upright|View from the [[CN Tower]] SkyPod in 2023]]
The same white [[Carrara marble]] used on Stone's [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Aon Center]] (in [[Chicago]]) was employed as an exterior cladding and interior finish for First Canadian Place, with approximately 45,000 marble panels weighing around {{convert|200|to|300|lb|abbr=on}} each. Foreshadowing what would take place with First Canadian Place in 2007, one of the marble slabs of Aon Center, when it was named the Standard Oil Building, detached in 1974, falling and penetrating the roof of a neighbouring building, resulting in an eventual recladding of the entire Aon Center in white granite between 1992 and 1994. This problem would surface at First Canadian Place as well, during an intense storm on the evening of 15 May 2007, a {{convert|1|by|1.2|m|abbr=on}}, {{convert|140|kg|abbr=on}} white marble panel fell from the 60th storey of the tower's southern face onto the 3rd-floor mezzanine roof below, causing authorities to close surrounding streets as a precaution.<ref name=doolittle>{{Cite news| last=Doolittle| first=Robyn| title=King St. to stay closed| newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]| date=16 May 2007| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/2007/05/16/king_st_to_stay_closed.html| access-date=2014-05-02}}</ref><ref name=citynews>{{cite news| title=Commuters Dread Second Day Of Gridlock As King St. Stays Closed| work=[[CityNews]]| date=16 May 2007| url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2007/05/16/commuters-dread-second-day-of-gridlock-as-king-st-stays-closed/| access-date=16 May 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518044054/http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_11040.aspx| archive-date=18 May 2007| url-status=live}}</ref>
The same white [[Carrara marble]] used on Stone's [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Aon Center]] (in [[Chicago]]) was employed as an exterior cladding and interior finish for First Canadian Place, with approximately 45,000 marble panels weighing around {{convert|200|to|300|lb|abbr=on}} each. Foreshadowing what would take place with First Canadian Place in 2007, one of the marble slabs of Aon Center, when it was named the Standard Oil Building, detached in 1974, falling and penetrating the roof of a neighbouring building, resulting in an eventual recladding of the entire Aon Center in white granite between 1992 and 1994. This problem would surface at First Canadian Place as well, during an intense storm on the evening of 15 May 2007, a {{convert|1|by|1.2|m|abbr=on}}, {{convert|140|kg|abbr=on}} white marble panel fell from the 60th storey of the tower's southern face onto the 3rd-floor mezzanine roof below, causing authorities to close surrounding streets as a precaution.<ref name=doolittle>{{Cite news| last=Doolittle| first=Robyn| title=King St. to stay closed| newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]| date=16 May 2007| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/2007/05/16/king_st_to_stay_closed.html| access-date=2 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=citynews>{{cite news| title=Commuters Dread Second Day Of Gridlock As King St. Stays Closed| work=[[CityNews]]| date=16 May 2007| url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2007/05/16/commuters-dread-second-day-of-gridlock-as-king-st-stays-closed/| access-date=16 May 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518044054/http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_11040.aspx| archive-date=18 May 2007| url-status=live}}</ref>


In late 2009, owner [[Brookfield Properties]] announced it would follow the example of Aon Center and, over three years, replace the tower's 45,000 marble panels with new ones in glass, those on the main expanses with a white ceramic [[frit]] and the corners in a bronze tint.<ref name=yang>{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Yang |title=Bay St. landmark to lose its marble |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/700822 |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=2009-09-25 |access-date=25 September 2009}}</ref><ref name=recladding>{{cite press release| title=Brookfield Properties Announces Recladding of First Canadian Place in Toronto| url=http://brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/2009_news_releases/brookfield_properties_announces_recladding_of_firs-3512.html| publisher=Brookfield Properties| date=23 September 2009| access-date=2014-05-02| archive-date=2013-10-22| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022025759/http://brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/2009_news_releases/brookfield_properties_announces_recladding_of_firs-3512.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> Brookfield and the co-owners also launched a multi-faceted rejuvenation program, including "upgrades to the building's mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems that will redefine the standard for enhanced performance, comfort, and greening". FCP's common areas including upper and lower level entrance and elevator lobbies, the retail concourse and Market Place were to also undergo renovation, with new natural stone flooring, [[frit]]ted glass accents, brushed metal handrails, landscaping, and water features. The rejuvenation program design architects were [[Moed de Armas and Shannon|Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects]] and [[Bregman + Hamann Architects]] were the architects of record.<ref name=recladding/> The entire project, completed in 2012,<ref>{{cite web|title=First Canadian Place – Recladding |url=http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/92 |publisher=[[Bregman + Hamann Architects|B+H]] |access-date=27 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111071432/http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/92 |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> cost was in excess of CA$100 million, paid by the owner. This extensive capital improvement project was intended to provide a new exterior for FCP and eliminate the [[maintenance costs]] associated with marble upkeep.
In late 2009, owner [[Brookfield Properties]] announced it would follow the example of Aon Center and, over three years, replace the tower's 45,000 marble panels with new ones in glass, those on the main expanses with a white ceramic [[frit]] and the corners in a bronze tint.<ref name=yang>{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Yang |title=Bay St. landmark to lose its marble |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/700822 |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009}}</ref><ref name=recladding>{{cite press release| title=Brookfield Properties Announces Recladding of First Canadian Place in Toronto| url=http://brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/2009_news_releases/brookfield_properties_announces_recladding_of_firs-3512.html| publisher=Brookfield Properties| date=23 September 2009| access-date=2 May 2014| archive-date=22 October 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022025759/http://brookfieldofficeproperties.com/content/2009_news_releases/brookfield_properties_announces_recladding_of_firs-3512.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> Brookfield and the co-owners also launched a multi-faceted rejuvenation program, including "upgrades to the building's mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems that will redefine the standard for enhanced performance, comfort, and greening". FCP's common areas including upper and lower level entrance and elevator lobbies, the retail concourse and Market Place were to also undergo renovation, with new natural stone flooring, [[frit]]ted glass accents, brushed metal handrails, landscaping, and water features. The rejuvenation program design architects were [[Moed de Armas and Shannon|Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects]] and [[Bregman + Hamann Architects]] were the architects of record.<ref name=recladding /> The entire project, completed in 2012,<ref>{{cite web|title=First Canadian Place – Recladding |url=http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/92 |publisher=[[Bregman + Hamann Architects|B+H]] |access-date=27 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111071432/http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/92 |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> cost was in excess of CA$100 million, paid by the owner. This extensive capital improvement project was intended to provide a new exterior for FCP and eliminate the [[maintenance costs]] associated with marble upkeep.


==Tenants==
== Tenants ==
[[File:First Canadian Place Office Lobby 2021.jpg|thumb|The office lobby in 2021]]
[[File:First Canadian Place Office Lobby 2021.jpg|thumb|The office lobby in 2021]]
* [[Bank of Montreal]]
* [[Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.osler.com/Offices/ |title=Offices {{!}} Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP |access-date=19 September 2012 |archive-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502151229/http://www.osler.com/offices/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[DLA Piper]]
* [[Bennett Jones]]<ref>[https://www.bennettjones.com/Offices Offices | Bennett Jones LLP]</ref>
* [[Gowling WLG]]


*[[Bank of Montreal]]
=== Broadcasting ===
*[[Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt]]<ref>[http://www.osler.com/Offices/ Offices | Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP]</ref>
The following Toronto-area broadcasters have their transmitters atop First Canadian Place:<ref name=fybush>{{cite web| title=Tower Site of the Week: First Canadian Place, Toronto| date=12 August 2006| url=http://www.fybush.com/sites/2006/site-061208.html| access-date=2 May 2014}}</ref>
*[[DLA Piper]]
*[[Bennett Jones]]<ref>[https://www.bennettjones.com/Offices Offices | Bennett Jones LLP]</ref>
*[[Gowling WLG]]
 
===Broadcasting===
The following Toronto-area broadcasters have their transmitters atop First Canadian Place:<ref name=fybush>{{cite web| title=Tower Site of the Week: First Canadian Place, Toronto| date=12 August 2006| url=http://www.fybush.com/sites/2006/site-061208.html| access-date=2014-05-02}}</ref>


;FM stations
;FM stations
*[[CIND-FM]] 88.1 (''Indie 88'')
* [[CIND-FM]] 88.1 (''Indie 88'')
*[[CKLN-FM]] 88.1 (The first radio station to use this transmitter tower.  Now defunct.)
* [[CKLN-FM]] 88.1 (The first radio station to use this transmitter tower.  Now defunct.)
*[[CIRV-FM]] 88.9
* [[CIRV-FM]] 88.9
*[[CIUT-FM]] 89.5
* [[CIUT-FM]] 89.5
*[[CJBC-FM]] 90.3 (''Radio-Canada Espace Musique'')
* [[CJBC-FM]] 90.3 (''Radio-Canada Espace Musique'')
*[[CKIS-FM]] 92.5 (''Kiss 92.5'')
* [[CKIS-FM]] 92.5 (''Kiss 92.5'')
*[[CFXJ-FM]] 93.5 (''93.5 The Move'')
* [[CFXJ-FM]] 93.5 (''93.5 The Move'')
*[[CJKX-FM]]-2 95.9 (''KX96'') +
* [[CJKX-FM]]-2 95.9 (''KX96'') +
*[[CFMZ-FM]] 96.3 (''Classical 96'')
* [[CFMZ-FM]] 96.3 (''Classical 96'')
*[[CFZM]]-1-FM 96.7 (''AM740'') *
* [[CFZM]]-1-FM 96.7 (''AM740'') *
*[[CKFG-FM]] 98.7 (''G 98.7'')
* [[CKFG-FM]] 98.7 (''G 98.7'')
*[[CBLA-FM]] 99.1 (''CBC Radio One'')
* [[CBLA-FM]] 99.1 (''CBC Radio One'')
*[[CJSA-FM]] 101.3 (''CMR Diversity FM'')
* [[CJSA-FM]] 101.3 (''CMR Diversity FM'')
*[[CFNY-FM]] 102.1 (''102.1 The Edge'') #
* [[CFNY-FM]] 102.1 (''102.1 The Edge'') #
*[[CFPT-FM]] 106.5 (''First Peoples Radio'')
* [[CFPT-FM]] 106.5 (''First Peoples Radio'')
*[[CILQ-FM]] 107.1 (''Q107'') #
* [[CILQ-FM]] 107.1 (''Q107'') #
<small>
<small>
<nowiki>#</nowiki> backup transmitter; main transmitter on [[CN Tower]]<br>
<nowiki>#</nowiki> backup transmitter; main transmitter on [[CN Tower]]<br />
<nowiki>+</nowiki> synchronous transmitter; provides supplementary coverage to primary transmitter in Ajax<br>
<nowiki>+</nowiki> synchronous transmitter; provides supplementary coverage to primary transmitter in Ajax<br />
<nowiki>*</nowiki> fill-in transmitter; serves downtown core and surrounding inner-city neighbourhoods
<nowiki>*</nowiki> fill-in transmitter; serves downtown core and surrounding inner-city neighbourhoods
</small>
</small>


In addition, an [[amateur radio]] [[digital mobile radio]] repeater for the Greater Toronto area (VA3XPR) has its antennas mounted just above the broadcast antennas on the radio mast.<ref>[http://www.va3xpr.net/va3xpr-moves-canadas-tallest-building-blanketing-toronto-dmr-coverage/  VA3XPR website]</ref> There are also other analog ham repeaters on the building.
In addition, an [[amateur radio]] [[digital mobile radio]] repeater for the Greater Toronto area (VA3XPR) has its antennas mounted just above the broadcast antennas on the radio mast.<ref>[http://www.va3xpr.net/va3xpr-moves-canadas-tallest-building-blanketing-toronto-dmr-coverage/  VA3XPR website]</ref> There are also other analogue ham repeaters on the building.


===Shopping mall===
=== Shopping mall ===
According to the First Canadian Place website,<ref>{{cite web| title=About Us| publisher=First Canadian Place| url=http://www.myfirstcanadianplace.com/aboutus.aspx| access-date=1 July 2013}}</ref> the lower floors of the building, as part of the [[Path (Toronto)|Toronto Path system]], feature:
According to the First Canadian Place website,<ref>{{cite web| title=About Us| publisher=First Canadian Place| url=http://www.myfirstcanadianplace.com/aboutus.aspx| access-date=1 July 2013}}</ref> the lower floors of the building, as part of the [[Path (Toronto)|Toronto Path system]], feature:
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==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Bank of Montreal in First Canadian Place 2021.jpg|The building podium at the northwest corner of King and Bay streets
Bank of Montreal in First Canadian Place 2021.jpg|The building podium at the northwest corner of King and Bay streets
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</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
* [[Bank of Montreal Head Office]]
* [[Bank of Montreal Head Office]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in Canada]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in Canada]]
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* [[List of tallest freestanding structures in the world]]
* [[List of tallest freestanding structures in the world]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.firstcanadianplace.com/ First Canadian Place tenant website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004181033/http://www.firstcanadianplace.com/ |date=2006-10-04 }}
* [http://www.firstcanadianplace.com/ First Canadian Place tenant website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004181033/http://www.firstcanadianplace.com/ |date=4 October 2006 }}
* [http://www.fcpfirst.com/ First Canadian Place retail and events website]
* [http://www.fcpfirst.com/ First Canadian Place retail and events website]
* [http://www.myfirstcanadianplace.ca/ First Canadian Place mall website]
* [http://www.myfirstcanadianplace.ca/ First Canadian Place mall website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612161143/https://www.myfirstcanadianplace.ca/ |date=12 June 2023 }}


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Latest revision as of 03:31, 24 December 2025

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First Canadian Place is a skyscraper in the Financial District of Toronto, Ontario, at the northwest corner of King and Bay streets, and serves as the global operational executive office of the Bank of Montreal. At Script error: No such module "convert"., it is the second-tallest building in Canada, the 35th tallest building in North America, and the 244th tallest in the world.[1] From its completion in 1978 until 2025, it held the title of being the tallest building in Canada. It is also the fourth tallest free-standing structure in Canada, after the CN Tower (also in Toronto), the Inco Superstack chimney (projected to be demolished) in Sudbury, and The One (also in Toronto). It was Canada's tallest building from 1975 until June 2025, when it was surpassed by The One.[2] The building is owned by Manulife Financial Corporation (50%) in addition to a private consortium of investors including CPP Investments. The building is managed by Brookfield Properties.

History and architecture

File:-First Canadian Place under construction-3.jpg
First Canadian Place under construction in 1975

First Canadian Place is named for Canada's first bank, the Bank of Montreal. The main building in the complex was intended to be known as "First Bank Tower."[3] Designed by B+H Architects with Edward Durell Stone as a design consultant, construction was completed in 1975.

The tower and associated buildings occupy a block once home to two major newspapers, the Toronto Star's Toronto Star Building and The Globe and MailTemplate:'s William H. Wright Building. The site was the last of the corners at King and Bay to be redeveloped in the 1960s and 1970s, and a major bidding war began over the property. The then-little-known firm of Olympia and York eventually obtained nearly the whole city block, but the election of reformist mayor David Crombie led to new rules banning skyscrapers. It took three years of lobbying before permission for First Canadian Place was granted. When completed, the building was nearly identical in appearance to Stone's Standard Oil Building in Chicago, Illinois;[4] completed two years previous, the Chicago tower is of the same floor plan and clad in the same marble,[5] the only overtly visible difference being the vertical orientation of the windows, as opposed to the horizontal run of those on First Canadian Place.

First Canadian Place was the 6th tallest building in the world to structural top (currently 103rd) and the tallest building overall outside of Chicago and New York when completed in 1975. It was also the tallest building in the Commonwealth of Nations until the completion of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1998. The Bank of Montreal "M-bar" logo at the top of the building was the highest sign in the world from 1975 until overtaken by the sign atop CITIC Plaza in 1997. The roof is still the location of a number of antennas used for radio and television broadcasting. The structure contains 29 elevators, and is one of only a few buildings in the world that uses the double-decked variety, and is connected to the underground PATH system.

The building was pictured on the front and rear cover of the 1981 album This Is the Ice Age by Canadian New Wave band Martha and the Muffins and also their 7" single "Women Around the World at Work". The album featured two photos which were taken from the same place but at different times by Muffins guitarist Mark Gane using a time-lapse camera and features the building at midday and dusk. The 7" cover again features the same photo but has 9 small images taken at various times of the day and night.

Cladding

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File:CN Tower SkyPod 2023b.jpg
View from the CN Tower SkyPod in 2023

The same white Carrara marble used on Stone's Aon Center (in Chicago) was employed as an exterior cladding and interior finish for First Canadian Place, with approximately 45,000 marble panels weighing around Script error: No such module "convert". each. Foreshadowing what would take place with First Canadian Place in 2007, one of the marble slabs of Aon Center, when it was named the Standard Oil Building, detached in 1974, falling and penetrating the roof of a neighbouring building, resulting in an eventual recladding of the entire Aon Center in white granite between 1992 and 1994. This problem would surface at First Canadian Place as well, during an intense storm on the evening of 15 May 2007, a Script error: No such module "convert"., Script error: No such module "convert". white marble panel fell from the 60th storey of the tower's southern face onto the 3rd-floor mezzanine roof below, causing authorities to close surrounding streets as a precaution.[6][7]

In late 2009, owner Brookfield Properties announced it would follow the example of Aon Center and, over three years, replace the tower's 45,000 marble panels with new ones in glass, those on the main expanses with a white ceramic frit and the corners in a bronze tint.[8][9] Brookfield and the co-owners also launched a multi-faceted rejuvenation program, including "upgrades to the building's mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems that will redefine the standard for enhanced performance, comfort, and greening". FCP's common areas including upper and lower level entrance and elevator lobbies, the retail concourse and Market Place were to also undergo renovation, with new natural stone flooring, fritted glass accents, brushed metal handrails, landscaping, and water features. The rejuvenation program design architects were Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects and Bregman + Hamann Architects were the architects of record.[9] The entire project, completed in 2012,[10] cost was in excess of CA$100 million, paid by the owner. This extensive capital improvement project was intended to provide a new exterior for FCP and eliminate the maintenance costs associated with marble upkeep.

Tenants

File:First Canadian Place Office Lobby 2021.jpg
The office lobby in 2021

Broadcasting

The following Toronto-area broadcasters have their transmitters atop First Canadian Place:[13]

FM stations

# backup transmitter; main transmitter on CN Tower
+ synchronous transmitter; provides supplementary coverage to primary transmitter in Ajax
* fill-in transmitter; serves downtown core and surrounding inner-city neighbourhoods

In addition, an amateur radio digital mobile radio repeater for the Greater Toronto area (VA3XPR) has its antennas mounted just above the broadcast antennas on the radio mast.[14] There are also other analogue ham repeaters on the building.

Shopping mall

According to the First Canadian Place website,[15] the lower floors of the building, as part of the Toronto Path system, feature: Template:Col div

  • 120 stores in three floors of Carrara marble
  • 6 restaurants
  • over 30 eateries
  • medical centre, featuring an optometrist`s office and dental clinics
  • spas, beauty salons, and a barbershop
  • banking and financial planning services from the Bank of Montreal
  • dry cleaning and shoe repair
  • post office
  • FedEx and UPS dropbox
  • a parkette on King Street, between the FCP and the Exchange Tower

Gallery

See also

References

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  1. ↑ Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
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  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Offices | Bennett Jones LLP
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ VA3XPR website
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

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Records

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Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Tallest building in Canada
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1975–present Template:S-ttl/check 		Incumbent
Tallest building in Toronto
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1975–present Template:S-ttl/check

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