By Patrick Puff
Oh Canada, home to inventions from some of the most impressive technological advancements such as the Canadarm to classics like “eh.” Here are 10 amazing inventions from 10 amazing Canadians.
Paint Roller
The modern paint roller was invented back in 1940 by Toronto native Norman Breakey. Unfortunately, he passed away before he was able to patent his product and profit from it.
Peanut Butter
Once thought to have been invented by an American, peanut butter was actually invented in 1884 by a pharmacist Marcellus Gilmore Edson. He was inspired by the consistency of butter, lard and ointments.
Pacemaker
This live-saving device was designed by Canadian engineer John Hopps with the help of two Toronto-based surgeons, Wilfred Bigelow and John Callaghan.
Sports
Even though Canada only has one team in the NBA (National Basketball Association) we were the original inventors of the sport. Canadians are also responsible for sports such as ringette, five-pin bowling, hockey and of course lacrosse; our official national summer sport since 1994.
Snowblower
For obvious reason, the snowblower was invented back in 1927 by Montreal based Arthur Sicard. Originally made from a four-wheel-drive truck chassis, motor and a scoop. The first snowblower was able to throw snow over 90 feet.
Newsprint
This article would not exist without the efforts of Charles Fenerty, a Canadian who invented the wood pulp process of papermaking. He was also a poet.
Green Ink
Currency ink invented by Thomas Sterry Hunt in 1862. This is ironic considering Canadians no longer use this method of currency, but Americans do. This gave the American currency the nickname “greenbacks”.
Zippers
The zipper was invented by Gideon Sundback in 1913. The zipper was originally called a ‘separable fastener’ or clasp locker.
Odometer
You can thank Samuel McKeen for the invention of the odometer: a standard vehicle feature that tells you how many kilometers you’ve driven your vehicle. The first odometers were attached to the wheel of a carriage and measure the distance as the wheel turned.
Electric Wheelchair
George Klein of Hamilton, Ontario, invented the first electric wheelchair for World War II veterans. He is considered a hero among heroes.
