Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the pavilions?
The modular pavilions were dismantled and sold off to various companies. One such pavilion is now a warehouse for the Scott Paper Company in New Westminster.
Other pavilions such as the Great Hall of Ramses II were only designed to last six months and were torn down after the fair.
Expo 86 buildings still standing are Canada Place, Science World, and the BC Pavilion complex. Little else remains of Expo 86.
Why didn't they keep Expo 86 going?
Countries that participate in world's fairs are only obligated to sponsor their exhibits for six months, and because many countries loot their own museums of national treasures to exhibit at a World's Fair, it is next to impossible to request extensions.
It is not impossible to keep a World's Fair running, however. Montreal kept a toned down version of Expo 67 running for over a decade after the fair.
What song was played during the fireworks?
The song was called "Something's Happening Here." You can learn more about it in the MUSIC section of this website.
What song was played in the Canada Pavilion?
The song is "Canada: This is my Home" written by Bob Buckley. More information can be found in the MUSIC Section of this website.
Why hasn't there been an Expo since?
There have been many World's Fairs since Expo 86. Australia, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Japan and China have either hosted a world's fair or are planning one. There hasn't been a World's Fair in North America since 1986, however.
Our grade six class sang at the Plaza of Nations during Expo 86. Do you have a picture of me?
No, but your parents might.
Who decides what city is going to have a World's Fair?
The BIE (Bureau of International Expositions). The process of deciding on a future city to host a World's Fair is similar to that of the Olympics.
When is the next Expo?
2005
-- Seto, Japan.
2010
-- Shanghai, China.
When is the next Expo in the USA?
There are no BIE sanctioned World's Fairs currently scheduled for the USA.
There is a small but determined movement in New York City to host a World's Fair in 2012.
Phoenix, Arizona is also considering the option to host a World's Fair as part of a major urban renewal project. Originally scheduled for 2008, the Phoenix World's fair has now been set for 2012. There is also talk of San Francisco hosting a World's Fair in 2015.
Is Canada going to have another Expo?
Canada keeps trying. Toronto had a strong bid to host a World's Fair in 2000 but lost by one vote to Hannover, Germany. Calgary also placed a bid to host a world's fair in 2005 but lost to Seto, Japan.
How much money did Expo 86 make?
None.
Expo 86 ended up with a 311 Million dollar deficit (CAD) in the end. And believe it or not, that is considered good.
World's Fairs generate a great deal of profit to the city in spin-off sales, however. The tourism sector cashes in during and after a world's fair. Increased bookings in hotels and convention centres are seen long after the fair is over. Nobody plans on making money from the exposition itself. World's Fairs are considered investments, not money makers.
The only World's fair that has the distinction of making money is the Century 21 world's Fair held in Seattle.
What's better for the city. Expos or the Olympics?
It
depends on how you look at it. I personally like World's Fairs.
But
while a world's fair generates some attention, they do not get the
world
wide media coverage the Olympics do. If past experience is any guide,
Vancouver
will experience a major tourist and construction boom between 2010 and
2015 double to that of which Expo 86 generated.