EXPO 2001: 15 Years Later

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2001: Page 3

EXPO 2001: 15 Years Later
Page 2

The pavilions that were built as "legacy structures" are in remarkably good condition and are in use today. There were a few non permanent buildings some people wanted to keep, but by the end of the fair's run it was evident that that the pavilions were only designed to stand for 6 months. Paint was just starting to peel and plaster was beginning to buckle by closing day.

Photos:
1) The BC Pavilion now hosts small to medium sized conventions.
2) Flagpoles in front of the BC Pavilion.
3 & 4) The glass covered Plaza of Nations.
5 & 6) Echoes of Expo 86 can still be seen.

For a short time after the fair the Soviet pavilion was used as a storage area and later a film & television sound stage, but besides that, the fair was quickly dismantled.

So what is left other than Canada Place, BC Place and Science World. The answer is not much. However, in some far corners of the old Expo site where the urban renewal projects have not yet reached, a keen eye can still spot a few modern ruins.

Formerly known as the Canada Pavilion, Canada Place is one of the most recognizable of all the Expo '86 legacy buildings. After the fair, the structure was transformed into a convention centre and cruise ship terminal.

The popularity of Canada Place led to a construction boom. Today, the adjacent area is filled with new plazas, parks, hotels and streamlined office towers.

Over the years, Canada Place became too small to accommodate the ever-growing size of conventions and trade shows. An expansion project is currently under way to increase the available convention and exhibition space.

Click the link on the left to see Canada Place and the new Expansion Project on Page 3.