Almost six decades ago, Montreal was the proud host of the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, a significant event marking Canada’s centennial celebrations. Expo 67 brought together 62 nations and showcased nearly 100 thematic pavilions, attracting over 50 million visitors during its six-month duration. This world’s fair catapulted Montreal onto the global stage and revolutionized the city’s landscape.
The fairgrounds were constructed on two artificial islands in the St. Lawrence River. Île Ste-Hélène was expanded significantly to encompass the adjacent Île Ronde, while Île Notre-Dame was entirely built within 10 months using sediments dredged from the river, materials from nearby quarries, and landfill from Montreal’s new Metro system excavation, inaugurated just before Expo 67.
Among the notable Expo 67 landmarks are Moshe Safdie’s innovative Habitat 67 housing complex and Buckminster Fuller’s iconic geodesic dome, now housing the Biosphere Environment Museum. Many pavilions and exhibits at the fair were designed to be temporary, with some dismantled immediately after the event, like the Soviet Union pavilion, disassembled and transported back to Moscow.
While some structures were demolished, others were relocated or repurposed within Canada. The former Canada pavilion now serves as a multipurpose space at Parc Jean-Drapeau, hosting various events. Place Des Nations, a significant amphitheater during Expo 67, hosted performances until the early 1980s and faces challenges in its revival due to funding constraints.
Despite the disappearing relics, efforts are made to preserve Expo 67’s legacy. An augmented walking tour on the WasteScapes app highlights architectural remnants and lesser-known sites from the event. Restoration advocate Monika Kin Gagnon emphasizes the importance of understanding history through architecture, advocating for the conservation of significant Expo 67 structures.
At La Ronde, an amusement park acquired by Six Flags in 2001, the number of original Expo 67 rides is diminishing. La Spirale, an observation tower, is set for dismantling due to technical and financial challenges. Historian Roger La Roche suggests repurposing La Spirale into a museum to preserve its architectural heritage, raising concerns over the park’s changing landscape and the loss of historical landmarks.
As Six Flags faces financial difficulties, the future of La Ronde remains uncertain, with iconic rides like La Pitoune already removed. Despite challenges, remnants from Expo 67 like the Explorateur boat ride and the Safari continue to provide joy to younger generations, highlighting the enduring legacy of this historic event.