Expo 86 then and now: A look at the world fair's legacy landmarks

Most people remember Expo 86 fondly asVancouver's coming of age, while otherswho opposed it 30 years ago remember the darker side of tenant evictions from the Downtown Eastside.

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Still, there's no denyingthe 1986 world's fairleft a legacy still enjoyed today.

The SkyTrain

JohnAtkin, a Vancouver historian said the initial reaction to theSkyTrainwas evenly divided. He arguesthe rapid transit system has had a positive and lasting impact on the region.

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The SkyTrain line started in Downtown Vancouver and originally went as far as New Westminster. The SkyTrainnow carries one hundred million passengers a year andexpanded into Surrey in the 1990s.

In 2009, the service expanded to Richmond with the introduction of the Canada Line which was built in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Science World

The dome was built as part of Expo 86 and at the time was called the Expo Centre.

Bruno Freschie, thechief architect of Expo 86, decided to make the centre of the exposition stand out.

The geodesic dome was inspired by thelate architect, inventor and designer,Buckminster Fuller.

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Science World like many other buildings and exhibits built for the world fair was set to be dismantled, but public lobbying campaigns called for the structure to be turned into a centre for science and technology.

Science World, as we know it, was unveiled to the public in 1988.

Plaza of Nations

As the name suggests, the Plaza of Nations located on the northeast shore of False Creek was the big celebration space for Expo 86.

Atkin says what is missing today is a huge transparent roof, which was torn down in 2007 after being deemed unsafe by city officials.

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The once-important ceremonial space is now mostly vacant with a few night clubs in one building and theEdgewater Casino on the other side.

B.C. Place

In many ways B.C. Place helped generatethe world fair, said Atkin.

The current home of the B.C. Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps FC was built because the city like many other cities in North America was searching for a downtown stadium, said Atkin.

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The stadium was once anair-supported domed stadium but is now has the largest retractable roof of it's kind.

Canada Place Trade and Convention Centre

The Canada Place Trade and Convention Centre was built because years before Expo there was talk of Vancouver's need for a convention centre, said Atkin.

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Canada Place was the site of the Canada Pavilion during Expo.

The iconic landmark with fabric roofs that resemblessails is now a tourism hub and serves as the port for cruise ships and much more.

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Jason D'Souza, Margaret Gallagher, Amrit Gill.