Plaza of Nations

The Plaza of Nations was an entertainment complex located on the northeast shore of False Creek in Vancouver, British Columbia.

It was part of the British Columbia Pavilion during Expo '86, and along with Science World, Canada Place, and the Roundhouse Community Centre is one of the remaining physical reminders of Expo '86. The sheltered plaza had a capacity of 4500 for performances. The Plaza had been nominated by the city's Heritage Commission to be added to the Vancouver Heritage Register. Along with the Roundhouse and Science World, Plaza of Nations was considered important for demarcating the spatial extent of the world's fair, which was a transformative event for the city in its centennial year. Unfortunately, it was decided in 2007 that it was to be demolished completely, leaving the Edgewater Casino the only remaining structure.

Plaza of Nations consisted of Enterprise Hall, the West Building, the East Building, and the Covered Plaza. It has been owned by Canadian Metropolitan Properties since 1990. The site houses Edgewater Casino, and hosted various cultural and entertainment events, including the Dragon Boat Festival, and has been a popular events venue for various ethnic communities in Vancouver, as well as for corporate events.

Plaza of Nations was the only outdoor sheltered plaza in Vancouver, as well as the city's only cultural venue on the waterfront. It was also an important mid-size venue for popular music acts, which in the past has included:

* Foo Fighters
* Hootie & the Blowfish
* The Pixies
* The Strokes
* Nomeansno

The building have also been used in the fourth season of the well-known serie "Stargate SG1" in the episode named "2010".

Planned as a temporary structure to be torn down after Expo '86, the glass roof of the plaza was found to be unsafe by city officials in 2006. In January, 2007 ownership decided that the cost of repairing the roof was too high, and have opted to demolish both the roof and its two adjoining office buildings. As of November 2007, demolition of the roof has been completed and all tenants of the adjoining structures have vacated. Plans for use of the space have not been released, however the owners and the City of Vancouver are planning continued use of the plaza as a covered outdoor performance venue. As of March 2008, the west building office structure is completely demolished. The future of the site remains unclear as the east office complex has not been abandoned and the plaza concert amiptheatre was rebuilt and restored with original seatings and new flooring.

References

* [http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050714/documents/pe2.pdf Policy Report: Plaza of Nations Land Use Study] , the Director of Current Planning and Managing Director of Cultural Services, City of Vancouver, 14 July 2005.
* [http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=bdfe5565-4792-4512-bdfa-e44a7ff62eed Plaza of Nations roof deemed unsafe] , National Post, 24 November 2006.
* [http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20070125_160916_5884 Glass canopy at Plaza of Nations to come down] , News1130 radio, 25 January 2007.