CanadianNational
Senior Member
I think an Expo could work well if approached somewhat differently: Instead of one huge central location, I'd make it an international 'neighbourhood' event.
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, as well as a city of neighbourhoods. I think it'd be interesting if the pavilions for each of the respective countries was built in a corresponding neighbourhood in the city. The Greek Pavilion on the Danforth, Italy over on College West, China on Spadina - or Agincourt?, India on Gerrard east, Britain just about anywhere - etc., etc.
In the age of the internet, world's fair's aren't quite what they used to be. I think the days of building a fair from scratch on an isolated site, trying to be impressive and up-to-date in it's own right might be dwindling. A fair that drew from the city and people and neighbourhoods it was surrounded by wouldn't be a kind ready-made artifact - it would be more alive and integrated.
The structures made in each neighbourhood could be built with the neighbourhood's needs in mind beforehand, and be converted to neighbourhood or civic use after the fair has passed.
This way, too, the city itself would become an attraction - and local businesses would benefit hugely, and directly. Instead of cramming people into one zone with overpriced, ersatz food and long lineups, this way if they want some actual 'international' food - they can just walk down a few doors. Or clothing, souvenirs, a drink, to go dancing, whatever.
Quick transit between pavilions would be a big point. It would probably strain the TTC. However, a few small road (or lane) closings with shuttle buses zipping around might take care of that.
I'd still have an inventive central plaza / attraction area for orienting, organizing and generally showing off splashy new things. A fair needs that. Innovations, signature buildings, fun stuff. The Ex grounds would be great for that, as would the Portlands.
Toronto's in a unique position to do something like this, which has really never been done before.
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, as well as a city of neighbourhoods. I think it'd be interesting if the pavilions for each of the respective countries was built in a corresponding neighbourhood in the city. The Greek Pavilion on the Danforth, Italy over on College West, China on Spadina - or Agincourt?, India on Gerrard east, Britain just about anywhere - etc., etc.
In the age of the internet, world's fair's aren't quite what they used to be. I think the days of building a fair from scratch on an isolated site, trying to be impressive and up-to-date in it's own right might be dwindling. A fair that drew from the city and people and neighbourhoods it was surrounded by wouldn't be a kind ready-made artifact - it would be more alive and integrated.
The structures made in each neighbourhood could be built with the neighbourhood's needs in mind beforehand, and be converted to neighbourhood or civic use after the fair has passed.
This way, too, the city itself would become an attraction - and local businesses would benefit hugely, and directly. Instead of cramming people into one zone with overpriced, ersatz food and long lineups, this way if they want some actual 'international' food - they can just walk down a few doors. Or clothing, souvenirs, a drink, to go dancing, whatever.
Quick transit between pavilions would be a big point. It would probably strain the TTC. However, a few small road (or lane) closings with shuttle buses zipping around might take care of that.
I'd still have an inventive central plaza / attraction area for orienting, organizing and generally showing off splashy new things. A fair needs that. Innovations, signature buildings, fun stuff. The Ex grounds would be great for that, as would the Portlands.
Toronto's in a unique position to do something like this, which has really never been done before.
Last edited:
