McBarge: A defunct floating McDonald’s restaurant in Canada
Floating restaurants were once a captivating concept, and one such notable example is the McBarge, officially known as Friendship 500. Built for the Expo ’86 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the McBarge was a 187-foot-long barge that transformed remarkably into a McDonald’s restaurant during the 1986 World Exposition.
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An Eagle in your Mind/flickr.com
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The design of the McBarge was attributed to Robert Allan Ltd, and it was one of the five McDonald’s locations situated within the Expo grounds, with the specific purpose of showcasing future technology and architecture. However, despite the initial plan of repurposing the McBarge as a functioning restaurant after the Expo, it remained vacant on the Expo grounds until 1991.
Eventually, the barge’s owner compelled McDonald’s to remove it, leading to its relocation. Since then, the McBarge has been anchored, abandoned and forgotten in Burrard Inlet, north of Burnaby, British Columbia.
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Geoffrey Tomlin-Hood/flickr.com
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An Eagle in your Mind/flickr.com
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In 1991, a new owner emerged, proposing an ambitious waterfront development on the Fraser River, featuring the McBarge as its centerpiece. Unfortunately, the local government rejected the plan on environmental grounds, halting any progress on the project.
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After nearly 30 years of being anchored derelict, there was a significant development in December 2015. The owner announced the impending departure of the McBarge from Burrard Inlet. On December 22, it was relocated to Maple Ridge, British Columbia, where it underwent a remarkable $4.5-million refit.
The primary objective behind this refurbishment was to revive the McBarge and prepare it for its relocation to an undisclosed location. The excitement surrounding the future of this iconic structure heightened as it received a fresh new beginning and a new lease on life.
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As of the time of writing, plans have been suggested for McBarge’s future. One proposal emerged in 2020, envisioning its transformation into a seafood restaurant. However, implementing this proposal is still pending government approval, leaving the fate of the McBarge uncertain.
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Christina Østenstad/flickr.com
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The McBarge, once a symbol of innovation and a showcase of futuristic concepts, has endured an intriguing journey. From its inception as a floating McDonald’s restaurant during Expo ’86 to its subsequent abandonment and relocation, McBarge’s story is fascinating. While various plans have been proposed over the years, the future of this iconic structure remains to be determined, leaving us eagerly awaiting its next chapter.
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