Expo Deck south of Science World to close indefinitely

Vancouver Seawall and Seaside Greenway Path users are advised that out of an abundance of caution from a recent structural assessment, the City will close the path between Creekside Community Centre and Science World this afternoon, February 4, until further notice. The closure will be in place while the City continues to assess the condition of the aging Expo Deck structure that supports this segment of the seawall pathway.

Detours

Accessible detours will be south of Science World. 

Pedestrians and cyclists will temporarily detour from Creekside via Ontario, Switchmen and Quebec Streets to reconnect with the Seawall and Seaside Greenway Paths north of Science World. 

• Pedestrians will detour along existing sidewalks. 
• Cyclists will detour along the existing bike lane on Ontario Street, the pedestrian path to Switchmen Street, and in the curbside southbound lane on Quebec. Cyclists will be asked to dismount or slow their roll on the pedestrian path between Ontario and Switchmen streets. 

The detours will remain until further notice while the City assesses the structure to determine next steps for these portions of the closed deck. The City is also exploring alternative detour options closer to the existing paths.

Local area access

• Access to Science World remains with an onsite attendant to support safe access to and from the south parking lot. 
• A small portion of the north deck between Science World and the Creekside Park Playground is also closed until further notice. Access to the Seawall and Seaside Greenway path is retained and there are no detours in place north of Science World. 
• Access to the dinghy dock south of Science World has been closed.

The City thanks the public for their patience during this closure and for their co-operation in using the detour paths.

About the Expo Decks

The Expo deck structures were built in 1984 for the 1986 World Expo for temporary purposes. City consultants have indicated that the deck structures are nearing the end of their useful service lives.   

In 2024, the City engaged a consultant to provide recommendations on the next steps for the structures, including all necessary modifications and removals, as well as rerouting of the existing pedestrian and cyclist transportation network impacted by the deconstruction work. The planning work for deconstruction is underway, with the on-site work planned for 2028-2032. In the meantime, the City will continue to inspect and monitor the structures to ensure public safety.