Site
Edmonton will be in full summer and fall glory during EXPO 2017.
The city and the entire province will be at its best, and the EXPO
site will be attractive, visible, accessible, and well-serviced.
Research suggests EXPOs with a compelling theme married to a
well-situated and welldesigned site is the combination required to
bring the event to life. A great site acts as a gathering place - a
spot for the world to congregate, celebrate, and learn. Edmonton's
EXPO 2017 site will contribute enduring value to the city and the
province.
One objective of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE)
suggests the EXPO should "... bring in and use the most advanced
technologies to manage the site in the most environmentally sound
manner."
Sustainability is an overarching principle that encourages EXPO
site plans to "tread lightly upon the earth." Our theme of Energy
and Our Planet, powerful and vital on its own merits, also lines up
perfectly with site specifications laid out by the BIE.
EXPO 2017 will be located on the University of Alberta's South
Campus. This site meets BIE requirements and will house the
pavilions, entertainment structures, food and merchandise outlets,
and associated circulation and gathering spaces an EXPO demands. A
recreation and leisure zone is envisioned adjacent to the site. The
South Campus site will be the heart of the excitement, learning,
and festival atmosphere.
The vibrancy and excitement of EXPO will spill over to all areas
of the city. From the new Art Gallery of Alberta, to our vibrant
boutique and nightlife districts, to our river valley and its
historic West Rossdale-Alberta Legislature area, through to one of
the world's largest malls, West Edmonton Mall, all of Edmonton will
be part of EXPO. In alignment with EXPO 2017, significant
redevelopment of the Legislature Grounds can be achieved in time
for Canada's 150th anniversary celebration. Another opportunity to
draw the world's eye to Edmonton's river valley is through the
construction of a signature bridge connecting downtown to
Edmonton's south side. Whatever projects are undertaken in advance
of EXPO 2017, it is certain they will showcase Edmonton's history
and vitality.
EXPO 2017 is planning a transit-oriented approach to provide
convenient, accessible, and effective travel to, from, and through
the site. This approach aligns with the theme as well as the City's
strategic goal to shift Edmonton's transportation to sustainable
and environmentally responsible modes, such as cycling, walking,
and transit systems. A key goal and aspect of the many legacies of
EXPO 2017 will be a design that boasts the smallest environmental
footprint of any previous EXPO.