I'm one of the weirdos that go pretty much annually. I grew up in Ottawa and the "SuperEx" is still riveted into my memories. It was a big deal in the 1970s and early 1980s. At that time you could eat things there that you would not find anywhere else. Also, Ottawa did not typically draw big acts to the city. The Civic Centre was big for the 67s but too small for a lotnof bands. However, during the SuperEx bands would play at Landsowne Park where the Rough Riders played and it was always exciting to see what bands would play during the "Ex". Man the times I had as a teen seeing some cool bands there; let alone all the great memories I had as a child through my early 20s at the Ex.Ontario Place was great for dates in the day but has aged. It has location problems in that much of the property is inhospitable in the winter. IMAX has limited films to shows.
The CNE is of limited value due to TV. In the good old days one could go to the Ex to see the new washing machines and radios. Then came TV and of course now the internet.
The Automotive Building displayed cars that had already been on the road for 10 months.
The food building was where one could try exotic foreign foods. Now they're everywhere all years round.
Other venues now exist and a lot of exhibitors can't afford to do multiple shows so go to the specialized ones at the International Centre, Congress Centre etc.
Die hards and newbies still go for the fast food, nostalgia and rides. I know a family that came every year until Covid. It remains to be seen if they will re-establish the pattern once Covid is over or in some way predictable.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair I think, still makes a go of it due to the horsey set and school trips. I don't think they can carry the whole financial weight of the grounds.
The whole property needs a rethink. Tory wants to build a park over the rail lands for billions so why not make the EX more hospitable all year for a lot less. Keep the architecture but bring the activities up to date.
So I am one of the loonies who hits the C.N.E. regularly and also a few fall fairs. Damn Covid!
How can the city utilize Exhibition Place and the old Ontario Place in a way to more efficiently use it year round and still preserve some of the architecture and history?
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