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Aberdeen Pavilion Aberdeen Pavilion and Canadian Exhibitions The Aberdeen Pavilion is well known for its use as a venue for many exhibition events. However, its function is also evident in considering other examples. For instance, there are and have been many exhibitions that influenced what is known as the SuperEx. This section explores the different events and architecture that influenced the Aberdeen Pavilion's construction and purpose.

Aberdeen Pavilion Today

In 1973, the Central Canada Exhibition Association transferred the operation of Lansdowne to the city. The city began developing new ideas for the park and pavilion's uses. However, by this time, the building had been neglected long enough that it began deteriorating. The site was eventually designated a National Historic Site in 1983. The designation was then confirmed by the City of Ottawa under the Ontario Heritage Act in February 1984. The Pavilion had deteriorated even more and, by 1991, was threatened to be demolished due to cost-related reasons when Lansdowne Park was under redeveloping plans. After gaining attention from many citizens, a new project was set out and funded to restore the pavilion which was re-revealed to the public on June 24, 1994.

In more recent times, the Aberdeen Pavilion has been part of Ottawa's end of the Summer fair, the SuperEx. Into the 21st century, it continued to house entertainment and innovation, including the demonstration of the first electric light bulb. For more than a hundred years Lansdowne Park hosted the event. It was considered to be the celebration of the end of Summer especially for students who were returning to school the following September. In 2011, a decision was made by the Central Canada Exhibition Association's board of directors to suspend the fair. In 2015, it was announced that the SuperEx would no longer be held which was said to be due to lack of funding and the new redeveloping plans for the entire park.

Although the SuperEx is no longer here, the Aberdeen Pavilion has not gone to waste. The Ottawa Farmers' Market began in 2006 at Lansdowne Park, but during the redevelopment of Lansdowne it was relocated to Brewer Park. The market returned to Lansdowne in 2014 which excited many as the Pavilion "provides year-round opportunities for local producers and our customers," as commented by Andy Terauds, the President of the Ottawa Farmers' Market Association. The large scale exhibition site is extremely helpful during the holiday seasons, as not only food vendors take up the space but arts and crafts ones as well. The Winter Market runs from January to April and features over forty artisans and farmers from around the city. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, safety procedures were been implemented to allow the community to continue enjoying what the city has to offer.

Aberdeen Pavilion was initially built to exhibit trade shows and live stock display. Although now in 2021 it has showcased a lot more than just animals, it has not lost touch with its original function. When not in use, it continues to be its own display of local architecture worth admiring - both inside and out. In all of its lives, the Aberdeen Pavilion embodies a sense of community as a venue for all to gather in. When I visited the site myself for the first time, I was overwhelmed by and engulfed in the vast amount space, but could still imagine the liveliness and excitement of the activities known to have taken place in the venue. The Pavilion is known for its large interior volume that, even when empty, continues to exhibit both past and future memories to be made.

[Project completed for ARTH3107 in Winter 2021].

Aberdeen Pavilion Today

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