McBarge 2021 Update

In this very special video, we got the extremely unique opportunity to visit the former McBarge (floating McDonalds for Expo 86) and see what it looks like today. Not only did we explore the gutted interiors, but got a first hand tour from Friendship 500's very own owner, Howard Meakin! Join us as we find out what has happened to this once famous, floating restaurant and what the near future holds for the abandoned, McBarge.
Original McBarge History Video - • Abandoned - McBarge
Full Tour - • McBarge Tour With Owner
My Second Channel - / jakewilliams
Patreon - / brightsunfilms
My documentary - www.closedfors...
Join my discord - / discord
Twitter - / brightsunfilms
Instagram - / brightsunfilms
Thanks to ‪@UnchartedTravel‬
--------------
BrightSunFilms 2021
Presented in 4K

[@sleepy1684]

I haven’t been here in awhile but man I’m always here for MCBARGE UPDATES

[@Edwardsjm]

McBarge=Life

[@Freddie_Dunning-Kruger_Jr.]

I'm all out of bubblegum

[@aerial11]

Man, I just saw this today and for some reason I kind of felt compelled to click on the video, mcbarge has gone through enough and it's still there. Just scrap it or repurpose it already. Its been enough.

[@AliceShinya]

Normally i dont get notifications for this page but i got one for this

[@patrickstrahm05]

Same here, forgot all about it

[@Springer_maniac]

I worked on the paneling crew from start to finish on this project, we used custom rigging with swing stages and rafts with scaffolding. We could not use levels as it was floating so we stretched piano wire for our straight lines that was tightened with hanging swing stage weights on the end. Some boaters would deliberately send waves our way which made our scaffolding sway helter skelter causing the wire to break and weights and tools sink to the bottom of False Creek. I borrowed my Dads giant magnet tied it to a rope and bobbed it around the muddy bottom below and brought up at least 20 Spud wrenches that the Iron workers had dropped and easily filled a gang box with all the assortment of tools. I could not believe how much stuff was dropped on that job, we lost something every day, one of the guys unbeknownst to me borrowed my magnet and promptly lost it on the sea bottom. My Dad would not be happy if I didn’t return that huge magnet so I tied a nice chunk of angle iron to a rope and went fishing for it. After some time bobbing around on the bottom I felt a tug and lifted that iron with the magnet stuck to it no worse for wear after spending a few days on the bottom. We also did a lot of the corrugated metal ceilings on the inside, the curves on the outside corners were custom made and the panels are all composite Alucobond which the whole City has embraced since then. Keith Panel Systems is now one of the largest suppliers for the North American market, this barge was from its humble beginnings, its very well built and we worked till opening day to have it ready for Expo, would sure love to see it restored properly!

[@medea27]

I've always wondered what the external cladding was made of to be able to withstand 35 years in the Canadian elements... and figured it was probably some kind of bespoke or newly-minted cladding product that was using the Expo as it's showroom! Kudos to all those installers including yourself because you would never pick the McBarge as 35 years young.... there's barely a warped or broken panel anywhere 👍 And I hope you managed to get your own back with some of those boaters... I can't imagine trying to work on a floating scaffold a few storeys up where the wave motion would be amplified!

[@akatopes1]

I think you are lying.

[@DannyDevitoOffical-TrustMeBro]

@@akatopes1 what is ur problem dude

[@akatopes1]

@@DannyDevitoOffical-TrustMeBro I was being sarcastic since I he was so detailed. Calm down.

[@Todd_Kobell]

This could be early favourite to win the 2022 Most Exceptional KZbin Comment Award. How many of those spud wrenches are still sticking around Sig? If the McBarge restoration ever happens, it should happen with one of those spud wrenches displayed on the top deck.

[@djdeadbeat4380]

Never expected an update to a random floating McDonald’s barge thingy.

[@markzelinski4434]

Same

[@John_Locke_108]

Look, I haven't eaten McDonald's since noon today but I can safely say that I would love to eat Royal w/cheese on this barge any day of the week. Even Monday.

[@jamiejai9667]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnr797]

Not gonna lie, at this point I've grown emotionally invested in McBarge.

[@concept5631]

Same

[@baystated]

It's cool how you've become such a legit boss of abandoned places that the owners like and trust you enough to meet with you in person.

[@BrightSunFilms]

It certainly pays off to be respectful and kind to people where you do earn their trust.

[@CreamAle]

@@BrightSunFilms it's not just to gain their trust. It's basic behavior that should be the norm for any interaction.

[@johnwolf2829]

Too bad the Canadian Govt would never approve anything at all that wasn't backed by CCP money.

[@loganiushere]

@@johnwolf2829 huh?

[@zlinedavid]

@@BrightSunFilms Advice for all aspects of life.

[@RinoaL]

If there is a motivation, and funding, a welder and a few power tools would clean it up well

[@cian7776]

Gonna need a lot more than that my friend

[@ShockMe1994]

That’s not enough

[@VauxhallViva1975]

The strength of the beams supporting the upper decks is really impressive. If not for that, I expect it would have rusted to the point of being structurally unsound by now. I hope the project can complete. Quite a challenge financially, in financially trying times, so.....all the best! :)

[@mikep4823]

Dreams are cheap but reality is not. That thing is rotted beyond repair or beyond the money its worth to build something with it. The complete roof is so rotted it need a complete teardown. Wiring, plumbing, replacement steel, finishing materials, paint, should i go on. it will be years before most restaurants recover from this pandemic. The timing could not be worse to open anything of this nature. Next post of this thing will be teardown of the MC Rust Barge mark my words.

[@jamiejai9667]

@@mikep4823 sadly I agree.... esp if it's in the middle of nowhere to begin with. Really nice idea the ocean museum woulda been tho!

[@robswystun2766]

When I lived in Vancouver circa 2003-06, McBarge was the "holy grail" for urban explorers.

[@TransDrummer1312]

@John-Paul Hunt not everything needs to involve crypto you dweeb

[@holycannoli7011]

@@TransDrummer1312 Cryptokiddies gotta hang on somehow. Love the pfp btw. Edit due to remembering YT deletes comments which swear

[@juliogonzo2718]

Probably children have been conceived in it

[@Thriftyfitnesschick]

This would make an amazing venue for weddings and special events!

[@starzzzy22]

Yes! This is exactly what I was thinking! Dock it somewhere with nice views and remodel it to host events.

[@certainlyitis]

This was my precise thought too. The view from inside the barge is beautiful now, just on that lake? bay? It could be made into a very beautiful venue for year round use. Though perhaps there isn't real money to be had in owning a venue. But if the current owner ever finds that his current plans aren't going to work out, I would hope the more simple idea of a venue would take place. I would hate to see this barge scrapped. Jake has made me care about an empty, run down, floating McDonalds. Lol. I think that is the sign of a good documentarian. :D

[@CDRiley]

It could be a Burger King Restaurant " King Barge "

[@powerfullthoughts]

Wow so,so true!!!!!

[@victorkreig6089]

There are barges made specifically for that, they usually build them as boats first though

[@feelflows]

I currently live in Bristol, an artsy city with a harbour and great nightlife. There’s a bunch of converted boats that have been turned into restaurants, bars and breweries and I could see the mcbarge fitting right in with a similar vibe. It has a unique design and with a makeover I could totally see it as a new restaurant or bar for people to hang out at. Wishing the new owner the best of luck with it.

[@PiroKUSS]

Do any libraries or arcades use this concept? It'd be interesting to see.

[@robertpayne9305]

Imagine the mcbarge parked up next to thekla 👀

[@BarryWarne]

Craft brew pub

[@garyenwards1608]

I too would like to wish the new owner and his massive mcmanboobs the best of luck!

[@rhiannon2129]

oooh I love the cider boat in Bristol!

[@benlucid3063]

I’m ex nightclub industry, and this barge would make an AMAZING FLOATING NIGHTCLUB!

[@andymanaus1077]

I would suggest that the biggest problem with the barge was that it was designed as a building rather than a ship. Looking at the construction, there seem to have been minimal attempts to give the superstructure protection from the ravages of wind, rain and saltwater exposure. This was probably in order to keep construction costs down. Looking at the materials and coatings that were used, it looks like McDonalds only ever meant to be used for the Expo with no real concern regarding what happened to it afterwards.

[@williamboyle8918]

Dunno, these guys all think it's in great shape considering

[@iMadrid11]

@@williamboyle8918 As long as barge hull is solid it’s fine. If you ever lived or worked in a ship. You’ll notice that the majority of the crews job was constantly cleaning and repairing the ship. It’s a never ending battle against rust. If you regularly clean and paint over the metal floors, beams and hull. The ship wouldn’t rust. The only part that a crew can’t access to paint is over is the bottom hull part submerged in water. This is why ships go into dry dock after several years of service. So they can paint over the bottom hull.

[@PACKERMAN2077]

This is my hypothesis but what about the dilemma of going through the process of consuming fast food as a convenience item when doing other menial tasks and how that cannot be done when you are adrift over water... Drive-thrus are non-existent at this restaurant and therefore the opportunity to operate as a fast food establishment is null. Then there's the liability you have a seafaring vessel that people are traversing over open water on foot with no apparent industrial safety measures in case somebody falls off the side other than simple handrails... I do not believe I saw any life preservers or jackets or boats in case of Man overboard.

[@firesurfer]

Well...Duh.

[@williamboyle8918]

@@PACKERMAN2077 Null non existent hypothesis

[@Blatsen]

The first McDonald’s on a boat was in St. Louis. It operated from 1980 - 2000 and was anchored on the banks of the Mississippi River near the Gateway Arch.

[@oaktreeyt6488]

I’ve been waiting for this since the original vid of the mcbarge and it’s finally here!

[@DarkroomMedia007]

👏🏽👀✍🏽👀

[@alan_decker]

@@DarkroomMedia007 what the heck does that man

[@Z-e-r-0]

yea, 5 years, no progress made.

[@s4nari]

Really awesome that they were open to speaking on camera about it. Hopefully, their plans proceed well and it gets renovated back to useable standards.

[@tayzonday]

You are to Canada what David Attenborough is to the United Kingdom.

[@BrightSunFilms]

Now that's high praise.

[@sfnurh]

love you TayZonday!

[@solared]

inb4 someone says "chocolate rain"

[@laserdude3643]

Didn’t expect seeing you here

[@Raiinbowrave]

Damn even chocolate rain loves ya

[@tehhypergamer963]

I'm really looking forward to seeing what they have planned for the McBarge. It's not every day that you get to see something abandoned be brought back to life.

[@thesteamengineer442]

The McBarge looks quite modern, yet it was built so long ago! I really hope they actually manage to fix it. It would be so cool, so best of luck to the owner!

[@Calvin_Coolage]

Well it is literally built in the moderm style of archtitecture.

[@TerryLawrence001]

1980s Vancouver was ahead of it's time! Canada Place (Pier BC) Is mostly preserved in this style. It is amazing how much of the "Temporary" buildings and structures are still there. Telus World of Science (Science World Sphere) is also part of restored expo86 buildings. There are many portable structures that are now permanent installations along the Fraser River too.

[@harrier331]

@suspicionofdeceit 35 years... that is quite a long term in stylistic movements.

[@pyrogaming2500]

The 1980’s had a lot of modernistic designs so im not surprised that they designed/handled the project this way.

[@thesteamengineer442]

@suspicionofdeceit I guess so.

[@YellowDuck24]

glad you got to speak with the owner and get an update its really nice to see updates on old videos good news or bad

[@AsherLogan129]

It’s amazing to know that this floating rusted peace of history is still gonna finally get some good use after a few decades.

[@BrightSunFilms]

It’s so weird I need to visit it again when it’s finished

[@lackedpuppet9022]

@@BrightSunFilms By reading this reply you are now contractually obligated to keep us posted on your future observations regarding the McBarge.

[@tomrogers9467]

Never happen. Once they price out the actual costs of restoring this hulk it will be game over.

[@mydnyghtrayvyn]

This was such a great video. It is refreshing to see someone buy an abandoned lot and come up with a plan to refurbish it. I can see the barge being a beautiful place, where patrons can enjoy wine, small bites, maybe full dinner, and the beauty of BC. I do remember the McBarge, only because I could see expo footage on the news. It makes me happy that this structure will not be left to rot. I am from the East Coast of the US and there are so many structures abandoned and rotting. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve been an urbexer since the 90’s. I have been lucky to explore many places. However, the McBarge would be at the top of my list of places I couldn’t explore. Thank you for sharing this with us. I can’t wait to see what is done with this iconic structure.

[@zlinedavid]

I’m surprised a casino operator never picked this up on the cheap.

[@kevinhermes]

Too much weight I bet by the time you add all the machines and people

[@zlinedavid]

@@kevinhermes Valid point, although It was designed to hold a lot of people, and I don’t know how the weight of gaming machines would compare to the weight of commercial kitchen equipment. The weight distribution of the casino machines being more spread out may work out as an advantage.

[@shannonhinton557]

@@zlinedavid generally ,the casino boats have to go to international waters to gamble,, the barge does not have alot of freeboard,, it would get swamped,

[@zlinedavid]

@@shannonhinton557 If they could move it to a US state that allows water-based gambling, could be viable depending on the cost to move it.

[@DamienDarksideBlog]

@@zlinedavid I work in a casino. Everyone is right about the weight of the machines. Slot machines are also only getting more complex and larger, and video card games are replacing tables.

[@medea27]

I'm so glad to see that the McBarge is still around & that Meakin is continuing to try to find it's place 👍What makes it so special is that it's not like anything else.... it's not a ship, it's a building on a barge. And I'd be willing to bet that's part of the problem, because councils wouldn't know whether to apply land-based building codes or ship construction codes. He's 100% right about it being over-engineered.... I'd challenge anyone to find either a steel frame & glass building _OR_ a steel ship that's spent 35 years being vandalised in a freezing climate on the waterfront that's in _even half_ the shape the McBarge still is! It has plenty of life left in it yet... can't wait to see what they can do with such a unique structure 🤍

[@soviut303]

I was on this thing as a kid. I'm trying really hard to remember what it was like inside, but there were so many awesome attractions at Expo 86 that floating fast food restaurant just isn't going to stick.

[@innercityprepper]

The amount of thought, engineering, materials, and labor that went into this absolutely dumb concept is ridiculous. I'm lovin' it.

[@d9918]

I love the owners attitude, a decent guy with money and wisdom and humility.

[@jordanhart9441]

Yes based on his sweater he early has money and class

[@garyenwards1608]

Wow were seeing different things here. Dudes owned it since 1990 clearly a fool with a good heart. I foresee a scrapyard in McBarges future

[@tomrogers9467]

@@garyenwards1608 “It has good bones”. Yeah, dude, so does a dead body!

[@jesseblanchard9609]

@@garyenwards1608 I was thinking the same thing

[@mattyg69ification]

You're absolutely right for the wires hanging being for a drop ceiling. It's typical to hide ugly looking pipes and electrical; extremely impressed by how well this structure has stood the test of time.

[@corneliusmcmuffin3256]

It's always fascinated me how people can build something so large without having any plans for its future beyond a few months.

[@JeffDeWitt]

Well.... it was built for a specific purpose, to offer a unique McDonalds for Expo 86, it wasn't built for the long haul. While IMHO they should have had plans for what to do with it after Expo ended (and maybe they did, but the plans fell through), it really was a temporary restaurant, after it fulfilled its purpose they were done with it.

[@tomrogers9467]

Look at the billions a city will spend on the Olympics or other one time events. Then the structures sit mostly surplus. Money that could have been spent improving the lives of the people of the country rather than a big “Look at Us” show!

[@_Piers_]

The UK government spent almost a billion pounds building the "Millennium Dome" between 1997-99. It was intended to be a showcase for the new millennium, but they didn't actually have plans for what would go inside untill well after building had started. It was also only to be open for 1 year. They expected 12million visitors (a figure they'd decided on before the contents had been decided on), only 6million actually went. It was pretty universally panned as a collosal waste of money and one of the worst visitors attractions. The exhibits were regularly mocked in the press. When it closed at the end of December 2000, there were no plans in place for it's future. The £1B dome was sold for £125M. In 2007 it re-opened as a large arena called "The O2" which seems to have been a success.

[@liamcollinson5695]

So like the Olympics then a vast majority of the buildings used in Olympics end up abandoned shortly after its done

[@TheAeroAvatar]

Would be fascinating to find one of them and ask them why they did not think that far ahead.

[@chrystaladams2554]

YES!!! Finally an update ❤️ Hard to believe it sat there for 35 years

[@philscott7949]

Brisbane still has the "Skyneedle", which was earmarked for relocation to Tokyo Disneyland at the completion of Expo 88. It has been relocated within Brisbane, caught fire, rebuilt and upgraded with LEDs and lasers to remain functional so it could be switched on again for special occasions. The shards of light from the Skyneedle could be seen from anywhere in Brisbane, drawing people to Expo 88. Now they have surrounded it with the "Skyneedle Apartments", which looks like a factory with a shiny smoke stack out the back. 😞😞

[@dimplesd8931]

Last time we visited Brisbane (I’m American and my hubby is from Windsor NSW) I asked him why they left a county fair pole in front of a new apartment building. He explained the folly of the Sky needle. It looks ridiculous but I guess Brisbane has old fashioned lemonade, not Sprite, out of lemons. The fact that they are sold out is…🤦🏾‍♀️

[@arokh72]

Oh wow I remember Expo 88. I was living in SW sydney at the time, and in year 10. We had a school excursion, a week long excursion, to Expo 88, via coach, thus we had stops along the way. We camped under canvas at Logan for the 2 or 3 days we spent at Expo itself. I loved the monorail, though Sydney had already built their monorail by that time. It was a big year for 15 year old me, between the Bicentennial stuff, Expo 88, and of course year 10 stuff at the time.

[@philscott7949]

@@arokh72 Nice - SW Sydney too. 10 friends & I drove up after the HSC, before "schoolies week" was a thing. Maybe we started something?

[@substandardabuse6028]

@@arokh72 I still hear the moaning from my wife every so often that her parents didn’t allow her to go on the excursion to expo.

[@medea27]

Ahhh, good old Expo88! I remember my parents getting the OK to take my sister & myself out of primary school a week early to travel up to Brissie before the school holiday crowds (and attend a family wedding)... daresay that's not an option these days! LOL I still have a couple of my souvenirs here somewhere.... that passport that you put all the highly-coveted stamps into, those paper 3D glasses from the pavilion with the 'state-of-the-art' 3D movie (think it was Fujitsu).... heaps of fun! 😎

[@Journeyman.71]

I could have seen this becoming an amazing event space! Could you imagine, moored at one of the more spectacular waterfronts, a high-end wedding/reception on board, looking out over the water, on one side, and the city lights on the other!

[@Michael-zf1ko]

It kinda looks like it would work well as a modern mini mansion. Imagine being rich enough to live in that and have it moved and docked at different coastal places of your choosing.

[@chemicaljonez]

Exactly my thought, hot tub and outdoor space (might even be able to also fit a tennis court on it) on the top, luxury kitchen, entertainment and living spaces on the middle floor, and gorgeous huge bedrooms on the bottom. It would be fantastic.

[@endeavourist5287]

Probably, but I like the idea of opening up to the public in some form instead.

[@one-wingedangel5107]

So basically a yacht is what you’re looking for

[@kayshah233]

@@one-wingedangel5107 I was about to say this person just discovered a yacht

[@DemnRaig80]

@@VicerExciser007 there is no flex in anything pertaining to McDonald's.

[@crooker2]

I remember eating lunch in here in 1986. We went to Vancouver on a school trip from Calgary. So spooky to see it in its current state. Thanks for the look back.

[@lookabomba32]

Fun fact. Blade 3 was shot using the McBarge as a secret base for the movie.

[@GBart]

Is it in any scenes, or did they just use it to, like, store lights and shit?

[@lookabomba32]

@@GBart It was used in the film as a secret base for the vampire hunters.

[@DuecePiece]

Everybody assumes the Titanic is the most known vessel of the sea, I argue nothing has been more monumental and awe inspiring as the McBarge!

[@paraboo8994]

That would be the best floating restaurant slash café. Just imagine, all nicely cleaned up and with fresh white paint, sitting in the harbour and you could go there on a sunny day and sit out on the deck.

[@BornIn1500]

You... can just type a slash. /

[@HOLDENHIPHOP]

A sunny day in Vancouver? 😂

[@kevinmoore5053]

@@HOLDENHIPHOP last summer was virtually all sunny days, did ya miss it? At one point we were over 40 days without rain

[@HOLDENHIPHOP]

@@kevinmoore5053 I don't live in Vancouver, so yes, I did miss it. But I'm happy for you folks 😂

[@Tydusis1]

Seeing McBarge find new purpose after shrugging off the decades fills you with determination.

[@casey6556]

I was aware of the McBarge and I’d seen it before but the close shots really made it clear to me for the first time how the architecture is SO of the era. Not just 80s, but specifically Expo 86. It reminds me so strongly of the early-built SkyTrain stations and the surviving Expo buildings around downtown. Love your work!

[@rbailey225]

Wow.....I ate at the McBarge in 1986. Can't believe it is still around. I figure they would have dismantled it. We visited Expo86 from Southern California when I was 15. It was the first time ever having a McChicken sandwich. None of my friends believed that McDonalds had a chicken sandwich. They didn't introduce them to our area until 1988. Great memories. First time having a Cherry Coke in a can too.

[@kriscook2423]

I'm glad you got to speak with them. It's always nice to see someone care about history like this, both these gentlemen and you. It's also great to see a youtuber get to discuss the work with the owners. KZbin is a wonderful platform to connect people, getting this story out and letting us see not only your passion for this project but theirs. Another great episode, Jake.

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

A pretty cool idea (in my opinion) would be to attach an engine to McBarge, and turn it into a mobile floating restaurant that can park in spots AND set sail down rivers while people dine. It would kinda be like a cruise ship restaurant hybrid.

[@sheacunning9208]

With her hull design, I Imagine she'd have to have azimuth thrusters like a tug fitted, but there would probably increase her draft so much she'd be unable to safely traverse a lot of rivers, not to mention the specially trained pilot/helmsman running it. And it would be enormously loud and expensive to run and house in a single barge.

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

@@sheacunning9208 true true… though it probably would be more elegant and maintainable than Carnival cruise lines fleet.

[@crazeedad7813]

This would be an ideal base for a huge houseboat!

[@brianyoung8172]

It really would, you could partition the interior into what ever rooms you wanted- there is enough space to do just about anything.

[@bmo9881]

Or giant Airbnb/hotel

[@donnieearlharrisjr5941]

Kind of a penthouse boat!

[@bill6255]

Floating McMansion

[@nathanlewis5682]

Sausalito and Tiburon has some impressive house boats docked there.

[@jacobszymczak9323]

A date with a good Sandblaster and Painter and it'll be looking good as new in no time. Looks like the major structural items have survived in remarkable good and repairable shape

[@VanillaKind]

What a terrific update! I wish them the best, and hope they can make their vision a reality--and that they share it with you (so you can share it with us!!).

[@BrightSunFilms]

Me too!

[@garyenwards1608]

I foresee a scrapyard in McBarges future

[@JulianaBlewett]

It was the 1980s. Everything was excessive with no thoughts of the future.

[@rexpresto]

My high school marching band from Rogers High in Puyallup, Washington, went to Expo ‘86 where we played on the Expo grounds. And I remember a bunch of us going to this “Canadian” McDonald’s-the McBarge-when we were there.

[@tminusnyc2915]

Jake, thank you. Thank you for having the most consistent, innately interesting content on KZbin. Your content NEVER disappoints, and I appreciate all your continued effort. It does not go unnoticed.

[@BrightSunFilms]

Thank you so much.

[@onlawr]

We got your back Howard don’t give up old man you got this.

[@bluedemon6989]

The things I like what you put in this video is that you have a great description of an abandoned, cancelled, or bankrupt video that makes every moment of your videos worth the watch. Thank You Jake!

[@exidy-yt]

Man....when I was a teenager during Expo 86 I came to the site at least 4 days a week over the summer, and ate often at the McBarge. It's sad to see how it ended up, yet at the same time I am amazed that it hasn't been sunk yet.

[@LENZ5369]

Just watched the McBarge vid for the first time, yesterday. I think renovating it to have sleeker lines, larger windows and open areas, and then turning it into an event hall (with a catering kitchen) for parties, wedding and stuff; would be my move. Moving it to somewhere with a 'most of the year', thriving harbour or beachfront scene like maybe California or even Florida (lol) would be sweet.

[@stephenhunter70]

Replacing that roof, for me is a priority, it's will go along way to fixing the water issues. Oh and reconnecting it to shure power will enable the bilge pups to be used.

[@CreamAle]

Ey man, someone go tell that door that everything is alright and there's no reason to be alarmed as it's not in danger.

[@Filmthis1212]

This would make for a killer floating nightclub, bar & restaurant. I’d love to be involved if that ever was a possibility.

[@UnchartedTravel]

Very nice video man! Was a cool explore!

[@nestor8369]

Yup this video is stuck at 61 views

[@pyrogaming2500]

@@nestor8369 44k now and i think it will get to 100,000 views soon.

[@The1nheritor]

@@pyrogaming2500 just hit 100k

[@pyrogaming2500]

@@The1nheritor knew it would get to 100k in no time.

[@mollymassar5329]

Ii

[@joshschneider9766]

Honestly I'd love to turn mcbarge into mchouseboat. That would be sweet as hell. Amazing it hasn't been scrapped

[@christopherfurman360]

I remember reading about this place back in the early 2000s on urban exploration groups. Awesome it’s become so popular among our kind. Thanks as always Jake

[@nitroxylictv]

I was eating McDonald's while watching this and it enhanced the experience

[@hiker64]

I really hope this isn't one of those projects where the owner is the only one with the vision and then suddenly passes away only to have their estate just junk it without the vision never being realized.

[@entox.]

Unfortunately most passion projects I’ve seen here in BC have been exactly that.

[@nslouka90]

Like an old man with a car sitting in the back yard saying “I’ll fix it up someday”

[@Nathan93Baker]

Most likely.😔

[@craigbenton8358]

McDonald’s really had great creativity. I live in the UK, and there was a restaurant near me that was called the McDonald’s Megatron. It was shaped like a giant UFO. It was torn down in the early 2000s, but I have a lot of fond memories of that place.

[@Anfidurl]

Man that was unexpected. Hit me like a McBrick.

[@AlGauthierphoto]

I moved to Vancouver in 86 and remember this barge. Fun to see this footage, thank you!

[@solared]

Again, astonishingly good. You've never let down my expectations, instead you've gone above and beyond them every time. Keep it up.

[@serraramayfield9230]

Oh hello there!

[@solared]

@@serraramayfield9230 hi?

[@maddog187killa]

I went on the McBarge many times during Expo 86 as a kid. I am from Vancouver and loved it as well as Expo at the time. I also remember the first day the Skytrain opened up and rode it that day back in 1984. It was exciting times back in the 80s. Lots of good memories. Im now 44 years old and miss living back in those days. Thanks for the tour of what was my favorite restaurant during Expo 86!

[@TheDullMansClub]

Amazed that after all this time and apart from the door fitting, most of the other rust could just be sanded back and be painted over

[@skyh]

Still needs to go to a dry dock to be sanded and painted whats underneath the waterline if he keeps it in the water.

[@georgebamber6871]

There's definitely some metalwork needed 13:25 2:46

[@Z-e-r-0]

remind me to NEVER hire you for any type of Metal work. the main stair case alone you would be sanding for a month to bare metal. you would have to sand blast everything, and when your done it'll all look like swiss cheese.

[@trojan6530]

I ate at the McBarge when attending Expo86!! At that time a floating McD's restraunt was an Amazing thing... NOW all these yrs later it's more of an eye sore!!

[@legostarkiller9252]

This is the sequel I’ve been WAITING FOR. I LOVE THIS CHANNEL SO MUCH.

[@BrightSunFilms]

Thank you!!

[@choosetobefree]

It's got (or had) the same design cladding as on the Main St & Terminal McDonalds.. which opened around the Expo86 fairtime also. Like McBarge, both that store and barge offered ordering counters on two separate floors! why a barge- remember.. the theme of this world fair was future of transportation.. As long as it was a 'model' like so many large scale exhibits good enough. Guess nobody ever thought of the barge being around decades later. Most recall all the oddball stuff but not other things like the Expo ferry that went from one side of the creek to the other.. or, how the Skytrain debuted in the fair. We all rode it for fun to Canada Place exhibit; today it is a commuter lifeline. Expo'86 was such a vibe and think it still is !

[@larrywt656]

I'm glad to see someone has stepped up and has made actual future plans for this interesting structure.

[@makingtechsense126]

I remember standing in line during Expo '86 to get McDonalds food from the barge. The thing was packed full of people. I think we ate out on the deck somewhere. I wasn't that old at the time so the memories are fuzzy.

[@shshskateproductions2250]

Thank you for inspiring me and countless other explorers. You answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how of buildings, complexes, and businesses. Keep up the amazing work!

[@BrightSunFilms]

Thank you so much!

[@fabulousprofound]

Wow. Seeing the inside brought back my childhood hard, remembering having lunch with my parents during Expo86… simpler times.

[@rappeezy]

What a nice man, I wish him all the luck in the world.

[@BrightSunFilms]

I think we all do! We should do a big group meet up when he opens it up

[@chrisnigh3987]

I remember eating at that McDonalds during the Expo in 1986 when I was a senior in High School. One of the most memorable things about it was it HOW BUSY it was. It was WALL TO WALL people, with the lines going on for ever. In fact, it was so busy, I seem to recall only eating there once and having the rest of our meals elsewhere. It was quite the novelty however, and almost an expo 'attraction' in of itself. We had to go on board just so we could say we did.

[@CamelOnFire]

I love this channel and McBarge was one of the first episodes I ever watched so I'm so happy that you finally made it to her and are able to share this amazing content with us! 🧡

[@BrightSunFilms]

Oh I’m so glad. Hope this was a fun video for you

[@CamelOnFire]

@@BrightSunFilms It definitely was 😁

[@randallparker8477]

I was in the US Navy on a port visit during EXPO, ate at McBarge, LONG LINES! It would be great to live long enough to see it restored and used for something magnificent.

[@AnnaAbingdon]

I’m so interested to see what becomes of any future plans for the barge, whether they are pulled off or not

[@vikingvisigoth4384]

When I was a kid in the early 80's there was a McDonalds Playland in Berlin New Jersey. It was a gymnasium style Warehouse With Pirate ships for seating and the whole playground spread that you saw on site in later years at every McDonalds. This was before they had them in front of every Restaurant around the USA. In my 40s now and I still have friends from back then talking about my 5th birthday and how awesome it was. I would renovate that Barge and make it My on the water Mansion. Good and odd find guys! ;)

[@christopherweise438]

Jake man........How did you know we needed an update? You're the best.

[@BrightSunFilms]

I’ve got ya covered

[@TheCriminalViolin]

Man I can tell it'd be so enthusing to be able to just sit down and talk with Howard.

[@emdoubleyew3788]

Was totally wanting but not expecting an update- this surprise was so welcome!! you’re awesome!!💕💕💕 I wish we can get signatures for Howard to show the local gov there’s tons of interest in bringing this piece of interesting history back to life and help move papers faster🤔🤔

[@court7233]

I was busy and couldn’t catch up on your content lately so I dropped in and then went looking for your film. I was so ecstatic to find it free on TUBI right now! Watching now! It’s great work! I love it. I love your work! Keep it up, Jake!!!

[@GayNeekOG]

Damn I'd have assumed this would've been torn apart by now, but they are still going on.

[@tomrogers9467]

Looks like it is tearing itself apart. One rusticle at a time!

[@erinmsomers]

My mom and grandma went to the expo 86 there in Vancouver when I was 6..I remember her telling me about them getting lunch on that barge...she said it was really neat!!

[@charlessweeney2460]

I went and watched a lot of your old videos today, seeing you just post a new one has made my day. Cheers

[@jamiesuejeffery]

in 1986, I would have been 14 years old. My family took our summer vacation to Expo 86. There are only a couple of things about that experience that stick out in my mind... One was the introduction of the Yugo car (about $2,500???) and eating on the McDonald's barge. Luckily, I never purchased a Yugo. But just as lucky, I had a quarter pounder with cheese on that barge.

[@jbainbridge22]

As someone in BC I think it would best be served as a restaurant attachment for a B&B or something. Also hoped you enjoyed visiting my province :P

[@mikeb4006]

Allen Clarke was the architect who designed the MC Barge for Expo 86. He was the Manager and City Planner for the City of Richmond also Chairman for the Steveston Community Center.

[@coltonphillips1]

This honestly looks like it’s going to cost way too much to bring this rust barge back to life.

[@zlinedavid]

A lot of cosmetic work, but the biggest thing is….it’s still floating, meaning the hull must be at least mostly intact.

[@Toothily]

That's what I was thinking. Sure the structure is still holding, but there _are_ parts that are rusting. I mean, they've been partially exposed to the elements for decades. New roof, rails, walls, doors, glass, outside panels, and _all_ the new furnishings for a huge space... won't be a cheap bill either. It's a hell of a gamble, if they can even get funding at all. If this were a mall, a developer would scrap it and start over.

[@wendysavvy4351]

Yeah. At this point, it's a McMess... 😳😁😂

[@thedwightguy]

I rowed by the McBarge in 2009 when it was moored (forever) in an alcove just east of the Iron Workers' Memorial Bridge. I had a Bevin Skiff, a two oar rowboat very stable. I didn't go on board. It was sad, really, and I didn't know who owned the barge, but it needed a new life.

[@-abacchus]

Appreciate all the work that goes into your videos bud!

[@BrightSunFilms]

I appreciate you watching!

[@pen_l]

my younger self would’ve been ecstatic seeing this being uploaded

[@Bob.martens]

As a boat owner, I truly love all things floating, but man, what a money-pit this is. If you're a real business: just don't do things on water if you can do it on land. Like, say, a restaurant? There's a reason this was abandoned...

[@jeffhallel8211]

Get ready for a load of hate mail from the dreamers. They don't like to hear the truth.

[@FlipLoLz]

I don't think people realize the cost of upkeep on a typical building of this size on land. Now add in all the factors that come with constantly floating on water. The sad reality is that this thing would've ultimately been better off being scrapped all those years ago. Instead, this man has probably had this thing being a constant thorn in his side for over 30 years. Just like the guy with the ol' classic car sitting in the field out back, he swears he's going to get around to restoring. Anyone that's ever renovated something knows how much easier it is to just start from scratch, than try to fix what time and people have done to an old structure. Most of the rust you see is going to have to be cut out, and weld, inspected, etc. That's just the stuff we see on the surface, and that's gotta be done before you can begin to even think about the rest of the construction. After all that, you've still gotta have a purpose that can sustain ongoing maintenance and operation cost. You have to not only find what it's use will be, but how it can be that much better than it's landlocked counterparts, to justify the added expense that comes with it being on water. It's a nice day dream, but ultimately-unless you just don't like money-it's better off being recycled.

[@jeffhallel8211]

@@FlipLoLz Recently the U.S. Government sold two aircraft carriers to scrappers for 1 cent apiece.I'm sure the carriers had much more in the way of hazardous materials issues such as lead paint,asbestos,unidentified chemicals,etc. The McBarge served its purpose.Time to separate emotions from reality.

[@tomrogers9467]

@@FlipLoLz as soon as you park a restaurant or other private facility on water you’ve cut off a good percentage of your customer base.

[@Evbuscus1]

I feel like this would be fun to use as a houseboat or something, maybe some kind of venue or museum. It would just be an absolutely herculean effort to restore it.

[@georgiareddirtroad9919]

WOW- GA here and have to say I never knew this Barge existed!! Just goes to show how humans build stuff/things then don’t have the foresight to plan for its future. Thanks for bringing this to light!!

[@ShaneMorris1986]

I don’t think McBarge can be rehabbed in any sane way. The labor of rust repair would cost more than new steel. Maintenance is one of those things you can’t miss on a boat. Once it builds up momentum, it’s a wrap.

[@felixcat9318]

I'm pleased that someone with the necessary funds to restore and recommission this truly unique vessel has taken charge of it to bring it back into use. As a private houseboat, it could be configured to have its own indoor swimming pool and a full size go kart track. Naturally, a rooftop helipad and hanger would be desirable...

[@svc1978]

If I had a lot of money, buying something like this and letting it sit there forever whilst I try to work out why I bought it is exactly the sort of thing I would do.

[@urbaxvibes]

Hopefully one day we’ll get to check out this gem !! Cool explore ! 😊

[@HaddaClu]

I'm more than a bit surprised by the condition of the barge itself (floating wise) since its been in the water nonstop for 30+ years without a single drydocking and overhaul.

[@isabellind1292]

I'm surprised the Expo land is still a wasteland!

[@avrinrose5457]

In my fictional world, this boat never gets abandoned and still successful

[@Kreder1979]

Thanks for another great one Jake! 🤙🧡👍

[@Powertampa]

Put a small McDonalds in it and a museum, it would be the perfect place to house it, being itself such an integral part of McDonalds history.

[@BilisNegra]

I approve of that.

[@joesmith942]

Part of McDonald's history? If you write the history of that company, this might make a footnote...maybe.