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JEAN-DRAPEAU PARK
Jean Drapeau, who died in 1999, was Montreal's mayor for nearly thirty
years, and one of the pillars of Expo 67. He made a great contribution
to the growth of the city and its being propelled onto the international
scene. Therefore, it was only fitting that in 2000, the parc des Îles
was renamed in his honour. Today, Jean-Drapeau Park is a recreation complex
offering many activities. The buildings and facilities that are in the
park, which includes Îles Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame, make it a destination
of choice for Montrealers and visitors alike.
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There remain a number of traces from Expo 67 on the site. La Ronde is still an amusement park. The France pavilion became the Palais de la civilisation in 1985, a centre for international exhibitions. Since 1993, this facility, which was amalgamated with the old Quebec pavilion in 1996, has been home to the Casino de Montréal. The magnificent geodesic dome of the American pavilion, created by Buckminster Fuller, now holds the Biosphère, a centre for observation of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes since 1995. Jean-Drapeau Park is scattered with numerous outdoor sculptures including Man, by Alexander Calder, commissioned for Expo 67 by the International Nickel Company of Canada, one of the most striking works.
In addition, the Floralies Internationales of Montreal, a horticultural fair, was held on Île Notre-Dame in 1980, where the gardens from this event flower each year, to the delight of visitors. The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit where the Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 is held, is also on Île Notre-Dame. With its welcoming setting and a rich past, this site offers visitors a wide variety of attractions, including arts and culture, science, sports, games, horticulture and cuisine. This park is an ongoing reminder of the achievements of Jean Drapeau, whose love and aspirations for the City of Montreal were unparalleled.
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