McBarge 2021 Update 

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 🤍

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

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

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

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!

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. 😞😞

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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. RU-vid 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.

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

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

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!

This would be an ideal base for a huge houseboat!

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

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!!).

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

Very nice video man! Was a cool explore!

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

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

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

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

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!!!

Man that was unexpected. Hit me like a McBrick.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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!!

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

I clicked so fast !! I would LOVE to see her sailing again and serving up some good eats. It would make a great seafood place.

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

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

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

Being from Vancouver. This is great to see. Thank you for always making great videos.

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

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.

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🤔🤔

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.

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! 🧡

I found your channel with the original McBarge video you uploaded, and now we’re here… so cool!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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...

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.

Appreciate all the work that goes into your videos bud!

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!!

10:35 I always love it when Brennen does bits like this. It adds to the video's charm, and they're pretty funny. The rest of the vid is great, too, but this part is my favorite

went expo86 when I was 24. Didnt get to go on the barge as there was a long lineup. But what a great story. Tales from the past as well as a preserved barge that gets an extented life is a great story.

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

First thing they need to do asap is Treat all the rust and paint all the exposed metal to prevent further rusting!

I like it! If I was a bazillionair I'd transform it into a wedding/party/event venue. 😀

History is so easily thrown aside. I like the idea of big boat projects like that. So much space... And since I am writing a post apocalyptic story for National Novel Writing Month I definitely will retain at least one big living/work boat.

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.

Dude, great job with this video. This video reminds of older Adam the Woo videos he did about a decade ago. Thank you so much for making this video

The McDouble wasn’t around in 1986...it was introduced in 1997...😀 I actually went to the Expo 86 in Vancouver and it was awesome ✌🏻

This thing would make the ultimate houseboat...if it were renovated as a houseboat, it would be a mansion...I'd love to do something that if I had the money...would be so sweet!

Tbh, I would LOVE to eat on this barge! Not the biggest McDonald's connoisseur but it would be a fun experience!