The British Columbia government has announced a one-time grant of $2.2 million to support the revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. The funding will aid renewal efforts, including the restoration of the iconic storefront neon lights that once dominated the area. Vancouver Chinatown Foundation chair Carol Lee has called the announcement a “turning point” for the community, as it creates a catalyst for sustainable economic revitalization and signals to visitors that Chinatown is once again “the place to be.”

Efforts to Revitalize Chinatown

Chinatown has been the focus of revitalization efforts in recent months due to concerns about crime levels and lower foot traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Vancouver city council approved a new flat parking rate of $2 per hour at meters across the neighbourhood, starting on June 1. The funding from the government will help Chinatown “realize the clear plan that this community has to revitalize the neighbourhood for residents, for visitors and for businesses, according to BC Premier David Eby.

The Importance of Cultural Heritage

Chinatowns business leaders recognize that a slew of new, non-Chinese businesses have brought life to the community over the last decade, but the neighbourhood must also work to maintain its cultural heritage to sustain its unique character. The foundation and other community groups have worked to spur economic development along with social and physical revitalization, but their efforts had been “fleeting” up to this point, according to Carol Lee. However, she believes that the fact that community members continue to try revitalizing Chinatown demonstrates the historic neighbourhoods resiliency and will.

Supporting Storefront Renewals and Upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre

The funding will also support storefront renewals and upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre. While no further details have been released on what changes will be made, the announcement is seen as a positive step forward for the community and its efforts to revitalize the neighbourhood.

Overall, the funding from the government is a much-needed boost for Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, providing support for renewal efforts, storefront upgrades, and the restoration of the iconic neon lights. The community hopes that these efforts will help Chinatown thrive once again and maintain its unique cultural character for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the funding package announced by British Columbia Premier David Eby?

  British Columbia Premier David Eby announced a $2.2-million funding package towards the revitalization of historic Chinatown in Vancouver. The grant will support renewal efforts like the restoration of the neon lights that once dominated the neighbourhood, as well as storefront renewals and upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre.

• Why is the funding package important for Chinatown?

  The funding package is important for Chinatown as it creates a catalyst for sustainable economic revitalization and will help the community realize the clear plan they have to revitalize the neighbourhood for residents, visitors, and businesses. It also signals to visitors that Chinatown is once again “the place to be”.

• What other revitalization efforts have been made in Chinatown?

  Chinatown has been the focus of a number of revitalization efforts in recent months, including the approval of a new flat parking rate of $2 per hour at meters across the neighbourhood starting on June 1, 2023. Community groups have also worked to spur economic development along with social and physical revitalization, but efforts had been “fleeting” up to this point.

• What is the role of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation?

  The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to promote, enhance and preserve the vitality of Vancouver’s Chinatown and historic area. The foundation has played a significant role in the revitalization efforts of the neighbourhood, along with other community groups.