Chinatown Economic Revitalization Action Plan

In 2010 Council directed staff to identify revitalization strategies, to be implemented within one to two years, with a particular focus on immediate actions for business retention, expansion and attraction, and to generate a sense of excitement to better market Chinatown to customers and investors. Council directed staff to engage the resources and expertise of the Vancouver Economic Commission, in consultation with the Vancouver Chinatown BIA, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association and other expert organizations to develop the plan.

Step 1. Research & Consultation - COMPLETED

The City retained consultants AECOM from San Francisco to conduct research, consult with the community, and develop a proposed list of actions and an implementation strategy. Some of the key activities that AECOM undertook included:

survey of local businesses (77 respondents)
public workshop to seek input from local residents, businesses and the public (June 29, 2011 – over 200 participants)
interviews with key stakeholders and community organizations

Step 2. Consultants Report & Draft Action Plan - COMPLETED

In late November 2011, AECOM submitted to the City their final report (PDF) on recommended strategies for economic revitalization in Chinatown. In December 2011, AECOM presented their findings to the Vancouver Economic Commission, Vancouver Chinatown BIA and the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association.

Step 3. Community Presentation & Council Report – Expected Spring 2012

Currently staff are working with the community to prioritize and identify community champions and partners for the recommended strategies. A public presentation of the proposed strategy is expected in April 2012 (Date and time to be announced), with a final report to Council later this spring.

Questions can be emailed to chinatown@vancouver.ca.

About Chinatown

Chinatown began to develop in the 1880s on the edges of False Creek around the intersection of Carrall and Pender Streets. The community was established and fostered by the many Chinese immigrants who moved to Vancouver—years before the City's incorporation in 1886—to work as labourers in local industries.

Chinatown became one of the city's earliest commercial and residential districts. In the 1950s a highway was proposed to run through the Chinatown area, but strong public outcry convinced government to abandon the project. In 1971, the provincial government designated both Gastown and Chinatown as historic districts.

While Chinatown is no longer the only Chinese community in the region, it remains home to the Chinese Cultural Centre, Museum and Archives and still has a strong identity that is evident in its community vision for the future.

Old World, New Charm

Today Chinatown is faced with the challenge of repositioning itself within today's diverse, global community. The neighbourhood has experienced many challenges over the years, including community conflicts, economic hardships, shifting population trends, and the decline of nearby areas. In 2000 the City embarked on the Chinatown Revitalization Program, bringing together community members and City staff to catalyze community and economic development in the district. The vision for Chinatown is to preserve its unique heritage while bringing new life into the community.

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	Click to view larger map Chinatown Becomes a National Historic Site In the fall of 2011 the Minister of Environment announced the awarding of National Historic Site Designation to Chinatown. This is the first step towards the Community’s ambition of obtaining UNESCO listing for Chinatown. Such designations raise public awareness of the significance of Vancouver’s Chinatown and its heritage assets.