The City began targeted efforts in economic development in Chinatown in 2000. Since then, a number of capital projects and other initiatives have been completed with the community, many with the support of the Vancouver Agreement and the Western Economic Diversification. To learn more about some of these projects and initiatives, visit the Economic Revitalization and Public Realm and Urban Design sections of this website.

The Planning Department is currently developing a Chinatown Economic Revitalization Action Plan.

The foundation of the Chinatown economy continues to be small enterprises. That's why it's important to work with the local business community to ensure a healthy mix of services to deliver a holistic Chinatown experience for local residents and visitors.

Retail & Marketing
Chinatown has many businesses that sell basic goods, services, arts, cultural or tourism-related products. One of the goals in the Chinatown Vision is to expand and diversify this retail base.

With funding from the Vancouver Agreement and help from City staff, local business organizations such as the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association and the Business Improvement Association have launched a series of marketing and promotional initiatives. These include:

• Creating a logo to strengthen Chinatown's marketing identity.
• A bilingual campaign to re-position Chinatown as friendly to English as well as Chinese speaking customers.
• A three-year marketing plan was completed to guide the local business community in developing a holistic Chinatown experience and a consistent marketing presence.

• Shopping tours for residents from International Village, City Gate and Strathcona.
• A resource kit, including a CD-ROM, distributed among the tour operators to familiarize the tourism industry with the products Chinatown offers.
• A consultant study examining tourism infrastructure in Chinatown, expected to be completed in spring 2006.