Recent developments

National Historic Site designation

In the fall of 2011, Chinatown received the National Historic Site designation from the Minister of Environment. This designation raises the public's awareness of Chinatown and its rich cultural history.

Public involvement

A public workshop was held on 29 June 2011 to launch a short-term economic action plan development process and to get input from local residents, businesses, and the public.

Map of the area

Reports and presentations

City staff have been working on Chinatown's revitalization since 2001. Many studies, reports, and policies have been developed to support the project.

Studies and vision

This revitalization work aims to balance Chinatown's old historic buildings with new development. Here are some key documents that inform these efforts:

• Chinatown Market Housing Study
• Chinatown Vision 

Council reports and decisions

In 2002, the Chinatown Vision was adopted by Council as a blueprint for Chinatown's revitalization. Read the Council documents here:

• 2006 Progress report
• 2004 Council report

Public involvement

A public workshop was held on 29 June 2011 to launch the short-term economic action plan development process and to get input from local residents, businesses, and the public.

Here are some of the key documents that came out of the workshop:

• Chinatown economic revitalization action plan presentation
• Information flyer

Objectives

Development of the Chinatown economic revitalization strategy is underway. Here are the objectives that are guiding the work:

• Identify short term economic revitalization actions, with a focus on business attraction, retention, and expansion
• Support the work of existing business organizations in promoting Chinatown
• Engage the community in the development and implementation of the plan
• Generate a sense of excitement to help market Chinatown to customers and investors

Revitalization strategy

In 2010, the City started a revitalization strategy with a focus on business attraction, retention, and expansion in Chinatown. The strategy involved using the resources and expertise of the Vancouver Economic Commission, the Chinatown BIA, and the Chinatown Merchants Association.

The City is currently on step three of the three-step revitalization strategy. Here are the details on the City's progress with the strategy:

Step 3: Community presentation and council report

The City is working with the Chinatown community to find community champions and partners for the implementation of the plan.

Step 2: Consultants' report and draft action plan - Completed

The City hired consultants AECOM to conduct research, consult with the community, and develop a strategy for Chinatown's revitalization.

In December 2011, AECOM presented their findings to the Vancouver Economic Commission, the Chinatown BIA, and the Chinatown Merchants Association.

In November 2011, AECOM submitted their final report on recommended strategies for economic revitalization in Chinatown.

Step 1: Research and consultation - Completed

The City worked with San Francisco based consultants, AECOM to conduct research, consult with the community, and develop a proposal and implementation strategy. Some of the key activities during the research and consultation phase included:

• Surveying local businesses (getting responses from 77 businesses)
• Holding a public workshop to get input from local residents, businesses, and the public
• Interviewing key stakeholders and community organizations

Work leading up to this project

The Vancouver Chinatown revitalization committee was formed in 2001. The purpose of the committee is to encourage the community and the City to work together to develop short term and long term strategies.

Here are some of the key milestones since 2001: 

• In 2002 the Chinatown Vision was adopted by Council as a blueprint for Chinatown's revitalization
• In March 2004 City staff developed a five step plan Chinatown community plan that encourages private sector investment to improve conditions for those who live, work, and visit the area
• In December 2006 a progress report was presented to Council giving an update on the status and development trends of the revitalization plan

Past projects

Retail and marketing

Chinatown has many commercial, cultural, and tourism services. One of the Chinatown economic revitalization goals is to expand its retail business income.

With funding from the Vancouver Agreement and help from the City, the Chinatown Merchants Association and the Chinatown BIA have launched a series of marketing initiatives. These marketing initiatives include:

• Creating a logo to strengthen Chinatown's marketing identity
• A bilingual campaign to reposition Chinatown as friendly to English and Chinese customers
• A three year marketing plan to guide the local business community

Tourism

Chinatown is an important commercial and cultural destination for local residents and international tourists. Attracting more local, regional, and international visitors to the area is important to Chinatown's economic revitalization.

Tourism promotion initiatives include:

• Shopping tours for residents from International Village, City Gate, and Strathcona
• A resource kit designed for tour guides, to describe the products and services offered in Chinatown

Residential intensification

Residential intensification is a key goal of the Chinatown revitalization plan. New residents will create more demand for commercial services, creating business opportunities and filling empty storefronts.

Attracting new residents to Chinatown improves public safety and encourages conservation of heritage buildings by filling vacancies.

History of the area

In the 1880s Chinatown began to develop in False Creek around Carrall and Pender Streets. The community was established by Chinese immigrants who moved to Vancouver to work as industrial labourers. As the community grew, Chinatown became one of Vancouver's first commercial and residential districts.

In the 1950s the City considered running a highway through Chinatown. Vancouver residents wanted to preserve the area and avoid a highway. This strong negative reaction from the public convinced the City to abandon the idea.

In 1971 the provincial government designated both Gastown and Chinatown as historic districts.