Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee

The committee works to preserve and protect the heritage and character of the historic Chinatown area. 

Online meetings

We've transitioned to virtual advisory body meetings. These meetings are convened by electronic means as authorized by Ministerial Order No. M192, Local Government Meetings and By-law Process Order No. 3.

In 2025, virtual meetings will be transitioning from Cisco WebEx Events to MS Teams Webinar. No software download is required. A link to join the virtual meeting will be posted 24 to 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Following the meeting, minutes will be posted online and can be found in the ‘Meetings’ tab below.

Next meeting: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:30pm

Join the meeting

Join by phone (audio only)

  • Phone: +1-604-665-6000
  • Enter the conference ID when prompted: 800 716 537# 

Consent - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

By attending this meeting, you are aware that personal information, such as video recording and transcription, may be collected and disclosed via the Teams Meetings platform used by the City of Vancouver for managing meetings under the authority of s.26(c) of FIPPA. Questions can be emailed to the Director, ATIP at privacy@vancouver.ca or through 311.

Terms of reference

The committee works to preserve and protect the heritage and character of the Chinatown area (zones HA-1 and HA-1A) by:

  • Advising the Director of Planning on matters relating to Chinatown
  • Working with all City departments to develop and implement policies and programs that affect Chinatown

Meeting frequency

Meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30pm, except in August. Meetings are currently being held virtually until further notice (the meeting link will be posted for a scheduled meeting).

Time commitment

Monthly meetings last about 3 hours each. Members may also serve on subcommittees which are formed from time to time. Preparation for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

Member may miss no more than four consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the committee. Membership will be terminated following the fourth such absence.

Membership

The committee consists of 13 members from the following groups:

  • Architectural Institute of British Columbia (two members)
  • Chinatown Merchants Association (two members)
  • Chinatown property owners (two members)
  • Chinese Cultural Centre (one member)
  • Chinese Benevolent Association (one member)
  • Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society (one member)
  • Heritage Vancouver (one member)
  • Planning Institute of British Columbia (one member)
  • SUCCESS (one member)
  • Member-at-large (one member)

Membership of the committee will be inclusive of low income residents.

Members are appointed by City Council for 1-year and 2-year terms. A newly-elected Council may reappoint members in a 1-year term for an additional year. No member may serve more than 4 years.

Terms expiring December 31, 2025 (or until successors are appointed):

  • Lisa Jones (Architectural Institute of British Columbia)

Terms expiring November 1, 2026 (or until successors are appointed):

  • Calvin Chen (Vancouver Chinatown merchants association)
  • Ross Lam (Vancouver Chinatown merchants association)
  • Grace Lee (member-at-large)
  • Shirley Shen (Architectual Institute of British Columbia)
  • Tate Zhang ( Planning Institute of British Columbia)

Liaisons

  • City Council: Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung
  • Park Board: TBA
  • Vancouver School Board: TBA
  • Staff: Helen Lee, Heritage Planner

Meetings, agendas, and minutes

Resources for Civic Agency members

Chinatown regulations

Regulations that preserve and protect the historic fabric of Chinatown

Contact us

Email: chapc@vancouver.ca

Staff contact
Helen Lee
Heritage Planner
Phone: 604-829-9477