The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation announced a $1.8 million investment from the Government of Canada to revitalize the city’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood. The funding will support infrastructure improvements within the neighbourhood, illuminating iconic cultural landmarks and enhancing tourism experiences.
The funds will support the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s mission to drive the economic, cultural, and physical revitalization of Chinatown, one of Vancouver’s most historic and culturally significant neighbourhoods while preserving its irreplaceable cultural heritage.
The federal funding will support the enhancement of iconic neighbourhood buildings, including the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Millennium Gate, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Gardens, with new lighting, signage, and other improvements.
“On behalf of the Vancouver Chinatown community, we extend our gratitude to Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and the Government of Canada for their support in the revitalization of this historic neighbourhood, said Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “Chinatown is home to many legacy, new, and small businesses and organizations that rely on tourism as an economic driver. Through infrastructure and cultural landmark enhancements and celebrations of our Chinese Canadian identities, the investment from PacifiCan will reignite a once thriving tourism industry in this neighbourhood.”
This investment will also go toward expanding the Light Up Chinatown! festival, held annually for two days in September in celebration of Vancouver’s Chinatown community. Each year, Light Up Chinatown! illuminates the streets of Chinatown with lanterns and features outdoor performances, traditional food tastings and other family-friendly activities. Last year, the Light Up Chinatown! festival drew over 8,000 visitors to the neighbourhood.
“Tourism is an important contributor to the economic sustainability of the neighbourhood and to its cultural attractions,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO of Destination Vancouver. “At Destination Vancouver, we want to see Chinatown, not just survive, but to thrive and overcome the recent challenges that the neighbourhood has experienced.”
