The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies
Chinatown has been an integral part of the social, cultural, and commercial fabric of Vancouver for over 135 years. It has also been a special destination for thousands of tourists keen to experience the kindness, hospitality, and rich history of this community.
Supporting safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions is key to fostering vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Like many tourism-dependant neighbourhoods across Canada, Vancouver's Chinatown is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enjoy new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $1.8 million through PacifiCan's Tourism Relief Fund to support the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation's initiative to revitalize the city's historic Chinatown.
Over $1.3 million of the total investment will be used to modernize iconic neighborhood buildings, including the Chinese Cultural Centre, Chinatown Storytelling Centre and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Gardens, with new lighting, signage, and other improvements.
The remaining funding will be used to expand the Light Up Chinatown festival, held annually for two days in September in celebration of Vancouver's Chinatown community. In 2022, the festival drew an estimated 10,000 visitors to the neighbourhood. This investment will help the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation introduce new programs and infrastructure for the 2023 festival.
This funding will help bring new energy to Chinatown by helping the community maintain hundreds of jobs, create up to 50 jobs for underrepresented groups, and attract up to 10,000 domestic and international visitors.
