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By WENDY MCLELLAN, May 10, 2016
Development pressure in Vancouver is threatening landmark buildings as well as three vibrant neighbourhoods, earning them places on a new “Top 10 Watch List” released by Heritage Vancouver. Read more …
East Georgia Street, in Vancouver’s Chinatown. ARLEN REDEKOP / PNG FILES
By ERIC SZETO, May 11, 2016
As an activist for many years on behalf of Chinatown seniors and cultural issues, I believe the most recent development proposal for 105 Keefer Street, across from the Chinese Cultural Centre and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Chinese Garden, presents a positive balance of social and economic as well as cultural benefits for this community. Read more …
April 29, 2016. Architectural rendering of the Beedie Group’s proposed new development at 105 Keefer at Columbia in Vancouver’s Chinatown. This is the third version of the development which has been submitted. For a John Mackie story. [PNG Merlin Archive] SCD / PNG
By HATTY LIU in Vancouver(China Daily Canada)
From a controversy in January over a 12-storey condo development to the remodelling of the world’s narrowest building, the preservation of Vancouver Chinatown’s heritage in a growing city is posing big questions for the neighbourhood’s leaders and residents. Read more …
“The world’s narrowest broom closet”, the historic and newly renovated Jack Chow Insurance building in Vancouver’s Chinatown, is scheduled to re-open to the public soon. JACK CHOW / FOR CHINA DAILY
By JIM BYERS, 26 February 2016
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Judy Lam Maxwell is leading me on a tour of Chinatown in her hometown. The topic turns to Chinese immigration to Canada and the political scene 150 years ago. Read more…
Opinion by Melissa Fong, Feb 23, 2016
Isn’t all of Vancouver becoming Chinatown?
The idea that the city is one large Chinatown is commonly heard in discussions about the need to save the historic district. But the neighbourhood is distinct and it matters. It is for everyone, and, contrary to popular belief, it is probably more Canadian than any other part of the city. Read more…
BY JOHNATKIN
Inserting new structures into older urban environments can be tricky. The rhythm of the street and its storefronts, sidewalk width, building height etc. all play a role in the success of any new building. But then, despite the best of intentions from the planners, it fails at a certain level. Read more…
By Vanessa Saw
Raised by traditional Chinese parents, I’ve always passed Chinese New Years with friends and family. Even with a strong cultural influence growing up, I’m embarrassed to admit having asked Google to explain what “Chinese New Year” is. Having celebrated this holiday nineteen times, I thought I’d have a plethora of information and heart warming experiences to share with readers. Read more…
Photo by Carole Browne
By Shelby Thom
Activists fighting to preserve Vancouver’s historic Chinatown say they are frustrated and disappointed, after the City of Vancouver approved a contentious condo development at East Hastings and Gore. Read more…
Artist’s rendering of the proposed development at 288 East Hastings (East Hastings at Gore St.)
Regarding the proposed development on 105 Keefer St and 544 Columbia St, Heritage Vancouver submitted following letter to City Council to express its concern over the project.
Premier Christy Clark was recognized by Vancouver’s Lions Clubs with the Medal of Merit Award because of the province’s initiatives to formally apologize to early Chinese Canadians who were discriminated against through government policies. An Endowment Fund was established to protect Chinatown’s heritage buildings and to assist in revitalizing the neighborhood.
The Vancouver Evergreen Lions Club and Vancouver Campus Lions Club hosted the Medal of Merit award presentation ceremony and dinner. Also present was philanthropist and former UBC Chancellor Robert H. Lee, who was one of the sponsors of the evening. The ceremony was held last night at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown; Chinese community leaders had a chance to congregate in elegant attire.
Additionally, Dr. Wally Chung introduced the medal’s origins, and pointed out that although Premier Christy Clark’s apology to those Chinese Canadians who were treated unfairly can be seen as merely symbolic, it is also immensely meaningful. It is the foundation upon which harmony and forgiveness will be built. Chinese people can be proud of their ancestors and no longer look to the past with sadness and regret.
After receiving the award, Premier Clark stated that early Chinese Canadians might find all the accomplishments and public recognition of today’s Chinese Canadians in British Columbia hard to believe. And China will soon become our province’s greatest trade partner. This Lions Club medal is the highest award bestowed upon a non-member.
She also noted that today’s voices opposing immigration are similar to those many years ago who were against immigrants from China, stripping away their rights and freedoms. We all have a responsibility to speak out against these people. Premier Clark believes that Canada is only such a strong country because of its ability to welcome immigrants from all parts of the world.
Apart from the award presentation of Premier Clark yesterday evening, the event was also a fundraiser for the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to recognize and revive the significant historical background of Chinatown, at the same time promoting culturally sensitive economic development, so as to preserve our cultural heritage. A portion of proceeds also benefit the various charitable causes of the Lions Clubs.
After introducing the Foundation to event attendees, Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, announced the establishment of the Chinatown Revitalization Endowment Fund, which received generous support from philanthropists such as Robert H. Lee. She believed that it would be near impossible to protect Chinatown without an initiative such as this.
According to the City’s estimates, $36 million is required to repair Chinatown’s society buildings alone.