The federal government has officially declared Vancouver’s Chinatown a National Historic Site of Canada.
Environment Minister Peter Kent and the minister responsible for Parks Canada, Jason Kenney were joined in Chinatown today by Wai Young, MP Vancouver South to make the declaration.
“Today’s designation of Vancouver’s Chinatown recognizes the significant contribution the Chinese community in Vancouver has made to the history of Canada,” said Kenney. “It is important that we sustain and recognize the culture and traditions that make Canada such a rich and diverse place.”
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“This is a tremendous honour for Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community,” said Young. “Vancouver’s Chinatown is a top tourist destination, and we are very pleased to have this tremendous honour bestowed upon our City.”
Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America. The neighbourhood has been struggling to revitalize itself in recent years, as customers were drawn to new Asian shopping centres in the suburbs. The neighbourhood’s proximity to the Downtown Eastside has also contributed to its recent decline.
In recent years, several new businesses have set up shop and many original association buildings have been restored. The neighbourhood is home to some of the most expensive accommodation in the city in a restored building called “The Keefer.” Suites there rent for $700 a night and up.
The City of Vancouver recently increased residential building heights in the neighbourhood in an effort to help revitalize the area. Neighbouring Gastown is already a National Historic Site of Canada.
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