The emblematic Chinatown arches are reportedly going to be under scaffolding for three months longer than originally expected, dulling the glow of what was once one of Montreal’s big draws.
As people huddled beneath umbrellas and dodged puddles Thursday afternoon, several “for rent” signs were easily visible in abandoned storefronts – the arches symbolic of a neighbourhood some say is in dire need of a makeover.
Business owner Jennifer Taing agrees.
Garbage was also visible on the sidewalk in a neighbourhood that is not only smack in the city’s downtown core but a stone’s throw from city hall.
But litter is only one of many obstacles.
“One problem we see?” said XiXi Li, the executive director of Chinese Family Services of Greater Montreal:
“Parking is difficult in Chinatown, and rents are high.”
Li said she wishes the city would take steps to bring more services to Chinatown, and perhaps revamp it entirely.
There are about 100,000 people of Chinese descent living in the city of Montreal.
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