Advertisement

Edmonton’s Chinatown business closures and economic recovery concerns for area association

Click to play video: 'Edmonton’s Chinatown business closures, economic recovery a concern for area association'
Edmonton’s Chinatown business closures, economic recovery a concern for area association
New numbers from Edmonton's Chinatown and Area Business Association show just how devastating the pandemic has been on businesses in Edmonton's Chinatown. Since the start of the pandemic, approximately thirty businesses were forced to permanently shut down and for those able to survive they fear a long recovery. Chris Chacon reports. – Jun 16, 2021

New numbers from Edmonton’s Chinatown and Area Business Association show just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic has been on businesses in the area.

Since the start of the pandemic, approximately 30 businesses in Edmonton’s Chinatown were forced to permanently shut down.

“Before the pandemic we had 150 businesses in Chinatown, in our association but now we estimate we have 120 left that survived so far,” Chinatown and Area Business Association Executive Director Wen Wang said.

After more than a year of temporary closures, mounting bills and COVID-19 uncertainty, Dynasty Century Palace Restaurant is once again welcoming customers inside.

“It’s exciting to hear voices other than just me and my staff,” owner Thang Ly said.

Story continues below advertisement

The restaurant is one of many businesses in Chinatown that has barely managed to remain open.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“I did whatever I could to survive through this pandemic,” Ly said.

READ MORE: Coronavirus fears trigger up to 50% drop in business in Edmonton’s Chinatown

Wang said many businesses struggled even before COVID-19 due to visitors feeling unsafe and a lack of beautification in the area.

“All businesses are suffering but we are special, we’re unique, no other businesses have been hit like we did,” Wang said.

He said looser restrictions are promising, but if social issues don’t change, more businesses will be at risk of closing.

“Chinatown is a part of our heritage. We have a long history, around 100 years in Edmonton, but we are worried how many Chinese businesses will survive in the next few years,” Wang said.

“Shutting down, opening, shutting down, opening, the last year and a half was really, really tough, but I do personally think we’re going to stay open from now on,” Ly said.

READ MORE: ‘Support them or lose them’: Chinatowns across Canada grapple with coronavirus fears

While Ly is hopeful this will be his last reopening, he said getting back to pre-pandemic levels will take time.

Story continues below advertisement

As for Wang, he said more security in Chinatown and financial supports are needed to give businesses a fighting chance.

Click to play video: 'Canadian Chinatowns calling for federal plan'
Canadian Chinatowns calling for federal plan

Sponsored content

AdChoices