B.C. puts $2.2 million into Vancouver Chinatown revitalization

VICTORIA — The Government of British Columbia has announced a $2.2 million investment in the revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.

According to a news release, the funds will go to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation for storefront and neon sign restoration, lighting upgrades for area businesses and infrastructure upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre.

Vancouver’s Chinatown is more than a century old and is considered the largest Chinatown neighbourhood in the entire country.

The investment comes on top of more than $50 million in previous investments from the province for revitalization efforts and the creation of Canada’s first Chinese Canadian Museum.

Jordan Eng, president of the Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society, said the neighbourhood is “the heart and soul of the Chinese community and represents the toil and sacrifice of earlier generations that allow us to enjoy the lifestyle we have today.

“This funding acknowledges the importance of Chinatown and will help support businesses today and give the next generation hope that people and governments genuinely do care about Chinatown and its future.”