Vancouver’s Chinatown seeing change 1 year after delegation to San Francisco brought back ideas

Community engagement and involvement have really pivoted Chinatown’s direction, according to Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Const. Howard Chow.

One year after a Vancouver delegation returned from a trip south of the border to examine the revitalization of San Francisco’s Chinatown, the police and business leaders involved say the lessons learned are leading to progress back home.

Community engagement have really pivoted Chinatown’s direction, according to Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Const. Howard Chow, who said the neighbourhood’s vibrancy is returning with more people – including tourists – on the streets.

“The whole of community have stepped up and sent a message that it’s safe to come to Chinatown,” Chow told Global News in an interview.

San Francisco’s Chinatown struggled with some of the same safety issues Vancouver’s Chinatown is battling, but was able to bounce back with significant community investment.

The oldest Chinatown in North America is now known for its beautified laneways, bustling streets, graffiti removal within 24 to 48 hours, and a sense of safety.

Community leaders in Vancouver’s Chinatown want to build on that, and their efforts are getting the support of the ABC majority city council and different levels of government.

“The biggest change is that we’ve got a really positive vibe in the neighbourhood,” said Vancouver Chinatown BIA president Jordan Eng. “There’s a real sense of relief that the council has taken on Chinatown.”

While the city has increased cleaning and garbage removal, complex social issues from the Downtown Eastside are still spilling into Chinatown, which saw mini encampments appear over the Labour Day long weekend.