Vancouver’s Chinatown seeing change 6 months after new mayor elected on revitalization pledge

“There’s a lot less chaos on our streets,” said Tracy To, a second generation owner-operator of Forum Home Appliances.

More than six months since Vancouver voters elected a new mayor who promised to prioritize Chinatown and public safety, residents and business owners are seeing some improvements.

“There’s a lot less chaos on our streets,” said Tracy To, a second generation owner-operator of Forum Home Appliances.

“Our streets are much cleaner than what they used to be. They’re much safer than what they used to be, now we just need people to come.”

Dollar Meat Store owner Joey Wong, whose family business has been in Chinatown for 52 years, said he’s hopeful more change is on the way.

“Overall Chinatown has been cleaner than it was, but there’s still room for improvement.”

The community which struggled with crime, street disorder and anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, is seeing the early results of the ABC majority council’s $2.2 million Chinatown Action Plan to help revitalize the area, with a focus on cleaning and sanitation.

“I’m finally happy to see our tax money is spent on our community now,” New Town Bakery owner Susanna Ng said.

“Our voice has been heard now.”