Ep. 110: Vancouver's Chinatown Is An Endangered Community
Guest: Carol Lee, Chinatown Foundation
"We’re on the cusp of losing one of Vancouver’s treasures."
That is according to Carol Lee of the Chinatown Foundation. She points out, "Chinatown was established over 130 years ago and has had a big influence on who we are."
At first it was the only place Chinese people were allowed to live. It grew into a dynamic centre of innovation, determination and entrepreneurialism. In the late 80s, property values in Chinatown were topping the Vancouver charts. Today it is a neighbourhood in transition.
Lee says, "It’s a transition that we need to manage – one that respects the irreplaceable history of the area, reflects the values of the people that it forged and, at the same time, accommodates the natural development process. One that will respect the unique character of the neighbourhood."
