‘Changing the narrative’: City council hears from community on further Chinatown improvements

Edmonton city councillors heard firsthand from Chinatown residents on Wednesday how the Chinatown revitalization project is going. Jeremy Thompson reports.

Edmonton city council has unanimously passed a motion Wednesday which looks to further build on Chinatown revitalization efforts that have been ongoing for the past several years.

Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang put forth three separate motions for the area which would ask administration to submit reports on options for street clean-up programs, housing incentives and the improvement or removal of the 97 Street bridge.

Tang says she’s seeing continued interest from the community – including in the extensive committee hearing Wednesday – in infrastructural updates, like the bridge, as well as a program to encourage housing in the area – which the city is already undertaking adjacent to Chinatown in the downtown core.

Her other focus, she says, is the overall “look and feel” of the street.

“I think it’s no secret, when you go to Chinatown, you see the opioid crisis smack in your face,” she told reporters Wednesday.

“I also hope these conversations will further encourage the provincial government to really come to the table and really show us the progress they’re committing to when it comes to recovery, to mental health, to addiction, to housing.”

Jackson Ho, the executive treasurer of the Chinatown Business Improvement Association (CBIA), was at council Wednesday to give the organization’s input.

“Some of these motions, I think, are very positive; it puts administration to task to address some of these ongoing issues. I think that’s very positive. Cleanliness and sense of safety is obviously still an issue,” he said on Wednesday.

Four years ago, Chinatown made headlines for the deaths of two men who were beaten in separate, unprovoked incidents. Those deaths catalyzed calls for initiatives to revitalize Chinatown.

Justin Bone is currently standing trial for the accused killings. The court case began this January.

“Everybody wants to feel safe and be safe,” Ho said. “It’s an ongoing challenge that we as a Chinatown community (are) investing our time and effort into making sure that we’re changing the narrative.”

Where is the money going?

City administration has been collaborating with groups like the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative and the CBIA since 2023 in efforts to improve visitor numbers, business opportunities and housing developments.

Council had previously approved $480,000 annually in 2025 and 2026 through its Chinatown Vibrancy Fund and plans to bump that spending up to an even half million per year in the next four-year budget cycle.

• Next round of Chinatown revitalization funding now open to applications

Previous funding through the years was used on a range of improvements, from security upgrades to yearly festivals, murals and community events.

That funding, Mayor Andrew Knack says, has palpable results.

“I think about going there four or five years ago, particularly during COVID-19, and it felt less vibrant than it does today … You are seeing activity in a way that didn’t exist a number of years ago and that is a testament to the businesses that are doing the work,” he said.

In the last two years, groups looking to improve Chinatown’s perception and day-to-day popularity have created 28 projects, from food tours to cultural experiences and festivals, with the help of the city’s funding.

“This has all been important work. We’re seeing that progress. I really encourage more people to go down, because it’s amazing. You can get some great meals. There are some great opportunities to enjoy great experiences,” Knack said.

He also noted that council may look to contracting out for regular street clean ups in the new budget.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Jeremy Thompson