Calgary Chinatown BIA says lack of progress on cultural plan 'frustrating'

More than three years after city council signed off on a cultural plan for Calgary's Chinatown, the head of the community's business improvement area says little has been done to revitalize the neighbourhood.

"I think the plan has been put on the shelf and nothing really got done," said Grace Su, chair of the Chinatown BIA. The previous city council passed the Tomorrow's Chinatown plan in December 2022, a first-of-its-kind program that included area redevelopment plans and directives to ensure Chinatown is a vibrant and culturally rich spot for years to come.

Su said there has been some signs of progress, like the creation of the Chinatown Working Group. But she said that's been "a drop in the bucket" compared to what the community needs.

"At this stage, we just want to work with the new council and say 'hey, the plan that's been ready since 2022 — can we roll up our sleeves and work together on this?'" said Su.

Su says there are number of beautification projects that could use funding, like added landmarks and lighting, alongside more programming and activations.

Su says they want to see work done on Centre Street to make it more walkable for pedestrians. Walkability is an issue that business owner Nhi Tran agrees needs to be addressed.

Tran co-owns two cocktail bars in the neighbourhood, Paper Lantern and Prosperity Bar. She hears from customers who make it a point to visit her establishments, but otherwise might not spend much time walking through Chinatown.

"It's a neighbourhood that could use some revitalization, making it a bit more walkable, having more parking," Tran said.

Other cities have invested in their own Chinatowns in recent years. The City of Edmonton allocated half a million annually for 2025 and 2026 to fund a Chinatown vibrancy campaign, while Vancouver's Chinatown has received millions in funding from all three levels of government.

Su had praise for Calgary's new council and Mayor Jeromy Farkas, and said talks with them so far have been productive. But she said "it's been frustrating" to see the plan stalled.

"We've been very compromising, or patient you can say in a nice way, but maybe we should have been more assertive," she said.

In a statement, Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson said Chinatown is a vital part of Calgary's downtown that needs updated attention, particularly when it comes to pedestrian safety.

"Our office has requested an update on the status of Tomorrow’s Chinatown, the 30-year plan, because long-term vision and near-term safety improvements must go hand in hand," Atksinson said.