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| Chinatown Vancouver - Courtesy Westbank Corp |
Calgary Chinese Fight Back Development
The Chinese community came out to
protest. Many in the area are against plans for a 27-storey development in
Calgary's Chinatown. The area has one of the largest vacant lots existing. Terry
Wong, spokesman for Chinatown’s recently founded Business Revitalization Zone
stated publicly that, "Policy documents like this should be reviewed every
five years." He added, “…so it’s 25
years overdue."
Local Architect Caused the Uproar!
The developer has asked for the
removal of Chinatown’s 15-storey height restriction including rezoning for
two-thirds commercial usage when the limit is currently 50 per cent. Mr. Chugh,
the architect, says the intention is, "to contribute to the revitalization
of Chinatown by developing a significant parcel of land which has been empty
for more than 20 years." Mr. Chugh says he’s been "a bit surprised"
by the scale of the reaction.
Development Challenges 3 Zoning Regulations
According to Wong, "They’ve
requested a land-use change to allow them a broader variety of commercial use
than the land is currently zoned for." With the recent public protest the
application’s progress at City Hall has been stalled - now deferred until
December, 2016.
Needs to Feel Like China Town
Concerned business owners and
residents explain that the development poses too great a risk. According to
Wong, "They [the developers] haven’t provided the answers we’re looking
for. We’re not concerned with the process; we’re concerned with the intention."
Ensuring the neighbourhood, "feels like Chinatown," remains one of
Mr. Wong’s top priorities for Calgary.
Fears from Young and Old Alike
Older members of the community are
concerned about the new development destroying their heritage. Young Chinese
Calgarians are also showing their support. They have formed a group called I
Love YYC Chinatown to raise awareness. Sylvia Leong, one of the founding
members believes the development challenge is one being faced by all North
American Chinatowns. "There’s a need to evolve but also a need to
maintain links to the past." https://www.facebook.com/SaveCalgaryChinatown/photos/a.
This prompted a comment from one
of the news followers, "Why do the Chinese people have a problem with
integration?"
Do you feel the same? Do you
think preserving heritage is important? Are you interested in buying or selling property in Chinatown? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479
