NDP promises to revitalize Calgary’s Chinatown, UCP has doubts
The Alberta NDP promised Saturday a $1.5 million investment to revitalize Calgary’s Chinatown, but the UCP counters they are “no friend to Chinatown.”
The NDP says the announcement is part of its plan to build a better future for Calgarians.
In a release, the NDP says the funding will go towards upgrading the Chinese Cultural Centre, Sien Lok Park, and the public realm surrounding many of Chinatown’s businesses and social spaces.
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“Calgary’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in Canada and is rich with historical significance,” said Court Ellingson, Alberta NDP candidate in Calgary-Foothills. “We must support preserving the Chinese-Canadian community’s meaningful contributions to the cultural fabric of our city.”
Joe Ceci, Alberta NDP candidate for Calgary-Buffalo, says Chinatown represents a symbol of multiculturalism.
“This investment is part of our larger commitment to strengthening our communities, promoting cultural inclusivity, and ensuring all Calgarians feel welcome and supported,” Ceci said.
“By investing in Calgary’s Chinatown, the Alberta NDP is not only preserving an integral part of Alberta’s history and culture, but also paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous future.”
Alice Lam, community advocate and member of I Love Chinatown YYC, says the investment will help reduce racism.
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“The rise in anti-Asian racism has caused much stress and anxiety,” said Lam. “This funding will help connect resources to build a stronger and safer neighbourhood, and more importantly, lead the country in showing how provinces can fund initiatives that will grow and celebrate our cultural and ethnic diversity.”
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Meanwhile, the UCP released a statement accusing the NDP of neglecting the city’s iconic Chinatown.
“From 2015 to 2019, the NDP was no friend to Chinatown,” said Calgary-Foothills UCP Candidate Jason Luan.
“They also imposed a disproportionate number of drug consumption sites around Edmonton’s Chinatown, with little-to-no consultation with the community. The NDP ignored repeated cries for help from the Chinese community. This extreme density of drug consumption sites has led to Chinese businesses and families having to deal with an unreasonable amount of crime and social disorder.”
However, the UCP has promised to make Chinatown a safer place.
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“The UCP is working with Chinese communities in Alberta to help make Chinatowns safe and enjoyable again,” said Luan. “We are investing to fight back against crime and disorder, and we are providing grant funding to help Chinese business owners clean up their businesses and storefronts.”
