The history of Chinatowns across North America is a unique example of how geographical spaces can serve as both protective enclaves and as segregated spaces of oppression. Canada’s policies of limiting Chinese immigration not only affected the ability of Chinese labourers to establish foundational roots in Vancouver, but also had a negative impact on the role and treatment of Asian women in Vancouver.

In spite of the racist intentions influencing their creation, Chinatowns provided social, economic and political mechanisms that enabled Chinese immigrants to be self-sustaining and thrive. These spaces, their communities, and structures, exist today as part of the built-heritage and intangible cultural heritage of the city, a fact that must be carefully considered when planning significant transformations to these cultural spaces.

Our current municipal government’s urban planning policies are a catalyst in the gentrification of Vancouver’s Chinatown. These policies capitalize on the cultural heritage built by Chinatown while ignoring the negative impacts of destroying current existing networks and communities, forcing migration of current residents and residents denied access to services and collective spaces.

In honour of our heritage and the contributions of Asian peoples in Canada, the Asian Women for Equality Society is hosting a panel that will examine how we create and protect equitable access to the space that makes up our city, our community, and our Chinatown.

Doors open at 6:10 pm, panel begins at 6:30 pm.

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