Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan

Summary

• Council is asked to approve in principle a Draft Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan addressing urgent neighbourhood needs including cleaning, graffiti removal, placemaking, and community supports.
• The plan responds to a November 2022 Council resolution and is structured around three work streams: cleaning and sanitation, graffiti abatement and placemaking, and community supports.
• Chinatown has faced compounding pressures in recent years including COVID-19 impacts, rising anti-Asian racism, and increased vandalism and safety concerns affecting businesses, residents, and cultural organizations.
• Staff do not recommend changes to the Graffiti, Solid Waste, or Ticket Offences by-laws (e.g., waiving fines for property owners), as those by-laws apply city-wide and could have unintended consequences elsewhere; alternative supports such as non-enforcement and graffiti removal assistance are proposed instead.
• Funding for the action plan initiatives is to be considered as part of the 2023 operating budget process, with implementation targeting Q2 2023 and a progress report back to Council in Q4 2023.
• Coordination will be overseen by the City Manager's Office, bringing together multiple City departments, the Vancouver Police Department, the Chinatown BIA, the Chinese Community Policing Centre, and other community organizations.

Vote

Documents

• Report – Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan