Report on the Rejuvenation of Vancouver’s Chinatown and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Vancouver is internationally recognized as one of the best cities to live in, celebrated for its multiculturalism and inclusivity. Recently, there has been a focused effort to rejuvenate the city’s historic neighbourhoods, with Chinatown being a prominent example. Originally established in the 1880s by Chinese labourers along Carrall and Pender Street, Chinatown was historically a hub of small businesses owned by Chinese families. Despite its rich cultural heritage, it was long considered one of Vancouver’s poorest areas.

Urban Development and Gentrification in Chinatown

Currently, Chinatown is undergoing significant transformation, emerging as an up-and-coming neighbourhood characterized by new fashion stores, trendy cafes, and rising condominium developments. This process of gentrification is associated with urban development goals such as:

1. Provision of high-quality housing
2. Increased employment opportunities
3. Expansion of business prospects

These outcomes align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

However, gentrification also presents challenges such as rising rents and unequal distribution of benefits, often leading to the displacement of lower-income residents and long-standing businesses. This raises concerns regarding:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (in terms of inclusive urban governance)

Voices from the Community

A short video-documentary was produced to capture diverse perspectives within Chinatown. Interviews with various business owners revealed mixed impacts of the neighbourhood’s transformation:

• Increased foot traffic and patronage at local stores and restaurants
• Rising rents causing displacement of businesses that have operated for decades

This highlights the tension between economic development and social equity, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches that uphold the rights and livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Multiculturalism

Maintaining Vancouver’s reputation as a multicultural city requires prioritizing the preservation of cultural heritage amid urban development. Key considerations include:

• Protecting historical and cultural landmarks
• Ensuring economic growth does not marginalize vulnerable communities
• Promoting inclusivity and equal support for all inhabitants

These efforts directly support:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, focusing on inclusive and sustainable urbanization
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by preventing displacement and fostering social inclusion
• SDG 4: Quality Education, through cultural awareness and community engagement

Conclusion

The rejuvenation of Vancouver’s Chinatown presents both opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainable urban development. Aligning this transformation with the Sustainable Development Goals requires a commitment to inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and social equity. By doing so, Vancouver can continue to embody the principles of multiculturalism and inclusivity that define its identity.

Project Information

This project was developed for CMNS 432 under the guidance of Daniel Ahadi.

Team Members

• Sho Yamamoto – Creative Direction, Interview, and Script
• Polina Mamont – Videographer, Editor, and Producer
• Santiago Matilla – Sound and Script
• Andrea Ton – Marketing and Communications
• Sophie Turner – Marketing and Communications

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses urban development, gentrification, and the rejuvenation of Vancouver’s Chinatown, which directly relates to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The displacement of lower-income populations due to rising rents and unequal distribution of development benefits highlights issues of inequality within urban settings.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • References to increased employment and business opportunities through urban development connect to promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The emphasis on preserving cultural heritage and inclusivity relates to promoting inclusive societies and protecting cultural identities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (related to displacement and housing affordability).
   • Number of cultural heritage sites preserved or protected within urban areas.
   • Measures of inclusive urban planning and participation of local communities in development decisions.
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Income growth of the bottom 40% of the population compared to the national average (to assess inequality and displacement effects).
   • Proportion of population reporting discrimination or exclusion.
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Number of new businesses established and employment rates in the rejuvenated neighbourhood.
   • Rate of decent work opportunities created.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Level of community participation in urban development projects.
   • Measures of cultural inclusivity and preservation in policy implementation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sfu.ca