Opinion: Edmonton's Chinatown Gate will honour the past, welcome the future

Chinatown is more than a neighbourhood. It is a place shaped by many histories, communities, and generations of people who have contributed to Edmonton’s story. Located in the centre of the city, Chinatown exists on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ongoing lands of many Indigenous peoples. Its history is also shaped by Chinese Canadians, [...]

Chinatown is more than a neighbourhood. It is a place shaped by many histories, communities, and generations of people who have contributed to Edmonton’s story. Located in the centre of the city, Chinatown exists on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ongoing lands of many Indigenous peoples.

Its history is also shaped by Chinese Canadians, as well as many immigrants, newcomers, residents, and communities who have lived, worked, and built connections in this neighbourhood over generations. That is why we support moving forward with the replacement of Edmonton’s Chinatown Gate. Recent public discussion about the proposed gate replacement has suggested there is broad opposition to the project.

While questions and concerns deserve to be heard, this does not represent the full range of perspectives within our community. Support for restoring the Chinatown Gate is shared by many across Edmonton. More than 100 residents, businesses, organizations, and community members have signed an open letter supporting the replacement of the gate and recognizing its importance as a cultural landmark.

The removal of the original Chinatown Gate in 2017 was deeply felt by many. The gate was more than a physical structure at the entrance of Chinatown. It represented identity, memory, resilience, and the contributions of Chinese Canadians who have helped shape this city.

Removing the gate was like removing the front cover of a community’s history book. The story remains, but it becomes harder for people to see, recognize, and remember. Replacing the gate helps restore that story in public view and reminds current and future generations that Chinese Canadian history is an important part of Edmonton’s broader history.

At the same time, Chinatown’s story is not a single story. It is a place where many histories meet — Indigenous histories, immigrant experiences, working-class histories, business communities, cultural traditions, and the ongoing lives of residents who continue to shape the neighbourhood today. Recognizing the gate does not diminish these histories; it is part of acknowledging the many layers of identity, connection, and belonging that make Chinatown meaningful.

The City of Edmonton’s 2023 commitment to pursue a replacement gate was an important acknowledgement of the cultural loss experienced by many. Honouring this commitment would demonstrate that Edmonton values the histories and contributions of its diverse communities and understands the role cultural landmarks play in creating a sense of place. We also recognize that Chinatown faces significant challenges, including public safety, economic revitalization, business support, housing, and social well-being.

These issues require attention and action. However, cultural preservation and revitalization are not competing priorities — they are both essential to building a healthy, inclusive, and vibrant city. A landmark cannot solve every challenge facing a neighbourhood, but it can strengthen identity, create a welcoming sense of place, and support community renewal.

The Chinatown Gate can serve as a visible reminder of the many people and histories that have contributed to this place. Supporting the gate replacement does not mean everyone must agree on every detail. Community members may have different views about design, materials, consultation, cost, or implementation.

Those conversations are valuable and should continue. A strong community makes room for different perspectives while working toward shared goals. Moving forward with the Chinatown Gate project is not about looking backward.

It is about recognizing the many histories that have shaped this neighbourhood and ensuring they remain visible as Chinatown continues to evolve. A renewed Chinatown Gate can stand as a symbol of resilience, connection, and belonging — honouring the past while welcoming the future. Lee Luc, on behalf of the Chinatown Gate Open Letter Organizing Committee.

I am a co-founder of Aiya Collective, a member of Chinatown Friends, a cultural worker, artist, and writer whose work engages with Chinatown histories, communities, and the significance of Chinatown Gates. Aiya Collective was formed in response to the removal of the original Chinatown Gate in 2017 and has continued to explore questions of cultural memory, place, and belonging in Chinatown. Letters welcome We invite you to write letters to the editor.

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