Colinfill
Active Member
I think the opposition to the proposal is in large part due to the likely gentrification of Chinatown, which has already happened to many Chinatowns across North America. The fear is that shiny new condo towers bring about more shiny new condo towers. This drives out the low-income and seniors that currently call Chinatown home, which has helped form the unique culture that has resided in this area for the past 100 years. Some may call it grungy and run down, but Chinatown is one of the few areas in the CBD where you actually see people on weeknights and weekends.
I understand where the fear comes from but I think we certainly need to strike a balance whereby we see development and progress of Chinatown while preserving the vibrancy that exists today. The truth is that Chinatown has lost its way due to urban sprawl and the shifting of Asian themed shopping areas northwards along Centre Street where many immigrants now call home. The construction of condos to attract younger demographics and hotels to bring it tourists is the right step to ensure that Chinatown exists for another 100 years. An emphasis on retail is critical to maintain Chinatown as a destination in the city and I'm glad to see the proposals include a lot of consideration for wandering streets and a variety of storefronts and restaurants. It seems to me that there has been a lot of thought put in by P+W to integrate this building as best as possible into Chinatown and I really hope that it starts gaining more support.
I understand where the fear comes from but I think we certainly need to strike a balance whereby we see development and progress of Chinatown while preserving the vibrancy that exists today. The truth is that Chinatown has lost its way due to urban sprawl and the shifting of Asian themed shopping areas northwards along Centre Street where many immigrants now call home. The construction of condos to attract younger demographics and hotels to bring it tourists is the right step to ensure that Chinatown exists for another 100 years. An emphasis on retail is critical to maintain Chinatown as a destination in the city and I'm glad to see the proposals include a lot of consideration for wandering streets and a variety of storefronts and restaurants. It seems to me that there has been a lot of thought put in by P+W to integrate this building as best as possible into Chinatown and I really hope that it starts gaining more support.