January 16, 2025
Community organizations in Chinatown will receive extra funding to support meaningful projects in their neighbourhood thanks to ongoing contributions from the City of Edmonton’s Chinatown Vibrancy Fund. The grant program will invest an additional $480,000 per year in 2025 and 2026 to support community projects to help build a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive Chinatown.
“We want to uplift and celebrate all of the incredible things that Chinatown has to offer, both as a historic hub and economic driver in our city,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “That means investing in community-led projects and events that create momentum and have a lasting impact on this dynamic neighbourhood."
The fund launched in April 2024, dedicating $480,000 towards over
a dozen projects, including Van Bloc Party, Chinatown Dining Week, Chinatown After Dark and the Edmonton Dragon Festival.
“The Chinatown Vibrancy Grant made the Van Bloc Party possible, creating an event unlike anything our community has seen before,” said Wilson Wong, co-owner of Van Loc. “It brought Edmontonians of all ages and backgrounds back to Chinatown, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that celebrated our shared culture and connection. We are dedicated to revitalizing Edmonton's Chinatown by inspiring growth and renewal from within.”
The City invites community groups and organizations to apply for this new funding. Project proposals should demonstrate how they increase vibrancy in Chinatown and align with one of the four development pillars of the Chinatown Strategy, a plan focused on Chinatown’s economic development. The pillars include goals to:
- Improve sense of safety and security
- Focus on economic development
- Celebrate Chinatown as a destination
- Enhance built form and landmarks
“The Chinatown Vibrancy Fund has been very successful in furthering many of the events, art and cultural projects that make Chinatown a destination for all Edmontonians,” said Brett Latchford, Director of Strategy and Emerging Economy. “After funding over a dozen projects in 2024, we’re excited to see what new ideas the community has for creating an even more vibrant and dynamic neighbourhood in the years to come.”
In addition to the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, the City has invested over $1 million towards post-pandemic recovery efforts in Chinatown and over $40 million towards neighbourhood infrastructure improvements. The Chinatown Transformation Collaborative is receiving an investment of $1.2 million over four years to support the implementation of the Chinatown Strategy.
To apply or find more information about the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, visit
edmonton.ca/Chinatown. There is no minimum or maximum amount for individual projects, and applications will close on February 28.
www.eatyegchinatown.ca
