Vancouver unveils Lilian To Way, its first street named after a Chinese-Canadian

Vancouver's Shanghai Alley is getting a new name and becoming the first street in the city named after a Chinese-Canadian.

New street signs were unveiled today on the Chinatown street, now known as Lilian To Way. To was a longtime advocate for immigrant rights and multiculturalism in Vancouver. She passed away in 2005.

"This is a rare occasion and a great occasion for our city," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson at the event, which was kicked off by traditional Chinese lion dances.

"It's so appropriate that it is Lilian To given the amazing work that she did."

Robertson strongly commended the work of theVancouver-basedimmigrant services non-profit,SUCCESS, where To was the CEO for nearly three decades.

"Lilianwas the one who grew the organization from a small initiative into the multi-service, multi-lingual,international organizationthat it is today," Robertson said.

"I've heard many stories over the years in my time as mayor about Lilian'sdedication and her selflessness."

SUCCESS executivedirector Queenie Chooalsospoke fondly of To's tireless work for the organization.

"I believe Lilianhad walked Shanghai Alley thousands of times, and most likely the sidewalk we're standing on still hasher size 5 shoe prints on them," Choo said.

Robertson said the campaign to renamethe street began 10years ago as a motion put forward by Coun. Raymond Louie.