New developments in Vancouver's Chinatown leave residents concerned about heritage

New buildings in Vancouver's Chinatown are prompting concern among residents about the changing character of the historic neighbourhood.

After nearly 35 years, Chinese Herbs Enterprises is moving from its East Hastings Street location. Developer Wall Financial is demolishing the building the iconic store has been operating in since it opened,along with the one next to it.

In its place, a new development will be built that includes social and rental housing, along with some retail space.

"It sucks," said Dominic Lai, speaking on behalf of thestore.

"The Chinatownthat we have now looks a bit likeChinatown, it feels likeChinatown, you see people walking around, but by no means is it theChinatownI remember frombefore."

Lai says he's not against redevelopment, but wishes it happened in a different way.

"The buildings need work, but at the same time it has to be done in a way that respects there are people living here," he said. "It's not just empty space for someone to come and build whatever they want."

Luckily for Chinese Herbs Enterprises, the store will be able to move intoa new location just down the street from its current one.

Arguing for preservation

But the new developments, along with many other new buildings in the neighbourhood, have left many wondering if the area's culture is being lost in the process.

"It's going to be a different place and it'stargetingdifferent people," saidKing-mong Chan, an organizer with theCarnegie Action Project.

"It's [targeting] people who are younger, people withmore money, but a lot of the Chineseresidents I've talked to are olderwhere will they go? Their sense of community, their sense of belonging to the neighbourhood is lost."

The group saysit wants the city to protect the people and culture that already exists.

Revitalization plan

The city says theredevelopmentsareall a part of a bigger plan to revitalize Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.

The assistant director of planning saidthe goal is to create more affordable housing and a vibrant community, while protecting the area's heritage.