Edmonton invests more funding into Chinatown revitalization – Edmonton [Video]

The Chinatown area north of Edmonton’s downtown core has struggled for decades with crime and social disorder — including vandalism, open-drug use, aggressive behaviour and panhandling.

Amid the businesses and restaurants, there are several social agencies concentrated in the area and in recent years, many tent cities have also cropped up on the streets and open spaces.

Organizations that work with vulnerable Edmontonians reported a sharp rise in homelessness across the city since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has left a lingering impact on Chinatown.

An increase in safety concerns has driven some businesses to close — but the Chinatown community is passionate about bringing vibrancy back to the area.

To help, the City of Edmonton is investing $480,000 in each of the next two years into the Chinatown Revitalization Fund, with the hope business will host events and community projects.

The city and the Chinatown …