One of the first feature stories I wrote when I joined the Courier was about Chinatown and how it was in need of revitalization.
That was — gulp — 12 years ago.
I tell you this because the historic community in the Downtown Eastside is still in need of upgrades and the city is embarking on a new program to help do that.
It’s called the Chinese Society Building Grant Program.
And as the name says, it’s about making a total of $2.5 million available over the next three years to Chinese societies to fix their buildings in Chinatown and neighbouring districts.
In Vancouver, there are about 100 Chinese societies, with the majority located in and around Chinatown. Many societies own property, with more than 50 in the Downtown Eastside (20 in Chinatown).
As a city staff report that went before city council Tuesday says, “these non-profit organizations are stewards of important heritage buildings, providers of affordable rental housing and key contributors to the cultural landscape of Chinatown.”
While the city’s plan calls for matching grants that range from $25,000 to $100,000, the staff report notes at least 12 buildings would need a total of $150 million in renovations.
That includes the Wong Benevolent Association at 121 East Pender St., the Shon Yee Benevolent Association at 254-262 East Pender St., the Yee Fung Tong Society at 222-226 East Georgia St. and the Lim Sai Hor Benevolent Association at 525-531 Carrall St.
“These estimated costs are over and above potential revenues and financing that the societies could achieve, thus there is a considerable funding gap that a society would need to meet through fundraising, partnerships and other sources of equity prior to proceeding with the work,” said the staff report, noting the 12 buildings are each more than a century old.
The city is expected to hire a consultant to find ways of raising the money to renovate the 12 buildings. That will probably mean hitting up the provincial and federal governments, the private sector and some foundations.
The $2.5 million budget for the city’s program breaks down as follows: $1.2 million from a community amenity contribution achieved in the rezoning of 633 Main St. and $1.2 million from the city’s capital budget portion for Downtown Eastside revitalization.
The grant money, however, cannot be applied to deficits, equipment, furniture, standard building repairs and maintenance or work already completed.
The city’s interest in creating the grant program also helps its goal to protect existing low-income housing stock, with societies operating about 600 units of housing in the Downtown Eastside.
“Continuing to operate with their early benevolent values, many of the societies have affirmed their desire to continue or expand affordable housing in their buildings, some indicating an interest in seniors’ affordable housing,” the report added.
As they say in Cantonese, jook nei ho wun.
Which I believe means: wishing you good luck.
twitter.com/Howellings
