Second World War veteran Tommy Wong, 92, would rather see a park built on the property in Chinatown that Beedie Development Group wants to turn into a 12-storey condo development.
Shou Chun Wan Chang, 100, suggested the Chinese Cultural Centre across the street from the property at Keefer and Columbia streets be expanded to the development site.
Both seniors were among a group of about 40 people, including Vancouver-East NDP MP Jenny Kwan, who gathered Friday at the Chinatown Memorial Square to voice their opposition to Beedie’s proposal, which will go to a vote before city council next Tuesday.
The square, which includes a memorial to Chinese war veterans and railway workers, is adjacent to the site that Beedie has applied to rezone and construct a building that includes 25 units of seniors housing, recreational and activity space, smaller retail shops and 106 strata residential units.
Those opposed to the project, such as Wong and Chang, say it is too tall at 118 feet, too bulky, does nothing to preserve the character or culture of Chinatown, offers limited seniors housing at 25 units (and is paid for by B.C. Housing) and will not help revitalize the community.
“It should be a wide open space so anyone can come here and see [the memorial] — it’s part of history,” said Wong, who served in the Canadian Forces at a time when the Chinese had yet to earn the right to vote.
Chang, who lives in subsidized housing in Strathcona, said through a translator that “something respectful” to the veterans and railway workers should be built on the property; it’s currently a parking lot and was used recently for a film shoot.
“Without them, we wouldn’t be here or have the rights we have today,” Chang said of the veterans and railway workers. She suggested an expansion of the cultural centre so that more history about the Chinese in Canada could be told. “And then we can pass on our traditions to future generations.”
Both Chang and Wong did not speak at Friday’s news conference but listened to several Chinatown leaders, including Fred Mah of the Chinese Society Heritage Building Association, explain their reasons for opposing the project.
Mah and some of the other speakers, including Vincent Kwan of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, emphasized they were not opposed to development in Chinatown, but wanted development that was “smart and culturally appropriate” for the community.
Mah said the size of Beedie’s proposal is “out of character” for the neighbourhood and will cast shadows over the memorial, the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and Chinese Cultural Centre.
Mah noted the proposed housing for seniors in the project is being paid for by B.C. Housing, which the city has acknowledged is unique. Mah suggested the cost was more than $7 million for the 25 units and recommended that money be spent on renovating existing rental units in Chinatown.
Kwan, a former Vancouver city councillor, said the proposal “threatens” the future of Chinatown. She urged council “to listen with your heart” when deciding June 13 on the project, which she said doesn’t contribute to “the preservation of historic Chinatown.”
“Listen with your heart to the voices of the people in our community,” said Kwan, who was the lone politician to speak at the news conference. She suggested the federal government could purchase the Beedie's property or have the city do a land swap. "There are options before us."
Friday’s demonstration came the day after a group of about 60 Chinese seniors gathered on the steps of city hall to voice their support for Beedie’s proposal.
Organizer Eric Szeto told the Courier Thursday he also wanted to let city council know more seniors would have spoken in favour of the project at the public hearing, but he claimed some were harassed by opponents.
The Courier has received emails and social media messages from opponents suggesting Thursday’s demonstration at city hall and attendance of seniors supporting the project during the public hearing was directed and funded by Beedie Development Group.
Houtan Rafii, vice-president of residential development for Beedie Development Group, refuted the allegations in an email Friday to the Courier.
“We did not, and have not paid any supporters who were at yesterday’s rally, or at any other event,” Rafii said. “These citizens are legitimate stakeholders of Chinatown, with their own opinions and their own reasons for supporting the project. Eric and likely many of the people at the rally have been searching for below-market accessible seniors’ activity space in Chinatown and are hopeful to use the non-profit cultural space at 105 Keefer with other neighbourhood groups.”
Council heard from 196 speakers during four rounds of public hearings, with 150 opposed and 46 in favour. Council will meet June 13 at 2 p.m. to decide on the project.
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