Chinatown in Calgary is experiencing a revitalization with a renewed energy, according to entrepreneurs in the area. Longtime resident and business owner, Kristy Yu, who owns Mama Dessert and Mama Rice Roll, has noted an increase in community support and a lineup out the door in the evenings. Alice Lam, co-founder of Moonlight, a retail space in Dragon City Mall, showcases young makers in Calgary and also leads tours through the area. Both Yu and Lam highlight the importance of the family business community in Chinatown, with Lam expressing her pride in being Chinese due to the multi-generational aspect of the neighborhood.
With the approval of the city’s “Tomorrow’s Chinatown” 30-year strategy in 2022, City of Calgary councillor Terry Wong has seen exciting changes in Chinatown and anticipates further growth. Wong notes an increase in occupancy in Dragon City Mall, with younger, socially conscious entrepreneurs running businesses and attracting patrons looking for new experiences. The annual Lantern Festival, hosted by the Calgary Chinatown Business Improvement Area, is a one-day event that celebrates the start of autumn and the small business owners in the district. Kristy Yu, who is preparing for the bubble tea festival, expresses the joy and happiness she aims to bring to Chinatown.
The community support and the family business aspect are key features that contribute to the thriving environment in Calgary’s Chinatown, according to entrepreneurs like Kristy Yu and Alice Lam. The “Tomorrow’s Chinatown” strategy, which includes a cultural plan, area redevelopment plan, and the renaming of a park to Harmony Park, has been instrumental in driving the revitalization of the area. Councillor Terry Wong acknowledges the positive changes taking place in Chinatown, with a particular emphasis on the influx of younger entrepreneurs and patrons seeking unique experiences.
The presence of young makers and socially conscious entrepreneurs is transforming Chinatown in Calgary, attracting a diverse range of patrons and contributing to the area’s growth. The Lantern Festival, hosted annually by the Calgary Chinatown Business Improvement Area, serves as a celebration of autumn and the small business owners within the district. Entrepreneurs like Kristy Yu and Alice Lam are proud to be a part of the family business community in Chinatown, highlighting the multi-generational aspect of the neighborhood that adds to its vibrancy and sense of community.
The sense of community and support in Chinatown, Calgary is evident in the thriving business environment, as entrepreneurs like Kristy Yu and Alice Lam express their love for the neighborhood. The implementation of the “Tomorrow’s Chinatown” strategy has been a catalyst for the revitalization of the area, attracting a new wave of entrepreneurs and patrons seeking unique experiences. The Lantern Festival is a highlight of the year, celebrating the start of autumn and showcasing the small business owners in the district. Overall, Chinatown in Calgary is experiencing a renaissance, driven by community spirit, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
