Chinatown Overview
Canada’s largest Chinatown, among the largest in North America, is in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the blocks around Main, Pender, and Keefer Streets with the Gastown and Downtown districts to the west, Downtown Eastside to the north, the residential district of Strathcona to the east, and False Creek to the south. Chinatown remains a popular tourist attraction despite the growth of the newer Chinese immigrant business district in the suburb of Richmond south of Vancouver on Lulu Island in the Fraser River. Many affluent Hong Kong and Taiwan immigrants in Richmond have developed successful Chinese businesses in the area now named Golden Village by the City of Richmond, which once proposed the name “Chinatown” only to encounter strong resistance from the original Chinatown in Vancouver and from non-Chinese Richmond residents and merchants.
Asian Influx
The Greater Vancouver Regional District received large numbers of Asian immigrants during the late 20th Century, primarily Chinese, whose population reached 300,000 by the mid-’90s. More immigrants settled in Richmond than in Vancouver Chinatown for its lower costs of living and closer distance to the Vancouver International Airport. The development of suburban Asian shopping districts with plenty of parking space like Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, visibly impaired the business heart of historic Chinatown.
Decline
Chinatown businesses today consist mostly of working-class retailers, small groceries, tea shops, and souvenir stores. Some restaurants stand out, but there are no longer so many, and their declining numbers brought less foot traffic and nighttime activity than in former times. The 10-percent Chinatown vacancy rate shows the need for a fresh approach to development to replace businesses that have moved to suburban locations, retired, or simply closed. Redevelopment opportunities are clearly present. Chinatown lease rates from $15–30/square foot are the cheapest in the city, much lower than those in Vancouver’s Downtown shopping district.
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area
In the 1990s, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association searched for an effective vehicle for projects to revitalize the area. Gastown and Downtown Vancouver had formed business improvement areas (BIAs) with evident success. With the consent and support of merchants and property owners, the association planned to establish a Chinatown BIA.
After several attempts, the association succeeded in winning the community support necessary establish a Chinatown BIA. The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area (VCBIA) incorporated in 2000 on a model of BIAs successful in other areas of the city to improve Chinatown’s cleanliness and safety, expand and promote its events, and work with media and external partners to make Chinatown popular and prosperous again. A voluntary board of property owners and tenants manages the VCBIA. The city assists with annual funding through a special property tax like a local improvement levy. Each property’s contribution to the annual BIA budget is according to its proportionate share of the total BIA taxable value.
Information Links:
http://vancouver-chinatown.com
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/chinatown-revitalization.aspx
Redevelopment Prospects
A new Chinatown business plan now encourages entrepreneurs to move in to rehabilitate storefronts, attract a young crowd, and make visitors more comfortable. Attracted by low rents and heritage buildings, new businesses have moved in with owners in apartments above the shops. Chinatown’s priority now is to attract people of all backgrounds in the belief that non-traditional stores will bring a new flow of energy and income. Commercial activity is increasingly diverse with vintage stores, two art galleries, bars, and now a nightclub at the location of the former Ming’s restaurant, an attempt to bring back some of the nightlife atmosphere of the 1950s and ’60s. The diversity of new shops and businesses has created a new Chinatown image of vibrancy to compete with suburban districts and complement nearby Gastown and Downtown Vancouver.
New Chinatown Live MLS Listings
Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Real Estate
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50 133 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2683189
50 133 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3 
$3,880,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2683189
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,346 sq. ft.
Welcome to the penthouse at the Keefer, one of the most unique offerings in all of Vancouver. Accessed directly by elevator, this immaculately renovated 2,346 SF loft space has soaring ceilings and a 2,580 SF rooftop patio with a private, glass bottom pool. Finishes include silent electric blinds, air conditioning, and custom built-in closet systems. Updated kitchen features Gaggenau appliances and Irish white oak hardwood. The kitchen opens into dining area for 10. The enormous living room has abundant wall space for art and flat screens. Bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains and spa-styled en-suite. The Keefer is minutes from False Creek, Vancouver's stadiums, the Seawall, and incredible food and entertainment venues. One parking. More detailsListed by The Agency Vancouver
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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40 133 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2658903
40 133 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3
$2,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2658903
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,557 sq. ft.
Welcome to The Keefer, one of Vancouver's most exclusive boutique buildings. This one-of-a-kind residence is located in the pulse of the historic Chinatown and was originally built in 1910 and restored and converted in 2009. This unit is an extremely rare find with private elevator access directly to your suite, spanning over the entire 4th floor and boasting over 2,550 SF of living space with an open concept floor plan perfect for entertaining. Built with unparalleled attention to detail, some of the finishings include, a Bulthaup Kitchen, Dual Sub-Zero Fridges, Miele Appliances, Wine Fridge, Custom Home Audio/Visual System and Wide-Plank White Oak Flooring. The building is in pristine condition. This truly is a one of a kind opportunity to own in one of Vancouver's most iconic buildings. More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty and Bellevue Realty Group - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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740 E PENDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale in "STRATHCONA" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2703649
740 E PENDER Street Vancouver V5L 1W2
$2,288,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2703649
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,108 sq. ft.
Welcome Home! This stunning and upgraded 1905 classic is one you don't want to miss! No less than 5 bedrooms up, brand NEW kitchen, and a 1 bedroom legal suite down (with 11 ft ceilings). This home is designed for family life and offers the perfect location. Just 1 block from Strathcona Elementary; Montessori and Britannia are within walking distance. Union St Market, Wilder Snail, restaurants and endless breweries are just a stones throw away! Double car garage and beautiful back yard that is perfect for summer fun! Get ready to start making memories! Easy to show! More detailsListed by Dexter Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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801 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2648399
801 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2648399
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,211 sq. ft.
This awesome 3 bedrooms - 2-bathroom penthouse offers 2 decks and an almost 600 sqft private roof deck! This home offers 9’ ceilings, full height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, undermounted sinks, no touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Callacutta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well appointed closet. The building features common courtyard outdoor garden for all to enjoy. Storage and underground parking included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans go to www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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803 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2648403
803 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,849,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2648403
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
This awesome 3 bedrooms - 2-bathroom penthouse offers 2 decks and nearly 600 sqft private roof deck! This home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise; stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall-over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well-appointed closet. The building features common outdoor courtyard garden for all to enjoy. Storage and underground parking included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans go to www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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526 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2704322
526 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L7
$1,199,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2704322
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,461 sq. ft.
INVESTORS & DEVELOPERS ALERT! Great opportunity to purchase a property for redevelopment - either through rehabilitation of the existing building or by exploring development options under the DEOD zoning bylaw. The DEOD Sub-Area 2 zoning bylaw allows up to a 4.5 FSR or possible 5.0 FSR through rezoning via the Downtown Eastside Plan. Property is being sold "As-is Where-is". More detailsListed by Regent Park Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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605 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2661290
605 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,125,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2661290
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
This is an awesome 2 bedroom & den at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well-appointed closet. The building features common outdoor courtyard garden for all to enjoy. Parking and storage included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans visit us at www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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505 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2661133
505 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,108,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2661133
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
This is an awesome 2 bedroom home at SPARROW, beautifully finished modern home offers the utmost in stunning modem living in the heart of the historical world-famous Vancouver Chinatown. The lantern-inspired architecture of the building reflects positive Zen energy, exceptionally stunning residential homes. Every home at Sparrow has been designed with care and attention to all details, with an underlying commitment to quality custom-millwork, European appliances and integrated technology components complement the beautifully modern and highly functional aesthetic throughout LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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307 557 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Townhouse for sale in "CORDOVAN" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2697394
307 557 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L8
$949,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2697394
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,115 sq. ft.
CORDOVAN: Built by BOFFO, Designed by Gair Williamson & BYU Design. This stylish 2 bed & den corner townhouse can be yours! Enter your front door from the serene courtyard, & you’re met with 9FT ceilings, oak finish laminate flooring, guest bath, flex/office, floor to ceiling windows, roller shades throughout, plus a large dining/living area. The kitchen is equipped with a Porter & Charles convection oven, dishwasher, stiletto fridge, sleek hood fan, under-cabinet lighting, black quartz counters & white polished cabinetry. Bathrooms are sumptuous with stone counters, floating vanities, glass enclosed shower & porcelain tiles. LOVE the 325SF ROOF TOP DECK with views of the Harbour & beyond. Excellent opportunity to live close to Gastown, the Drive & Downtown. Secure undergound parking, large storage locker, 2 pets & short term rentals allowed. EV charging stations in the underground parkade as well as two permit parking per household. More detailsListed by WESTSIDE Tom Gradecak Realty and Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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908 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "188 KEEFER" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2692648
908 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$848,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2692648
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 851 sq. ft.
Built by Westbank and located in trendy Chinatown, close to many cool eateries, you may rarely cook in your high end kitchen featuring integrated Miele and Blomberg appliances. Pet and rental friendly, comes with 1 parking and 1 storage lockers, plus bike storage. Gym, common roof deck with BBQ and nice lounge/party room. Showings by appointments. And Open House Sat May 28 & 29 2-4pm. You will love it! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
