Catalyzing Prosperity through Cultural Innovation.
We are building a resilient Chinatown by supporting local merchants, attracting global investment, and fostering a "Market-Ready" environment for new business.
Welcome to the Heart of Edmonton’s Chinatown
Edmonton’s Chinatown is more than a geographic boundary; it is a living archive of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy. Located on Treaty 6 territory, our district has served as a cultural anchor for over a century.
Today, the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative (CTC) Society of Edmonton is proud to lead the charge in transitioning this historic neighbourhood into a premier North American destination.
Through the revalidated Edmonton Chinatown Strategy, we are implementing a "Digital City" framework. This ensures that every landmark—from the meticulously restored Hull Block to the rising steel of the new Harbin Gate— is connected to a modern ecosystem of safety, tourism, and economic growth.
Meet Pandy
Every great community needs a heart, and for Edmonton’s Chinatown, that heart is Pandy. As our official mascot and "Guardian of the Wok," Pandy is much more than a friendly face; he embodies the warmth of Edmonton’s Chinatown and the fiery spirit of our 2026 revitalization. Pandy’s presence is felt everywhere—from the steam rising off a fresh bowl of noodles in South Chinatown to the shadow cast by the rising Harbin Gate.
Pandy serves as a vital bridge between eras. He is a repository of wisdom, carrying the ancestral stories of our elders—the pioneers who raised funds for the original 1987 Harbin Gate and the families who laid the foundations of our BIA. Simultaneously, he is a mentor and an adventurer, guiding the youth who will lead our district in 2030 and beyond. He is as comfortable discussing the technical intricacies of the $8.7M gate construction as he is recommending the best secret "off-menu" dish on a Dragon Food Tour.
Pandy’s mission is a delicate balance: to protect our precious traditions with the steadfastness of a sentinel, while "chasing the dragon of progress" with a cheeky, forward-thinking energy. Whether he is leading a high-profile tour for international delegates or highlighting a critical new safety audit from the Chinatown Safety Council, Pandy ensures that our culture remains vibrant, accessible, and inclusive. He is your digital concierge—the wise, slightly mischievous soul of the district who invites you to see Chinatown not just as a place to visit, but as a community to belong to.
The Edmonton Chinatown Strategy
Enhanced Built Form & Landmarks
Leverage the buildings, landmarks and streetscapes of Chinatown to celebrate the culture of the area and inspire locals and tourists to visit.
Sense of Safety & Security
Strengthen safety and security in Chinatown to contribute to a strong sense of a vibrant and inclusive place for all Edmontonians.
Chinatown as a Destination
Highlight Chinatown as an exciting destination that residents and visitors treasure through world-class experiences and tours.
Focus on Economic Development
Catalyze an environment for renewed interest and investment in Chinatown, supporting local merchants and BIA resilience.
Governance & Community Leadership
Implement the Chinatown Strategy through collaborative leadership, shared responsibility, and dedicated resourcing.
The Stone Lions’ Secret
The two stone lions from the original 1987 Harbin Gate are currently being refurbished! They’ve been in storage since 2017, but Pandy hears they are getting a deep cleaning so they can stand guard at our new location. They represent protection and power—exactly what we are building here together!
Grand Opening
The original Harbin Gate is gifted by sister-city Harbin. It stands as a 102 Avenue landmark for 30 years, symbolizing Sino-Canadian friendship and community fundraising success.
The Dismantling
The gate is taken down to facilitate the Valley Line Southeast LRT. Significant community concerns emerge regarding the "out of sight, out of mind" nature of the dismantling process.
Strategy Revalidation
City Council approves $6M for replacement. The gate becomes Pillar E of the Edmonton Chinatown Strategy, focused on built form revitalization and landmark renewal.
Detailed Design
Budget increased to $8.7M after a costing exercise. Community leaders advocate for high-quality, authentic materials (traditional tiles) over simplified painted steel.
Mobilization Phase
March 9: Site mobilization begins at 97 St & 101A Ave. Sub-contractor awards finalized. Steel fabrication is underway for a Summer 2026 erection.
Target Completion
Unveiling of the new bookend landmark. Integrating refurbished elements: original Lions, Plaque, and Ceremonial Bell, alongside new Indigenous North-Face art.
The Return of the Harbin Gate
This month, March 2026, marks a historic milestone. Construction crews have officially mobilized at 97th Street and 101A Avenue to begin the assembly of the new Harbin Gate.
This $8.7-million landmark is a symbol of our sister-city relationship with Harbin, China. While the original 1987 gate was dismantled in 2017 to make way for the Valley Line LRT, the new structure will bookend our old and new Chinatowns. The south-facing facade is a gift from Harbin, while the north-facing facade will feature public art interpretations of Edmonton’s evolving history. We invite you to track progress in real time as we build toward a 2027 completion.