Scenes from Chinatown's 100th

On Saturday, September 6, 2009, Winnipeg's Chinatown held a street party to mark it's 100th year.  The event included a stage show of Chinese Opera, a Miss Chinatown pageant, dragon dances, and martial arts displays. Evening concerts included a performance by the WSO.

Hanfeng Chorus: Chinese Opera

New LG Philip Lee

There were also some displays of historical material such as certificates and photos. This was nice to see as Chinatown, for such an historical area of the city, has had very little written about it in mainstream sources:


There was, of course, the chance to wander around Chinatown without having to worry about pesky vehicles to get a look at some of the interesting and colourful buildings.

Chinatown has been in need of TLC for a lot of years. Back in the 1980s, there was an infusion of money for new residential development and the Chinese Cultural Centre. There is talk of new developments being looked at.

As the Exchange continues to thrive and become an increasingly pricey commercial and residential destination, perhaps this could herald new demand for Winnipeg's Chinatown.


Related:
Chinatown Project Under Study WFP
Winnipeg Chinese Cultural & Community Centre
Chinatown History (Cross Canada, but centres on B.C.)
Chinese Albertan History