City invests $480,000 towards community-led vibrancy efforts in Chinatown 
January 13, 2026

More vibrant festivals, dazzling events and cultural projects are on their way to Edmonton’s Chinatown thanks to ongoing contributions from the City of Edmonton’s Chinatown Vibrancy Fund. The grant program will invest an additional $480,000 in 2026 to support community projects to help build a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive Chinatown.

“In 2025, Edmonton’s Chinatown welcomed more than 16,000 visitors from across the city to share and celebrate the history, food and culture of this dynamic neighbourhood,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “I’m proud to support this community in creating even more opportunities for Edmontonians to experience this unique area.“

City funding over the past two years has supported 28 projects, including Chinatown Chow Down, Lunar New Year, Edmonton Dragon Festival and the Four Guardians of Chinatown mural series. These initiatives have been helpful in boosting visitor numbers by locals and tourists for this area of our City.

One such project is the Chinatown Chow Down, which encourages participants to experience Chinatown’s food scene through group meals, guided food tours and prizes for visiting local restaurants. These initiatives drive economic opportunities for small businesses in the area and promote tourism, generating additional revenue for the City of Edmonton.

“With support from the City, the Chinatown Chow Down was able to bring together hundreds of visitors to support and experience Chinatown restaurants through a series of culinary gatherings over several months,” said Linda Hoang, a recipient of the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund. “More than a quarter of our participants said it was their first time visiting Edmonton’s Chinatown. We know that vibrancy and visitation is a big challenge in this neighbourhood, and the different programs supported by this fund play a big role in addressing that in creative ways.”

“Chinatown’s increase in foot traffic also connects to the success of the City’s operational investments. Edmonton's LRT system expansion, particularly the Valley Line stop at Quarters, makes it significantly easier to access events and businesses in the area,” added Mayor Knack.  

The City invites community groups and organizations to apply. Proposals should demonstrate how the project will increase vibrancy in Chinatown and align with one of the four development pillars of the Chinatown Strategy, a plan focused on Chinatown’s economic development. The pillars include goals to:
  • Improve sense of safety and security
  • Focus on business diversification
  • Celebrate Chinatown as a cultural destination
  • Leverage built form and landmarks
Since 2022, the City has invested more than $1.9 million to support community-led projects and events in Chinatown.

For more information or to apply for the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, visit edmonton.ca/Chinatown. Individual projects are not subject to minimum or maximum funding amounts. Applications close February 28.
For more information:

Media contact:
Courtney Drever
Communications Advisor
Urban Planning and Economy
780-288-5922

City of Edmonton

Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue, Edmonton, T5J 0J4

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