Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Releases Key Findings from the 2026 Chinatown Solidarity Summit

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Releases Key Findings from the 2026 Chinatown Solidarity SummitAuthor of the article:Delegates from 22 Chinatowns across North America met in Vancouver for the third cross-border summit, continuing the shift from shared challenges to coordinated, systems-level strategyTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountVANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, released the findings from the 3rd US-Canada Chinatown Solidarity Summit, the latest in a series that began in Vancouver in 2023 and continued in New York City in 2024. Bringing together 65 leaders from 22 Chinatowns across the United States and Canada, the Summit generated insights that now serve as a roadmap for coordinated, systems-level action across North America’s Chinatowns.Held at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver’s Chinatown from April 6 to 8, 2026, the Summit continued the shift from shared diagnosis toward systems-level strategy, moving participants from identifying common challenges toward articulating integrated responses that communities can act on together.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againVancouver Chinatown Foundation founded the US-Canada Chinatown Solidarity Summit series in 2023, building on its own work revitalizing Vancouver’s Chinatown through initiatives including the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and community housing projects such as Bob & Michael’s Place. That track record has positioned the Foundation to convene a growing cross-border coalition working toward shared goals this year.“Independent, resilient, and vibrant Chinatown communities in the United States and Canada can be economic engines that promote prosperity in cities throughout our two countries,” said Shawn Crowley, U.S. Consul General in Vancouver.The report, drawing on panel discussions, breakout sessions, and case studies shared throughout the three-day Summit, presents key findings and recommended actions from Summit discussions. Its focus is on three foundational pillars: Cultural and Historical Preservation, Economic Empowerment for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, and Strengthening Partnerships. Learnings and recommended actions include:Cultural and Historical PreservationEmbed community governance requirements into heritage and cultural funding programs, so that communities retain control over land, decision-making, and narrative.Integrate anti-displacement protections into municipal planning and redevelopment frameworks over the long term.Economic Empowerment for Small and Medium-Sized BusinessesPilot bundled service models that combine grants, advisory support, and digital enablement through trusted intermediaries.Formalize succession and mentorship programs connecting retiring business owners with emerging operators.Strengthening PartnershipsEstablish themed cross-city working groups, referred to in the report as “hives,” to sustain momentum and knowledge-sharing between summits.Develop joint funding proposals and align advocacy agendas across local, regional, and national efforts to increase policy leverage.“Chinatown’s history has never been about one individual person or business. The story of Chinatown is built from small, ordinary people, businesses, and stories. The story of Chinatown is people showing up for one another,” said Carol Lee, Co-Founder and Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “This report is proof that those small stories add up to something we can act on together, across every Chinatown at this table.”This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.The Summit also featured case studies from Chinatowns in San Francisco, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Calgary, illustrating how communities are applying these three pillars in practice, from cultural infrastructure investments to diversified funding models to next-generation business succession planning.The report concludes that the future of Chinatowns will be shaped not by isolated efforts, but by the strength of a shared vision and the discipline to sustain it. As the founding host of the Summit series, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation will continue convening this coalition and supporting the working groups established through the Summit as they carry that work forward between now and the next gathering.The full report can be found here.For more information about the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, please visit chinatownfoundation.org.About the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation: The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is a registered charity committed to the revitalization of Chinatown, one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods in the historic heart of Vancouver. The Foundation builds more resilient and inclusive communities by promoting the well-being of those in need, while preserving Chinatown’s irreplaceable cultural heritage. Learn more at chinatownfoundation.orgMedia Contact:Ruby Gillett Talk Shop Mediaruby.gillett@talkshopmedia.comNotice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.