Some of the first Chinese immigrants were men, who left their families behind in Asia. They were in search of gold in the Fraser Canyon during the Gold Rush of 1858. They later found an opportunity to work on building the Canadian Pacific Railroad, who was making its way to the coast. They mainly settled in Vancouver's Chinatown and slowly began bringing their families and concubines over to live in Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria.
Vancouver’s Chinatown is North America’s second largest and founded in 1885. The business grew and the area developed into a lively and colourful area. There was a steady influx of immigrants till the second world war.
In 1980 it spiked again with most coming from Hong Kong, prior and during the transfer of sovereignty of the former British colony to China.
The majority of the new immigrants settled in Richmond where large houses, large malls with plenty of parking has sprung up.
The smaller vegetable markets of old Chinatown could no longer compete with more famous establishments such as T&T supermarkets, Cosco and Urban Fair.
Merchants have moved or closed shop, leaving the beautiful old red brick buildings behind.
The store's owners children are educated and hold positions of their own and are not interested taking over a small fading business. The real estate market value has far exceeded the business value. Visually charming older buildings have been restored and refurbishing and turned into art galleries, coffee shops, beauty salons and interior decor stores.
It still has a long way to go, but the city is closing in slowly. Unattractive or derelict building are demolished making way for high-rise apartments. Vancouver's horizon is forever changing, a sign of growth.
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