VISION STATEMENT INPUT

PROJECT BACKGROUND

We are in the “Create” phase of the Tomorrow’s Chinatown project where we are drafting the local area plan and meeting with members of the community to find out what is most important for Chinatown and its future.

All of the work done to-date will inform the local area plan. As we draft the local area plan we would like to check in with you to make sure we’re getting it right.

The first check-in is with respect to the Vision statement for the plan.

The vision statement for a local area plan clearly articulates the future a community sees for the plan area, in this case Chinatown. An inspirational vision sets the foundation for the plan and the policies contained in the plan are aligned to implement that vision. A neighbourhood vision can also direct future action in the area.

Visions can be specific to a plan area or a topic.

For example:

The City of Calgary has the following vision statement:

A great place to make a living, a great place to make a life

Calgary in the new economy: Calgary’s economic strategy has the following vision statement:

Calgary is the city of choice in Canada for the world's best entrepreneurs. We embrace innovation and create solutions to meet the world's needs in food, health, energy and transportation.

Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan has the following vision statement:

Greater Downtown is the economic and cultural heart of Calgary. It is a resilient and vibrant place for everyone, with welcoming neighbourhoods, active streets and well-used public spaces.

The vision for Greater Downtown is more general so that it can apply to all neighbourhoods in Greater Dwontown, including Chinatown. So the vision statement for Chinatown should be more specific to apply only to the Chinatown neighbourhood.

The vision statement for Chinatown will be located in the local area plan, but can also be used by the community for communications purposes.

VALUES FOR CHINATOWN

Through our previous stages of engagement, we’ve heard from citizens that the following statements are important now and into the future for Chinatown.

We value the:

  • Geographic location of Chinatown such as the proximity to downtown and the Bow river, as well as the variety and availability of different goods and services in the neighbourhood.
  • Distinct sense of place and cultural identity that can be felt through the experience of being in Chinatown and interacting with the buildings, architecture and streets.
  • The sense of community and social connection they find in Chinatown through shared Chinese, Asian, and Pan-Asian culture and history.
  • The heritage significance of Chinatown and the preservation of those elements with heritage value.
  • The enhancement of Chinatown to attract younger generations as well as diverse, locally owned and operated businesses.
  • Availability of affordable and diverse housing options in the neighbourhood as well as spaces for recreation, cultural activities and events.

VISIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

Reflecting on the values for Chinatown above, the following draft vision statements were prepared for your consideration.

In 25 to 30 years…

  • Chinatown is a resilient neighbourhood that fuses old and new as an expression of cultural heritage that reinforces the area as a harmonious home and attractive destination.
  • Chinatown is a unique cultural destination with a long history that supports local enterprise and residents who value this neighbourhood as home.
  • Chinatown is a culturally significant and heritage neighbourhood with locally owned and operated businesses as well as affordable and diverse housing options for all.
  • Chinatown’s unique identity and character have been preserved and advanced through sensitive redevelopment to attract younger generations of residents as well as business owners and operators.
  • Chinatown is a cultural, heritage and commercial destination that reinforces its unique identity as a meaningful place for all Calgarians.

PROVIDE YOUR INPUT

Now that you’ve reviewed the five draft vision statements for Chinatown, please answer the following questions.