Chinatown Comeback with Carol Lee
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Rediscovering Vancouver's Chinatown: Resilience, Revitalization, and Community
Vancouver's Chinatown stands as a testament to endurance, transformation, and the power of connection. In this stirring episode of "Chatter That Matters," host Tony Chapman sits down with visionary leaders including Carol Lee, Martin Thibodeau, and Carmen Stossel to unravel the neighborhood’s journey—from a beacon for marginalized families to a vibrant modern destination.
For decades, Chinatown was the heart of Vancouver’s commerce, culture, and community. But as urban issues and the pandemic took their toll, the lights began to dim and foot traffic dwindled, leaving business owners and residents facing unprecedented challenges. The episode dives into how Carol Lee, founder of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, sparked a movement to restore pride, belonging, and opportunity:
“You need to give people pride in their past to have hope for the future. I wanted to elevate this history so that people would want to come back and reclaim it.” – Carol Lee
The Birth of Light Up Chinatown—and Lasting Change
Listeners hear the inside story behind the creation of Light Up Chinatown, a celebration that re-energized local businesses and drew thousands back to the district, restoring its vibrancy. Through partnerships, lanterns, and creative incentives, Carol Lee and her allies cultivated momentum that snowballed into a signature city event.
“If you raise the infrastructure around the people, it lifts the people up.” – Carol Lee
The episode also explores challenges of anti-Asian racism, strategies for social housing, and the ongoing ripple of community resilience, spotlighting the collaboration between local organizations and RBC. Martin Thibodeau and Carmen Stossel share how the true magic isn’t just funding initiatives—it’s about showing up, volunteering, and creating lasting spaces for belonging.
Lessons for Leaders and Communities Everywhere
Listeners will find inspiration in the sustainable model of revitalization developed by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation: focusing on people-centric solutions, preserving heritage, and cultivating partnerships. From helping small businesses access pandemic support to launching the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and Learning Lab, the episode details actionable ways that ANY community can reimagine its future.
Key Takeaways
Discover how one person’s vision can revive an entire neighborhood.
Learn the impact of positive partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers.
See why celebrating heritage is the spark to ignite lasting hope for the future.
Find out why, as Tony Chapman summarizes, “It takes a village to raise and lift a city.”
Listen Now!
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Featuring insights for aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving inspiration with actionable strategies.
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—a renowned marketing strategist and three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Tune in weekly as Tony converses with guests who share invaluable wisdom on living a meaningful life.
🔥 Authentic voices. Remarkable journeys. Real strategies for success.
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