2026.07.22 Representative of Yorkton Group, Edmonton Chinatown & Area Business Association (Chinatown BIA), Chinatown Transformation Collaborative (CTC), Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) and other concerned individuals walked with the Hon. Rick Wilson, MLA, Minister of Mental Health & Addiction, His Worship Mayor Andrew Knack, City Councilor Anne Stevenson and Councilor Thu Parmar across Chinatown in an effort to explore the homeless situation.
As the group walked by Pacific Mall, Yorkton’s representative introduced we plan to develop a twin-tower of residential apartments at the site of the current parking lot of Pacific Mall. Yorkton further elaborated that creating more residence in Chinatown would increase foot traffic and spending within Chinatown, thus incited vibrancy. It would be more effective than developing festivities when people would come to Chinatown for the festivities and would leave after they ended. Minister Rick Wilson, Major Andrew Knack and the two Councilors agreed with the plan.
During the walk, a few homeless persons wish to talk to the mayor. It was heartwarming to see Mayor Knack squatted down and talked to them.
After the Chinatown Walk, the group went to Hope Mission – Herb Jamieson Centre where the Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson held a press conference. The emcee of the press conference was past City Councilor/Mayor candidate Michael Walter. He is currently the Senior Advisor of Hope Mission. Yorkton also has good relationship with him.
During the press conference Minister Wilson announced that the Alberta Government would invest $30 million to fund over 400 new addiction treatment, housing, and stabilization beds. The package features expanded pathways to care, outreach services, and emergency shelter spaces. More importantly, these treatment facilities would be distributed across communities throughout Edmonton rather than being concentrated in Chinatown and the downtown core.
For years, Yorkton and the Chinese community have strongly advocated for a more equitable distribution of social services across the city instead of concentrating them in Chinatown. This announcement is therefore an encouraging and significant step forward for Chinatown.
When Mayor Andrew Knack made a speech during the press conference, he also mentioned he would like to increase residential population in downtown and Chinatown. It seems Yorkton’s plan to develop affordable housing behind Pacific Mall is heading in the right direction.
