UPDATE: Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry has just introduced an urgent motion to bring back the Chinatown post office, a vital resource for the community. This motion was presented during a council meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the immediate need for action following the closure of the Main Street post office in November.
The closure has had a profound impact on the residents of Chinatown, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities. Fry emphasized that many community members lack the means to travel long distances to retrieve their mail. “Residents of Chinatown in the Downtown Eastside, older people, people with disabilities, people who might not have the means to travel several kilometres to pick up their mail,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In a move to pressure Canada Post, Fry’s motion calls on Mayor Ken Sim to reach out to federal officials and propose city-owned properties in Chinatown as potential locations for a new post office. “We have properties in Chinatown that are owned by the City of Vancouver that we’re actively looking to redevelop,” Fry noted, asserting the city’s commitment to restore this essential service.
The closure was part of Canada Post‘s cost-saving measures, a decision that Fry argues does not consider the unique needs of the Chinatown community. “This was a business decision from Canada Post. They’re obviously going through some new modelling of business decisions,” he stated. His motion aims to advocate for the cultural and practical needs of residents, many of whom face language barriers and do not utilize electronic banking.
“It’s nice to have that kind of facility available,” Fry expressed, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for seniors who may not have access to the Internet. The Vancouver City Council is set to debate this critical motion on Wednesday, making it imperative for community members to stay informed on the developments.
As the conversation around the post office continues, residents are urged to share their thoughts and support the motion to ensure that the needs of Chinatown are recognized and addressed. The implications of this decision are significant, as it could restore a vital connection for many in the community who rely on traditional mail services.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and follow the discussions surrounding the future of the Chinatown post office. The outcome could reshape how residents interact with essential services in their neighborhood.
