Vancouver Councillor Pushes to Reopen Chinatown Post Office Urgently

UPDATE: Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry has just announced an urgent motion to pressure Canada Post to reopen the Chinatown post office, a crucial resource for the community. The motion was introduced on Wednesday and highlights the significant impact the closure has had on local residents, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The post office on Main Street was shut down in November as part of reported cost-saving measures, a decision Fry argues has severely affected those who rely on mail services. “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,” Fry stated, emphasizing the hardships faced by the community.

Fry criticized the decision, labeling it a “business decision” by Canada Post that neglects the needs of vulnerable residents. He noted, “It’s too late for that particular location and franchisee, but there’s a lot of opportunity within Chinatown.”

His motion requests that Mayor Ken Sim reach out to federal officials to explore options for reopening the post office, including the potential use of city-owned properties in Chinatown. “We have properties in Chinatown that are owned by the City of Vancouver that we’re actively looking to redevelop,” Fry explained.

The councillor’s motivation is clear: many seniors in the area do not use electronic banking or have internet access, making mail services essential. “There’s also a culturally appropriate lens to apply here too, where many of the seniors don’t necessarily speak English as their first language,” he added. Fry believes the reopening of the post office would serve not only practical needs but also cultural ones, providing a familiar and accessible service for residents.

The Vancouver City Council is set to debate Fry’s motion on Wednesday, making this a developing story that could lead to significant changes in the community. Local residents are encouraged to voice their support for the motion as they await the council’s decision. This situation underscores the critical need for accessible community services, especially for the most vulnerable populations in urban areas.

As the debate unfolds, the community is poised to react, highlighting the urgent need for action regarding essential services in Chinatown. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.