After years of promises and delays, the heart of Edmonton's Chinatown has a clear and unified demand for the reconstruction of its iconic Harbin Gate: do it right, with respect for tradition.
A Symbol in Storage, A Community in Wait
The original Harbin Gate, which stood proudly over 102 Avenue near 97 Street as a gateway to Chinatown, was dismantled in 2017. Its pieces now sit in a city storage yard in north Edmonton, removed to make way for the Valley Line LRT expansion and the Quarters Transit Station. Since its removal, the city has been working on plans to replace this landmark structure.
The project's budget has seen significant increases, reflecting broader economic pressures. Edmonton City Council initially approved $6 million for the gate in 2023 but voted to add another $2.7 million in 2025, citing cost overruns driven by inflation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Clash: Tradition vs. Modern Cost-Cutting
In an effort to control escalating costs, the city has proposed shifting from traditional, heavier materials to modern, lighter, and cheaper alternatives. Officials argue that these materials, such as polystyrene, offer improved longevity in Edmonton's harsh climate and are easier to maintain than traditional clay.
This move has sparked deep concern within the Chinatown community. Advocates argue that the city is overlooking the profound cultural and symbolic importance of the gate's construction.
"Chinatown gates are not decorative façades," stated Joanna Wong, secretary of the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative (CTC). "They are symbolic structures traditionally built with materials that convey permanence, respect, and cultural integrity — such as stone, brick, wood, glazed tile, or cast concrete."
Wong emphasized that using lightweight synthetic materials like polystyrene undermines this significance, raises environmental concerns, and conflicts with principles of sustainability and cultural stewardship. She pointed to proven designs and methods used in gates across China and North America as precedents that shouldn't require compromise.
More Than an Arch: The Cultural and Spiritual Weight
The debate goes beyond aesthetics or simple architecture. In Chinese tradition, gates like Harbin Gate are considered conduits for positive chi (or qi) flow, a vital energy in traditional Chinese medicine associated with health and fortune. An improperly built structure, community members fear, could disrupt this flow, potentially leading to negative impacts.
For a community that saw the final K-Days parade march under the gate's arches in 2017 before its removal, the symbolism is tangible. The gate, first constructed in 1987, was a major part of downtown Edmonton's identity and a proud marker of the Chinatown district.
Faced with the city's current proposal, Wong's position is clear: authenticity cannot be sacrificed for speed or savings. When asked if she would accept another delay to ensure proper materials are used, she indicated a willingness to wait.
The city's LRT Expansion and Renewal acting director, Aleksandra Turcza, defended the material choice, explaining that the new gate will be wider and larger. Using heavier traditional clay for scaled-up decorative elements would require more structural reinforcement, further increasing costs.
As Edmonton moves forward, the Chinatown collective's call resonates: rebuilding the Harbin Gate is not just a construction project; it is an act of cultural preservation that demands respect for tradition, materials, and meaning.
