Source:
http://vancouver.ca/mediaroom/news/detail.htm?row=42&date=2010-03-15
News release
Neon
sign to bring new light to Chinatown
March 15, 2010
A 45-foot neon sign installed on the exterior of Chinatown Plaza
at the corner of Keefer and Quebec is poised to become a new landmark
for Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
As part of the City
of Vancouver’s New Beginnings program, which celebrates
the history, heritage and culture of the city's first urban areas,
the new sign will improve the exterior appearance of the city-owned
Chinatown Plaza building, bring additional lighting to the neighbourhood
and increase night-time programming and business opportunities
for local merchants.
“Vancouver's
Chinatown was historically a vibrant business hub decorated with
colourful neon signs, and we’re determined to bring economic
prosperity back to the neighbourhood," said Mayor Gregor
Robertson at a ceremony today to switch on the new neon sign.
"By taking the lead to invest in this spectacular neon sign,
we hope to encourage individual businesses to install their own
signs.
"Chinatown has always been an important tourist attraction
in our city and we are committed to working with the community
to make this a must-see destination for international visitors
as well as an exciting shopping area for local residents."
 Strategically
located near key attractions in Chinatown, such as the Dr. Sun
Yat-sen Classical Garden and the Chinatown Memorial Square, the
bilingual sign (“Chinatown Plaza” in English and “Chinatown
welcomes you” in Chinese) incorporates traditional and contemporary
design elements and ideas from the community. The lanterns represent
festivity and the swirling ribbon is reminiscent of the shape
and energy of a dragon.
In addition to the
Chinatown neon sign, another sign outside the historic Pennsylvania
Hotel at 412 Carrall Street was completed in early 2009. A third
sign, at the Rainier Hotel at 309 Carrall Street, was compleated
in January 2010.
Image: Artists
rendition, coutesy of City of Vancouver.
Media contact:
City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336
media@vancouver.ca
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