Description of Historic Place

The area that was known locally as "Chinatown" was primarily located on Broadway and Alfred Avenues between Main and Dominion Streets in Smithers, British Columbia. From 1923-1930 lots 1-2, 8, 9-11 on Block 58 and lots 16-19 and 31-34 on Block 59 were owned by Chinese Canadian men and primarily comprised the "Chinatown" area.

Heritage Value

The area known historically as "Chinatown" has historic and cultural heritage value as an area of the downtown core primarily owned and occupied by Chinese Canadian men, especially between 1921-1930. Chinese Canadians have lived and owned businesses in Smithers since 1913. By 1921 there were 35 Chinese Canadian men living and working in Smithers. According to property tax registries and census data, most of these men resided together in a few buildings owned by Chinese Canadians located on Broadway and Alfred, between Main and Dominion. For a few years in the 1920s and 1930s this area was locally referred to as "Chinatown". These community members ran businesses and contributed to local charitable causes. Their wives and families usually could not join them in Canada due to the Head Tax, and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923.

Character-Defining Elements

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