Vancouver Councillor Urges Immediate Reopening of Chinatown Post Office

URGENT UPDATE: Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry has just announced a motion aimed at pressuring Canada Post to reopen the critically needed post office in Chinatown. This comes after the Main Street Post Office was closed in November 2023 as part of cost-saving measures, significantly impacting the local community.

Fry emphasized the dire situation for residents, particularly seniors and those with disabilities, stating, “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.” The closure has left many without easy access to essential postal services.

The councillor’s motion, which will be debated on Wednesday, calls on Mayor Ken Sim to engage federal officials and offer city-owned properties as potential new locations for the post office. Fry highlighted that the city has properties in Chinatown that could be redeveloped to fit this urgent need.

“This was a business decision from Canada Post,” Fry explained, referring to the closure. “They’re obviously going through some new modelling of business decisions. It’s too late for that particular location, but there’s a lot of opportunity within Chinatown.”

Fry’s motivation is clear: many seniors in the area do not utilize electronic banking and face language barriers, making a local post office vital for their daily lives. “It’s nice to have that kind of facility available,” he stated, underscoring the emotional and practical significance of this service.

As the debate unfolds, residents and community advocates are rallying support for Fry’s motion, emphasizing the necessity of having accessible postal services in Chinatown. The councillor’s efforts reflect a broader call for community resources that cater to the unique needs of this vibrant neighborhood.

Stay tuned for more updates as the City Council discusses this pressing issue.