Vancouver Mayor Fast-Tracks Filipino Cultural Centre Amid Concerns

UPDATE: Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has just announced plans to fast-track a new Filipino cultural centre and hotel in Mount Pleasant, igniting a heated debate among community groups. The proposal aims to support the over 174,000 residents of Filipino descent in British Columbia and is seen as a significant step in recognizing their cultural contributions.

During a news conference earlier today, Sim endorsed the ambitious project, proposed by the Filipino Legacy Society of Canada in partnership with developer PortLiving. The high-rise development, set for 1940 Main St. and 143 East 3rd Ave., will feature 500 hotel rooms alongside a cultural centre that promises to be a hub for language classes, cooking sessions, and the largest collection of Filipino art outside the Philippines.

“This announcement is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building something deeper,”

stated Warren Dean Flandez, chair of the Filipino Legacy Society. He emphasized the centre’s role in preserving Filipino heritage through stories, music, and food. The project could potentially receive funding from hotel revenue to sustain its operations in the long term.

However, the proposal has not been without controversy. The Mabuhay House Society, another community group committed to establishing a Filipino cultural centre, has raised “red flags” over the lack of consultation in the planning process. Chair Lester De Guzman expressed concerns that the project could duplicate existing efforts, stating,

“The biggest issue is basically there’s no consultation.”

Mabuhay House has been working on its own proposal since 2021, earning support from over 90 Filipino organizations.

Filipino B.C., which is advocating for a separate cultural centre in South Vancouver, echoed similar sentiments, insisting that any development must be transparent and involve community input. Their statement highlighted a need for clarity regarding leadership and governance, stressing that many questions remain unanswered.

The B.C. Ministry of Tourism and Arts has confirmed that no formal proposals for a Filipino cultural centre have been submitted to the province. “Nothing has been decided about the vision, scope, or location for a centre,” officials stated, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project.

Despite the pushback, Flandez remains optimistic about collaboration, inviting other organizations to partner with the Filipino Legacy Society. He stated,

“Just because the society is new doesn’t mean we are new to the community.”

Support from local leaders, including Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, underscores the potential for multi-level government partnerships to bring this vision to life.

If Sim’s motion passes on November 26, 2023, city staff will prioritize the rezoning application, potentially paving the way for immediate development. Additionally, they will be directed to assist the Filipino Legacy Society in finding interim community spaces to kickstart programs without delay.

This developing story highlights the urgency of community involvement as Vancouver navigates the complexities of cultural representation. As discussions continue, the outcome of this proposal could significantly impact the Filipino community in British Columbia. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.