Chinatown got a little bit brighter during August.

New decorative lights were installed on lamp posts along 97th Street and surrounding side streets, featuring a variety of shapes and designs. 

“The project received from the City of Edmonton’s Chinatown Vibrancy Fund 2025,” explains Kat Luu, Interim Executive Director of the Edmonton Chinatown Business Improvement Area (BIA). 

“The lighting concept was developed collaboratively by the ‘Light Up Chinatown Team’ from Chinatown BIA and Rebecca Barnes, one of the students from CTC [Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Society], with the work carried out by Five Star Holiday Decor who, with our voices, helped design the lights. The lights were installed by the City of Edmonton.”

Around two dozen of the colourful new installations feature 13 distinct designs such as a dragon, lucky cat, bubble tea, lanterns, and noodles. In addition, the City has restored lights on the Gate of Happy Arrival on 107th Avenue and 97th Street. 

“The intention is to bring more light, colour, and cultural identity into Chinatown. We want the neighbourhood to feel brighter, safer, and more welcoming in the evenings while encouraging more people to visit our restaurants, shops, and community spaces,” says Luu.

“Most importantly, this project is about restoring pride and confidence in Chinatown,” she continues. “I think these are more than decorative lights - they represent hope, renewal, and our community’s determination to keep moving forward. We want Edmontonians to see Chinatown as a vibrant cultural destination and a neighbourhood worth visiting, supporting, and celebrating.”

Paula E. Kirman is the Editor of Boyle McCauley News.