The Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) has officially withdrawn its support for the Harbin Gate project in Edmonton, citing concerns that cultural partners were treated as symbolic rather than substantive contributors. In a public letter, the association announced it was stepping away from the partnership with the City of Edmonton, which had been working with the CBA and other Chinese community groups on the design of the gate.
Project details and controversy
The $8.7-million gate is under construction on 97 Street between Jasper Avenue and Okisikow Way, replacing a previous gate on 102 Avenue that was removed to accommodate LRT construction. The structure is intended to celebrate Edmonton's relationship with its sister city, Harbin, China. However, the CBA expressed frustration that the project's cost was too high and that the community's input was undervalued.
“The CBA cannot support a project where cultural partners are treated as symbolic rather than substantive contributors,” the association stated. “Nor can we endorse spending substantial taxpayer dollars for a single, over-budget capital item while urgent needs in Chinatown, including safety, business recovery and sanitation, remain unmet.”
City response
Ward O-day-Min Councillor Anne Stevenson, who represents the Chinatown area, acknowledged tensions during the design process. She noted that meetings with the CBA in February suggested the project had support, but the city felt it could not halt or redesign the gate without incurring higher costs due to escalating construction expenses.
“We didn’t feel that we could halt, redesign, and end up with anything cheaper, as we know costs are escalating quite significantly,” Stevenson said. She added that the gate will feature four art panels: two from artists in Harbin and two selected through an Edmonton-based process involving multiple community voices. The CBA was invited to participate in the selection committee but ultimately chose not to continue.
Mayor Andrew Knack expressed disappointment at the CBA's withdrawal but confirmed the project will proceed. “I think the city did as much as they could engage Harbin,” Knack said. “We have the sign-off from folks in Harbin. We’ve had the sign off from other groups in the Chinese community. At the end of the day, (the association) is still going to be an important partner on this particular project. They have those feelings, but I know we’re going to continue to work together in many other areas.”
The CBA's decision highlights ongoing tensions between community groups and the city over priorities in Chinatown, where safety and business recovery remain pressing concerns.
