URGENT UPDATE: Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry has just introduced a motion to pressure Canada Post to reopen the Main Street post office in Chinatown, a vital resource for local residents. The motion comes after the office’s closure in November as part of reported cost-cutting measures, leaving many community members, particularly seniors and those with disabilities, struggling to access essential mail services.
During a council meeting held earlier today, Fry emphasized the need for the post office, 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 loss of this facility has been devastating for many, especially for the elderly population who often rely on traditional mail services rather than electronic banking.
Fry criticized the decision by Canada Post, labeling it as a “business decision” that has overlooked the unique needs of the Chinatown community. “It’s too late for that particular location and franchisee, but there’s a lot of opportunity within Chinatown,” he added, highlighting the potential for a new location.
The motion not only seeks to reopen the post office but also urges Mayor Ken Sim to communicate with federal officials regarding the possibility of reopening in city-owned spaces. Fry noted, “We have properties in Chinatown that are owned by the City of Vancouver that we’re actively looking to redevelop.”
He further explained, “Obviously, a lot of seniors don’t necessarily use electronic banking, and they don’t have access to the Internet, and they rely on mail.” This situation is exacerbated by language barriers, as many seniors in the area do not speak English as their first language, emphasizing the cultural significance of having a post office in the community.
As the city council prepares to debate Fry’s motion on Wednesday, the urgency of this situation is clear. The reopening of the Chinatown post office could restore a crucial service for the community and alleviate the burdens faced by its most vulnerable residents.
Stay tuned for updates as the council discusses this pressing issue, which impacts not just the residents of Chinatown, but also the broader conversation about accessibility and community resources across Vancouver.
