GATEWAY THROUGH OTTAWA’S CHINATOWN
NOW A REALITY

Somerset Street, August 11, 2009 — Ottawa’s Chinese community, along with the businesses of Somerset Street in Ottawa’s Chinatown, will soon see shovels in the ground for a community Gateway thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. The Gateway is being constructed as both an official “entrance” into Ottawa’s Chinatown and as part of a “twin-city” project between the City of Ottawa and the City of Beijing, China.

His Excellency Lan Lijun, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister and the Member of Parliament for Ottawa West—Nepean; Yasir Naqvi, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa Centre; His Worship, Larry O’Brien, Mayor of Ottawa; Somerset Chinatown BIA Chair Peter So, and Gateway Committee Chair Larry Lee joined together for the official launch.

“This Gateway will act as both a welcoming entrance to Chinatown’s many shops and businesses, as well as symbolize our partnership with our twin city, Beijing,” said Minister Baird. “On behalf of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, I would like to thank the Somerset Chinatown BIA, the Gateway Committee, and countless volunteers and donors who have made today’s celebration possible. I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground.”

“This is an exciting project for both the Chinese community and the City of Ottawa,” said Yasir Naqvi. “The Gateway will serve as an important symbol of Chinese culture and history, celebrating our diversity, and recognizing the contributions made by the Chinese community in Ottawa.”‪‪

"I am very pleased to see this important community-building project moving forward," said Mayor Larry O'Brien. "Once completed, the Gateway will help to preserve the historical characteristics of Chinatown and will also serve as one of the landmarks of Ottawa that will identify this vibrant community to tourists and all residents of our great city."

"We believe this gateway will enrich and display our community’s heritage, rejuvenate the cultural spirit and it will also to help enhance Ottawa's cultural heritage landmarks,” said Mr. Larry Lee, the Co-Chair of the Ottawa Chinatown Gateway.

Both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are each contributing $125,000 for a total of $250,000. The City is providing the space for construction of the Gateway at no cost.

Contacts:	Chris Day Press Secretary Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister (613) 991-0700	Jacqueline Choquette Office of Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre (613) 302-2603

Lindsay Valente Office of Larry O’Brien Mayor of Ottawa (613) 580-2424