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April 22, 2022

Dragon Boat BC returns to Vancouver’s Chinatown, ahead of packed schedule of race events and programs in 2022

The iconic non-profit organization continues to expand as its growing team prepares for a calendar year of cultural and recreational initiatives.

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Ahead of June’s anticipated festival, Dragon Boat BC is returning to its roots — expanding offices into the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. The non-profit organization widened their operational scope by adding key office space at 124 East Pender Street in April, near where Vancouver’s Chinese clan associations and community originally planned the arrival of the first dragon boats to Canada for Expo 86. 

That donation by Hong Kong to Vancouver for exhibition races more than three decades ago sparked the beginnings of dragon boat racing in Canada.

“We don’t want to forget where we came from,” said Dominic Lai, Development, Marketing, and Operations Director for Dragon Boat BC. “Dragon boat is rooted in bringing people together, and for us to return to our roots in Chinatown is more than just a logical choice — it’s an important one. Over COVID, we had the privilege of supporting different Chinatown community groups and saw how much demand there is for culturally appropriate and accessible recreation. Being back in Chinatown allows us to better serve the broader community as we begin to reconnect with each other.”

Prior to the pandemic, Dragon Boat BC leased a small office on Keefer Street — but the decrease in staffing resulted in a temporary consolidation at Creekside Community Centre, beside its water operations. The last few months saw significant growth with the staff team, as the organization broadened from three full-time staff members towards 400 personnel, including staff and volunteers in a range of positions.

“Although it’s been a challenging two years, we’re excited as we look ahead to all the different opportunities to safely reconnect our community, and continue growing dragon boat’s sport and historical significance across B.C.,” said Lai. “We’ve heard how excited some people in our community are that we’ve returned to Chinatown, and we can’t wait to put in the work to support and grow alongside this vibrant community.”

The 124 East Pender building holds significant history in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Built in 1909, the three-storey brick building first served as the Chinese Theatre, and was home to the Hong Kong Cafe from the 1930s to the 1950s. It was also the former location of Chinatown News, first published in 1953.

Currently, Dragon Boat BC occupies part of the second floor of the building, with 1,900 square-feet dedicated to offices, community meetings, and operational planning. Over the upcoming months, Dragon Boat BC will begin the next phase of its operations in the building, as it explores ways to activate the streetscape and build welcoming experiences for local residents, visitors of all backgrounds, and the Chinatown community to its new home. The vision is to transform the space for the community and invite people in to learn, meet, and grow together.

The 2022 Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival’s official launch will be announced at a later date — however, race registration is currently open, and an exciting program is in the works featuring local headliner musicians, important cultural displays, and a new public art program. There are also two other major festivals planned for 2022, including the Vessi 500 Championship on June 4, and the Steveston Dragon Boat Festival on August 20.

Kayak rentals are also now open to the public, as well as a two-hour weekly Intro to Kayak program, which gives first-time paddlers the fundamental skills and knowledge to paddle in protected waters. Dragon Boat BC’s summer camps are also now open for registration through the Vancouver Park Board, bringing together fun paddling experiences with transformative learning. 

About the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society

Community, culture, and competition, all in one boat. The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society (dba Dragon Boat BC) is the non-profit organizer of North America’s flagship dragon boat festival – the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, and runs Dragon Zone Paddling Club – Canada’s largest paddling club. 

The Society also produces a series of races, cultural programming, and community initiatives centred around the traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat. Through its All Access and youth programs, supported by the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Society makes paddling experiences accessible regardless of any barriers to participation. Visit dragonboatbc.ca for more information, or like Dragon Boat BC on Facebook and Instagram. 

Media Contact

Hosea Cheung

Sageus Collective

778 389 9395

hosea.c@sageuscollective.com 

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