Sien Lok Park

"Sien Lok Park stands out not because of a complex design, but because of what it represents. It was originally land intended for an expressway, and the project was stopped after pushback from the Chinatown community. That history is a big part of why the space matters. After the expressway was cancelled, the community raised money to turn the land into a park. That process gives the space a strong sense of ownership. When people go there, it is not just a park, it is something the community fought for and helped create. The park includes artwork and plaques that tell the story of that struggle, as well as the broader history of Chinese Canadians. That connection makes it feel like a place that reflects identity and belonging, not just a recreational space. What really stands out is how the space helps people feel that they are part of the city, that they contributed to it, and that they belong there." (Adapted from interview material. Edited for clarity while preserving the participant’s voice.)