In an exciting development for Vancouver’s cultural landscape, a small intersection in the city’s Gastown and Downtown Eastside neighbourhoods is being promoted as Canada’s inaugural “Mexican Barrio.” This initiative comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup and highlights a surge in Mexican-owned enterprises, including eateries, barbershops, and cultural venues, as the Latin community in the city continues to flourish.
A Collaborative Vision
The concept of the Mexican Barrio has emerged from a partnership between the Gastown and Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Associations (BIAs). A detailed map available on the Gastown BIA’s website showcases 19 businesses within this area, which is defined by Cambie Street to the west, Powell and Water Streets to the north, Pender Street to the south, and Gore Avenue to the east.
Landon Hoyt, the executive director of Hastings Crossing BIA, clarified that the intention is not to rebrand the neighbourhood but to acknowledge the vibrant changes happening due to the influx of Mexican-owned businesses. “We’ve seen this rise in Mexican-owned businesses too, and so there’s an opportunity, I think, to celebrate that,” he remarked, highlighting the positive developments brought forth by local non-profits and social enterprises.
The Birth of an Idea
The Mexican Barrio initiative was originally conceived by Rafael Trujillo, the owner of NAHUAL Cannabis, located on West Hastings near Abbott Streets. Trujillo shared his journey of establishing his business in what he described as a challenging area, previously known for its struggles with homelessness and addiction. “Since we arrived here, it was a really difficult area, really hard, the skid row basically,” Trujillo recounted, adding that he invested three years into preparing his shop, which eventually opened in June 2025.
He noted that as he settled into the community, he witnessed an increase in the number of Mexican-owned establishments setting up shop nearby. Hoyt confirmed that there are now approximately two dozen such businesses in the vicinity, bolstered by new wayfinding signage that promotes the Mexican Barrio as part of the Last Mile FIFA area near BC Place Stadium.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
Responses from residents regarding the Mexican Barrio have been varied. Oscar Montal, who relocated from Mexico to Vancouver three years ago, expressed optimism about the area, stating, “I think it’s a good place. Maybe for the people doing the drugs it’s not good sometimes, but it’s fine, I like it.”
Conversely, another resident, who preferred to remain unnamed, voiced concerns about the area’s challenges. “As soon as they (tourists) turn into this area, they’re like, stunned, they don’t know where to go or what to do,” he noted, emphasising that the presence of nearby drug use could deter visitors.
New Ventures in the Barrio
Among the new establishments is Dona Vicky Mexican Food, which has taken over the space previously occupied by Calabash Bistro on Carrall Street. The restaurant, which started as a weekend pop-up, has been operating daily since March in anticipation of the World Cup. “I think that’s perfect for the World Cup,” said Pamela Dominguez, daughter of the restaurant’s owner, expressing enthusiasm for the potential influx of visitors seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.
Billed as “a little piece of Mexico in the heart of Vancouver,” Dona Vicky and its fellow businesses are eager for the opportunity to welcome new patrons to the Mexican Barrio.
Why it Matters
The establishment of the Mexican Barrio is not just a celebration of cultural diversity; it represents a significant shift in the economic and social fabric of the area. As Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, the growth of Mexican-owned businesses is poised to attract tourists and enhance the city’s reputation as a multicultural hub. This initiative underscores the importance of community collaboration in fostering resilience and revitalisation, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant urban landscape.
