In an exciting development for Vancouver’s cultural landscape, a new area is being promoted as Canada’s inaugural “Mexican Barrio,” coinciding with the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This initiative, spearheaded by the Gastown and Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), aims to showcase a growing number of Mexican-owned businesses, including restaurants, barbershops, and cultural venues, as the city’s Latin community continues to flourish.
Defining the Mexican Barrio
The Mexican Barrio is located at the intersection of Gastown and the Downtown Eastside, an area now officially marked by a map on the Gastown BIA website which highlights 19 local businesses. This neighbourhood is bordered by Cambie Street to the west, Powell and Water Streets to the north, Pender Street to the south, and Gore Avenue to the east. Hastings Crossing BIA’s executive director, Landon Hoyt, emphasised that this initiative is not about rebranding but rather about acknowledging the evolution of the community. “Neighbourhoods change, and we’ve seen this rise in Mexican-owned businesses too, and so there’s an opportunity to celebrate that,” he remarked.
A Vision Realised
The concept of the Mexican Barrio was originally proposed by Rafael Trujillo, who owns NAHUAL Cannabis on West Hastings near Abbott Streets. Trujillo has witnessed the transformation of the area, noting, “Since we arrived here, it was a really difficult area, really hard, the skid row basically.” After dedicating three years to preparing his retail space, he observed an influx of Mexican businesses establishing themselves nearby. Hoyt noted that the current count of Mexican enterprises has risen to two dozen, and the area is now featured on new wayfinding signage around the Last Mile FIFA zone near BC Place Stadium.
Trujillo expressed optimism about the progress made in collaboration with the BIAs. “Since our community started to come and we’ve been working with Landon and Hastings Crossing BIA, there’s been a big change because in the beginning, it was a big challenge,” he stated.
Community Reactions
Feedback from residents regarding the Mexican Barrio has been varied. Oscar Montal, who emigrated from Mexico three years ago, shared his positive outlook, saying, “I think it’s a good place. Maybe for the people doing drugs it’s not good sometimes, but it’s fine, I like it.” In contrast, a long-time resident of the Downtown Eastside, who preferred to remain unnamed, expressed scepticism. “As soon as [tourists] turn into this area they’re like stunned, they don’t know where to go or what to do… I don’t think Mexican Barrio is going to bring them over to… but while across the street people are doing drugs – it’s just not going to work; you have to clean the whole area up.”
Local Businesses Anticipate Growth
Among the new establishments is Dona Vicky Mexican Food, which has taken over the space previously occupied by Calabash Bistro in the 400-block of Carrall Street. The restaurant, which began as a weekend pop-up, is now open daily in anticipation of the World Cup. Pamela Dominguez, the daughter of Dona Vicky’s owner, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of their cuisine to attract visitors. “I think that’s perfect for the World Cup,” she said. “New people that are coming, more authentic Mexican food, yeah, I am excited.”
Billed as “a little piece of Mexico in the heart of Vancouver,” Dona Vicky and its neighbouring businesses are optimistic that the Mexican Barrio will entice both residents and tourists to explore the area.
Why it Matters
The establishment of the Mexican Barrio is a significant step in recognising and celebrating the contributions of the Latin community within Vancouver. As the city gears up for the FIFA World Cup, this initiative not only aims to boost local businesses but also to foster cultural exchange and understanding. By embracing diversity, Vancouver is positioning itself as a vibrant global city, capable of showcasing its rich tapestry of cultures to the world. This initiative highlights the potential for economic revitalisation through cultural appreciation, which could serve as a model for other cities looking to celebrate their multicultural identities.