Counter FIFA's Harms in Chinatown & DTES

The World Cup is here, but its arrival brings a harsh reality for Chinatown and DTES. The 2010 Winter Olympics already showed us that mega-sporting events inevitably accelerate gentrification and cause disproportionate harm to marginalized communities.

With FIFA establishing a “Controlled Area” radius of 2 km surrounding BC Place, Chinatown and the DTES fall squarely within the zone of impact.

We are already seeing the effects: the DTES and parts of Chinatown have been rebranded as a “Mexican Barrio,” while gentrifier bars and “speakeasies” are being highlighted as features of Chinatown on way-finding signs throughout the city. Meanwhile, public outdoor community events are almost impossible to put on due to the strict event restrictions imposed by FIFA.

But we don’t need to sit back and watch these harms unfold.

Here are some resources to learn about the harms of FIFA, alongside actionable ways you can show up to support our neighbours and minimize harm:

1. Know Your Rights: Increased surveillance and policing mean a spike in tickets, fines, and street sweeps. Read Pivot Legal’s new guide on your rights when encountering law enforcement: pivotlegal.org/fifa_and_your_rights

2. Become a Legal Observer: Join Pivot’s volunteer team to monitor, document, and hold police accountable during FIFA: pivotlegal.org/legal_observer_program

3. Read Community Concerns and Demands: Pivot Legal surveyed the community on concerns and demands during FIFA. Read the summary here: FIFA on the Block (Part 1).

4. Debunk the Sex-Trafficking Myth: Read SWAN Vancouver’s post debunking narratives about sex-trafficking spikes during major sports events. Learn how host cities fund anti-trafficking campaigns that increase policing and surveillance, putting migrant sex workers in danger:

5. Donate to Mutual Aid to Support Sex Workers: Support the Sex Workers Interrupting Criminalization Vancouver fund that’s run by and for sex workers to reduce harm from FIFA policing: https://chuffed.org/project/177599-support-fund-sex-workers-interrupting-criminalization-vancouver

6. Share Crisis Resources: Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre’s 24-hour crisis line will remain open with FIFA-specific supports for anyone facing unsafe situations or harassment. Lower Mainland: 604-255-6344 / Toll-Free: 1-877-392-7583.

7. Call for Cops off UBC: During FIFA, UBC is housing up to 1000 armed police in a “cop city” in one of their student residence buildings on campus. Write a letter to UBC administration to support students in their call to demand accountability for increasing militarization of campus.

8. Support Chinatown neighbourhood shops: Instead of spending money at sports bars, keep wealth in the community to resist gentrification. Intentionally shop at long-time neighourhood spots in Chinatown like:

   • Zhao Mah Bakery for fresh sticky buns

   • Hong Kong Hairstyling (inside the Chinatown Plaza Mall) for an affordable haircut

   • Far East Creations (inside the Chinatown Plaza Mall) for jade and gold jewelry

   • Quality Enterprise Market for fresh bean sprouts and dried goods

   • Tin Lee Market for groceries

   • Liang You Book Co for nostalgic books … and more!

9. Attend a Community Event: While FIFA has tried to suppress local events near its zone, community events are still happening in Chinatown:

   • June 20: A talk on the historic The Chinese Times newspaper as “Humiliation Day” (July 1st anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act) approaches. More here.

   • June 28: A traditional Chinese unicorn Hakka kirin dance workshop and Chinatown open mic at the Chinatown Memorial Plaza. More here.