This is the site of Nanaimo’s Third Chinatown at Pine Street and Hecate Street. 1908 - 1960.

You are currently standing in the location of Nanaimo’s third Chinatown. This was once a bustling and vibrant Chinese Community which lined both sides of Pine Street; it was said to have a population of 1,200 at the height of its existence. 

This third Chinatown was not only a community of local inhabitants, but it was also a hub for Chinese people who worked and lived in outlying areas throughout Vancouver Island.

During the 1920’s the population started to decline. There was the introduction to the Chinese Exclusion Act, also the Chinese population began moving integrating into other Nanaimo neighbourhoods.

Nanaimo’s coal industry began to slow down and many of the Chinese workers found work throughout different areas of British Columbia. 

Nanaimo’s Chinatown was never rebuilt. The Chinese community had dispersed into the greater population.

You can visit Nanaimo’s First Chinatown at the intersection of Esplanade Street and Victoria Crescent and Nanaimo’s Second Chinatown at the intersection of Pine Street and Hecate Street.

Photographs courtesy of Nanaimo Archives