Other Similar Activities and Gatherings in Montreal

These wellness activities (Tai Chi, Qigong) and mutual aid associations are pillars of Chinese community life and are widespread throughout the city:

• Chinatown (Downtown): It is common to see groups practicing Tai Chi and other forms of morning exercises in the Dragon Gate Park, demonstrating social vitality at the heart of the metropolis.

• South Shore Parks (Brossard): The vast parks in Brossard, where the Sino-Montreal concentration is high, are regular gathering places for similar group practices.

• Community Centers: Many Tai Chi or Qigong activities, often sponsored by Chinese associations, are offered in various community centers in boroughs like Côte-des-Neiges–NDG and Saint-Laurent, where the Asian population is numerous.

Let's use this opportunity to focus on this community, its presence, and its contribution to our city.

The Chinese community is one of the oldest and most diverse in Montreal, having played a central role in the city's economic and social development, despite significant historical challenges.

 Chinatown is designated a historic site and benefits from an action plan (2021–2026) to preserve its identity and heritage.

Although facing residential decline, Chinatown remains an essential commercial, cultural, and tourist hub.

The fight for its preservation (against the major projects of the 1970s and recent real estate developments) aims to protect this unique land base and commercial area.

This property stability, with family associations (like Wong, Lee, Hum, etc.) owning buildings, has helped root and preserve the neighbourhood's character and commerce against speculation and urban development.

Migratory Waves, Numbers, and Neighbourhoods

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The current Chinese population in Montreal is estimated at approximately 111,100 people, representing about 2.64% of the city's total population.

The Chinese community has always contributed to Montreal's economy through resilience, entrepreneurship, and the contribution of skilled human capital.

This economic contribution has transformed, moving from a subsistence economy to high-tech entrepreneurship and a major role in commerce.

A. Community Vitality

• Clan and Mutual Aid Organizations: The Chinese community is highly organized.

 Family and benevolent associations, such as the Chinese Association of Montreal (founded in 1889), are among the oldest in Canada.

The 30th anniversary of the Chinese Meditation, Health and Joy Association in LaSalle perfectly illustrates the social contribution outside the downtown core.

  These groups (often centred around Tai Chi and Qigong) serve as intercultural integration centres by offering wellness services that benefit all communities in the borough, including seniors.

Numerous acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics are established in Montreal, attesting to the contribution of alternative medicine and well-being.

Family Businesses, particularly in restaurants and services (laundries), have been models of economic resilience.

  Restaurants, in particular, have spread and become fixtures in all neighbourhoods.

  These family businesses have played a crucial role in Montreal's local services.

The food industry saw the rise of giants, like Wong Wing Foods (founded in 1948), which established a prominent place in the North American agri-food industry (and recently decided to close its doors).

Furthermore, structures like the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC) have a regional section in Quebec, and individuals like Jeff Zhang (Regional Director, Central Canada) and other experienced professionals in the field (lawyers, financiers) play key roles in business relations between China and Montreal.

B. Diverse Influence

The community has produced a strong concentration of professionals in the fields of science, technology, finance, and professional services, contributing to the growth of Montreal's key service sector.

Montreal personalities of Chinese origin have contributed to the arts, the academic world, and all fields.

Many professors and researchers of Chinese origin are active in Montreal universities (McGill, Concordia, UdeM), playing a major role in fundamental and applied research that supports Montreal's international standing.

Two citizens, David T.W. Lin and Jack W. Lee, have been named Members of the Order of Canada for their contributions.

• Walter Chi-yan Tom: Lawyer and community activist, a leading figure in the defense of rights and the preservation of Chinatown.

• Timothy Chiu Man Chan: Known as the de facto historian of Montreal's Chinatown, he has dedicated over half a century to collecting and preserving the stories of the old overseas Chinese for future generations.

• William Ging Wee Dere: A Montreal filmmaker of Chinese origin, known for his documentaries that explore the history and experiences of Chinese people in Canada. 

• Karen Tam: Highly recognized multidisciplinary artist known for installations and sculptures exploring the heritage of the Sino-Canadian diaspora.

Her works often deconstruct stereotypes and highlight the narratives of Chinese communities, notably through installations in Montreal's Chinatown.

• Andong Wang: Visual artist (drawing and painting) who explored portraiture and figurative drawing.

He is known for his style that seeks to blend East and West, and has exhibited in Montreal and China.

• Chun Hua Catherine Dong: Artist whose most recent works show the body as a bridge connecting East and West, often in an approach of transcendence and exploration of cultural hybridity.

• Ngan Siu-Mui: Artist recognized for her work in Chinese calligraphy. She has been involved in promoting Chinese culture and has received distinctions for her cultural bridging.

• Karen Cho (Cao Jialun): Sino-Québécois filmmaker and documentarian known for her films addressing social issues, immigration, and identity.

• Sophie Gee: Artist active in the field of theatre.

• Jackee Jing: Involved in theatre, film, video, writing, and production, demonstrating versatility on the artistic scene.

• Étienne "ATN" Lou: Dancer and actor who is an active Sino-Québécois artist.

• Ying Chen (应晨): Renowned Sino-Canadian writer, born in Shanghai and who lived in Montreal. She is the author of acclaimed novels in French such as La Mémoire de l'eau and L'Ingratitude. Her work often explores themes of displacement, memory, and identity.

• Sophie Chen: Singer who has gained attention on the Quebec scene, notably at events like the Lunar New Year.

• Vivian Yang Li: Erhu (traditional Chinese instrument) artist, also a Chinese orchestra conductor and professor.

• Parker Mah: Internationally renowned pianist and photographer in both these fields.

• Mary Sui Yee Wong: Concordia graduate and multidisciplinary artist whose works are exhibited internationally.

• Cheryl Sim: Director and curator of the Phi Foundation, she uses her position of authority at the Phi Foundation to showcase their work.

• Cathy Wong: Mayor of the Plateau Mont-Royal borough, President of the Young Council of Montreal and the Montreal Women's Council.

• Vincent Kou: Mentioned in connection with executive positions at the Brivia Group, a major real estate development company in Montreal, indicating a significant presence in this sector.

• Nathan Xie: Associated with the Sinobec Group as Chief Investment and Financial Officer, placing him in a key position in the financial and investment sector.

• Bob Liu: Often identified as a Chinese businessman who chose Montreal to settle and do business, particularly in real estate, highlighting the metropolis's appeal to international investors.

• YiFang Eva Hu: President of the Asian Market and highly involved in the future of Chinatown, she is an important figure in commercial and community entrepreneurship.

• Winston Chan: Chiropractor and Montreal entrepreneur engaged in the socio-economic and cultural spheres, notably in organizing events like the Asian Night Market and the Lunar New Year Festival.

These personalities – and there are many others- contribute greatly to the richness of Montreal, often by exploring themes of identity, heritage, and intercultural dialogue.