Lethbridge's Chinatown

Initial Chinese settlement in Canada was the result of indentured workers being brought over to work on the railway. During the first 20 years of Chinese Canadian settlement in Lethbridge, the Chinese Canadian population of Lethbridge drew little interest from surrounding communities. In 1911, after years of rising tensions, Bylaw 83 was put into law. This bylaw effectively forced Chinese laundries into a small, designated area, closely bordered by the coulees. Other businesses and Chinese residents were encouraged to also move into this area. Over the next five years, the community would grow and flourish despite the oppressive cloud looming over them. By the time the bylaw was rescinded, many had decided to stay within their close-knit community. While some of the original buildings have been demolished or changed owners, the Kuo Min Tang building and the Chinese Freemasons Building are reminders of Lethbridge's Chinatown.