This fall, the City will be replacing the roof on the Gate of Harmonious Interest. New high-quality materials will extend the life of this iconic Chinatown landmark for generations. The project will maintain all original design elements, ensuring the structure's historical integrity is preserved. A new integrated sound and lighting system will also be installed. Work is set to be completed in February 2026.
Why now?
Existing roof tiles and figurines are deteriorating, and replacement is required to keep the Gate in its intended form.
Project impacts
During construction you can expect noise and minor vibrations, as well as a temporary loss of some on-street parking on Fisgard and Government St. A scaffolding structure will be installed around the gate to minimize traffic, noise and pedestrian impacts; however, short-term traffic and pedestrian restrictions may be required on occasion.
FAQ
To extend the life of the Gate of Harmonious Interest (GOHI), the City is replacing the three aging roofs of the structure. The tiles and decorative figurines of the roof will be replaced with long-lasting, weather-resistant materials and a new mounting system that allows for thermal expansion which is expected to last another 75 years.
In addition to the roof replacement, the City will install a new programmable sound system and updated lighting.
The Chinatown Gate Roof Replacement project will return the structure to its intended form and quality and come with a maintenance plan that preserves its heritage and quality.
Past inspections carried out by the City indicate that the deterioration of the existing roof tiles and figurines has reached a point where replacement of the roofs is required to maintain the Gate in its intended form. The new roof system will be built with superior clay terracotta pieces and installed in a much more sustainable way to ensure longevity.
GOHI was erected in 1981 on Fisgard Street at Government Street through funding and donations contributed by the City of Victoria, the Chinese community and the public.
The Chinese community call a freestanding gateway a paifang or pailou. Traditionally, these were built to serve as a symbolic entrance to a tomb, temple, palace or sacred mountain. Over time, arches were constructed to commemorate special events or places. GOHI was constructed to serve as the symbolic entrance to Chinatown, and as a celebration of the joint efforts by Chinese and non-Chinese Victorians to preserve the heritage of Chinatown.
There are two inscriptions on the structure celebrating the partnership between both Chinese and non-Chinese communities: “To work together with one heart” and “To help each other achieve harmony.”
Flanking the gate are two hand-carved stone lions, donated by Victoria's Twin City partner, Suzhou, China.
GOHI stands roughly 11.5 metres high and 17 metres wide. It contains three openings: the main arch over Fisgard Street and two arches over the sidewalks.
The art displayed on the gate embodies the Chinese concept of Yin-Yang and the harmonious unity of these two elements. Stone lions keep away evil spirits, while dragons, phoenix birds and other symbols bring positive energy.
In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is the essence of water and rain and confers blessings on the earth. In Buddhism, the lion is a sacred animal whose roaring dispels phantoms. Together, these creatures are believed to fend off malignant attacks and protect against disasters like fire.
In the outer red pillars, the structure contains two time capsules, to be opened in 2081 and 2096. There is also a plaque on the structure which lists the names of 61 Chinese-Canadians who fought for Canada in the Second World War.
GOHI was designed in 1981 by Mickey Lam, the City of Victoria’s urban designer at that time.
The City of Victoria owns and manages this asset.
The integrity of the structure, including the detailed designs, carvings and statues will be maintained. GOHI will look exactly as it did before, except it will have new, higher quality roof materials, updated lighting and a new sound system. The new materials will ensure the structure is safe, resilient and can be enjoyed for years to come.
Construction is expected to be underway from October 2025 to early February 2026. If the timeline stays on track, the remediated gate could be revealed during Chinese New Year 2026.
We expect some temporary loss of on-street parking along Government Street and Fisgard Street, as well as construction noise during working hours. However, a permanent scaffolding structure will be erected around the gate to minimize traffic, noise and pedestrian impacts during construction.
Fisgard Street will remain open to traffic throughout the majority of construction except for minimal delays (mostly at the start and end of the project) for certain activities that require closures to keep the public safe.
Victoria’s Chinatown was established in 1858 and is the oldest Chinatown in Canada.
Victoria Chinatown Museum honours the history, culture and contribution of Chinese Canadians. The museum is located at 10 Fan Tan Alley.
