Chinatown loses lions as Harbin Gate is dismantled for LRT

A reluctant acceptance looms over Chinatown in Edmonton aftertwo stone lions were removed Tuesdayfrom the landmark Harbin Gate on 102nd Avenue and 97th Street.

"They're not happy about it because it's a friendship gate between Harbin and Edmonton," said Mei Hung, with the Chinese Benevolent Association.

"For the good of the city, we have to put up with it," she added. "Because of the LRT, there are no options."

The lions were hoisted from their perch as part of the piecemeal removal of theHarbinGate, to prepare for construction of the Valley Line LRT.

In Chinese culture, lions are protectors and beacons of fortune. It's said that if you touch the ball in the lion's mouth, it will bring you luck.

"We definitely believe that the lion is supposed to protect you, to bring you good luck," Hung said.

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The lions, along with the rest of the gate, are being put into acitystorage facility in Cromdale until a decision is made on where to relocate them.

Hung acknowledged that the lions aren't gone forever.

"Once we have a decision on gate, they will be there," she said

The associationand the City of Edmonton are working on a feasibility study to determine the future location of the gate.

The Chinese community wants the gate to go up on 97th Street and 101A Avenue, just north of Jasper Avenue.

"That's where Chinatown started 100 years ago," Hungsaid.

Putting the gate across 97th Street would come with its challenges, as the road spans five lanes versus the current three lanes on 102 Ave.

Building a new gate to fit the 97th Street dimensions is a possibility, said Mary AnneDebrinski, a spokesperson with the city's sustainable development department.

The gate should be removed entirely by the end of April.