In this series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.

Who is he?

Yukang Li has been the executive director of the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA (Business Improvement Area) for four years. In his role, he is a bridge between the community and government while organizing events and helping keep the area safe and clean.  

What’s his background?

Li is an educator and lives in Ottawa with his wife and son. He received his Master’s from the University of East Anglia in the UK and an MBA from uOttawa.

What is he known for?

Li recently published an op-ed piece on crime and drug activity in Chinatown which continues even after the closing of a supervised consumption site at 55 Eccles St.

“The conversations that I have every day with our members [are] more or less related to how the city’s situation in the neighbourhood has been deteriorating in the last few years,” said Li. “That’s always on the top of my mind, community safety.”  Issuing a call for a re-evaluation of drug policy, his op-ed reflected his growing concern and how he thinks the issue has affected Chinatown.

What do people say about him?

Li received mostly positive responses for his recent newspaper article. One user wrote, “Thank you to Mr. Li for speaking up. This story is heartbreaking for anyone who loves Ottawa.” Another user shared their own story saying, “I’m a regular visitor there, for food shopping and restaurants. It’s definitely changed.” Some other individuals have shared their similar concerns with Ottawa and the state of drugs in the area.

What’s a lesser known fact about him?

In his free time, Li enjoys DIY. He loves to make new stuff and carpentry. He also enjoys spending time outdoors.

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