Ever wonder what it feels like to step into the largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America? That’s Pacific Mall. Here, at the northeast corner of Steeles Avenue and Kennedy Road in Markham, the Pacific Mall stands as a testament to the flourishing of Asian culture. Especially Chinese culture in the Greater Toronto Area.
Opened in either 1996 or 1997, reports vary, Pacific Mall emerged during a wave of Chinese immigration to Canada. It quickly became a commercial and cultural hub. But the land where Pacific Mall now thrives has its own story. Before Pacific Mall, Cullen Country Barns stood here. This farm-themed complex housed shops, a theatre, and restaurants. Len Cullen, the founder of Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village, established it in 1983. A fire damaged part of the complex in 1988. The complex was demolished in 1994.
Pacific Mall isn’t just a mall. It operates as a condominium corporation. This means the 450 units within are individually owned. Each owner decides their store’s inventory and hours. They can even sell their unit whenever they want. Developers claimed Pacific Mall was the first in North America to use this model.
Planning for Pacific Mall started in the late 1980s. This coincided with the growth of Chinese immigrant communities in suburban Toronto. The “Hong Kong Tide” brought educated and wealthy migrants. Canada’s open-door immigration policies and the Investment Canada Act further fueled this growth. Markham’s Chinese population surged. By 1999, the area had 58 Asian shopping malls.
Pacific Mall’s Cantonese name, “Tai Gu Gwong Cheung,” echoes Pacific Place in Hong Kong. At its opening, it was the only mall of its scale in Scarborough and Markham. The mall’s 715 retail condos were presold by 1993. Many Hong Kong investors bought units to meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigrant Investor Program.
Initially, business was slow. In 1999, half the second floor became Heritage Town. This food court and market attracted tourists. Artists created custom decorations in China. These included a dragon bas-relief, 300 lanterns, and terracotta soldiers. Heritage Town boosted business. Pacific Mall became a Canadian Tourist Attraction. It could stay open year-round, even on holidays.
Today, Pacific Mall promotes itself at airports and tourist centers. Businesses often hire salespeople fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Many stores are still run by their original Hong Kong owners.
Pacific Mall is the largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America. It has over 450 stores. The surrounding shopping plaza adds even more. Stores range from 300 to 800 square feet. They sell everything from clothing to electronics. You can find herbal medicine, tea, and Chinese books too.
The mall’s design blends red brick, steel, and glass. The architects sought to complement Markham’s suburban feel. The interior has a market style. Hallways are named after Hong Kong streets. The center features a courtyard with a dome ceiling and stage. The second floor houses a food court and Heritage Town.
Pacific Mall stands as a unique space. It is a testament to cultural exchange. It provides a glimpse into the dynamic world of Asian commerce and community.