Pacific Mall

Pacific Mall. It is a large indoor shopping center located in the Greater Toronto Area, specifically within the city of Markham, Ontario. Opened in 1997, it is renowned as the largest indoor Asian-themed mall in North America, featuring a distinctive architectural style and a vast array of retail and food vendors. The complex has become a major cultural and commercial hub, attracting visitors from across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and beyond for its unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere.

History

The mall was developed by the firm Mackenzie Hill on a site that was once part of the Buttonville Airport lands. Its design was inspired by traditional night markets found in East Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly those in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The concept aimed to create a permanent, climate-controlled version of these bustling markets for the growing Asian Canadian population in the Toronto region. Since its opening, it has undergone several management changes and expansions, including the development of the adjacent Market Village and later Splendid China Tower, though these have since been redeveloped into the new Remington Centre. The mall's history is intertwined with the demographic shifts and economic growth of York Region.

Description and features

The mall's layout is organized into hundreds of small, individually owned kiosks and storefronts, creating a labyrinthine marketplace experience. Architectural elements include pagoda-style roofs and decorative arches, evoking a sense of place. Tenants primarily sell a wide variety of goods, including electronics, fashion apparel, cosmetics, DVDs, and Cantopop music. A major draw is its extensive food court and numerous independent eateries offering diverse Asian cuisine, such as bubble tea, Chinese bakery items, and Japanese ramen. Other features include a multi-screen Cineplex Cinemas theatre, video game arcades, and services like TD Canada Trust and RBC.

Cultural significance

Pacific Mall serves as a vital cultural nexus for the Chinese Canadian community and other Asian Canadians in Ontario. It is a weekend destination for families and a place where recent immigrants can find familiar products and foods from East Asia. The mall has been a focal point for celebrating festivals like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, often hosting large events with performances. It has also been studied as a landmark of ethnic enclave economics and a symbol of multiculturalism in Canada. Its influence extends into the local culinary scene, having incubated many food trends that later spread across the Greater Toronto Area.

Management and redevelopment

The property has been managed by various entities over the years, including First Professional Management and later Pemberton Group. A significant redevelopment project involved the demolition of the neighboring Market Village and the construction of the mixed-use Remington Centre, which includes condominium towers, a YMCA, and a Longo's supermarket. This transformation, part of the broader Markham Centre secondary plan, has integrated the mall more fully into the evolving urban fabric of downtown Markham. Management has periodically renovated the interior and updated tenant mix to maintain competitiveness amid changing retail landscapes.

In popular culture

The mall's unique environment has made it a frequent subject and filming location. It was prominently featured in the MTV series *The Amazing Race Canada*, where teams competed in a challenge within its corridors. The mall has appeared in music videos for artists like Kardinal Offishall and Shawn Desman, and has been referenced in episodes of the CBC Television series *Kim's Convenience*. It also served as a location for the film *The Incredible Hulk* starring Edward Norton. The mall's distinctive aesthetic and cultural role have made it an iconic backdrop representing contemporary Toronto in various media.

Category:Shopping malls in Ontario Category:Markham, Ontario Category:Buildings and structures in York Region Category:Asian-Canadian culture in Ontario