Vancouver City Council has given the green light to a transformative megaproject for the Jericho Lands, a prime 90-acre site on the city’s west side.

Source: Global News

PART 1

The development plan, which has sparked both excitement and opposition, was approved unanimously, paving the way for a major new chapter in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighbourhood.

The ambitious plan is spearheaded by the MST Development Partnership, a collective of the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation, alongside the Canada Lands Company (CLC), a federal Crown corporation. Together, they aim to build a mix of residential units, community amenities, and green spaces, all while honoring First Nations rights and initiatives.

A Vision for 13,000 Homes and a Thriving Community

This monumental project envisions the construction of 13,000 new homes, which would accommodate approximately 24,000 residents. The development will include more than two dozen buildings, ranging from four to 49 storeys, across the former military garrison site, located just across from Jericho Beach Park. The work is expected to unfold over the next 25 to 30 years.

The plan also includes a robust mix of affordable housing and public amenities: 2,600 units dedicated to social housing, 12.4 hectares of parks and open space, 259 childcare spaces, and a future transit station contingent on the extension of the Broadway subway to UBC.

Community Reactions: Support and Opposition

While the project has received enthusiastic backing from city leaders, it has also sparked significant controversy, particularly among local residents. Some area residents, mobilized under the Jericho Coalition, have voiced concerns about the scale and density of the development, arguing that it clashes with the character of the existing neighbourhood. Their alternative vision suggests lower-rise buildings that would better align with the current landscape.

However, many councillors, including the ABC Council Sarah Kirby-Yung has emphasized the need for growth in Vancouver’s west side. “This is a neighbourhood that has had a population change of just one person since 1996 – that’s almost 30 years,” she remarked. “This development will help address the city’s growing housing demand.”

OneCity Coun. Lucy Maloney expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to foster mutual benefits between municipal governments and Indigenous communities. She also condemned the fearmongering and negative rhetoric that some opponents have directed at the First Nations leaders involved in the project. “It’s clear that the city needs to do more to educate residents on the human rights of First Nations peoples and how they will be reflected in this city moving forward,” she stated.

What’s Next for Jericho Lands?

With approval granted, the Jericho Lands development is set to become a landmark project in Vancouver, integrating much-needed housing with green spaces and community amenities. As the plan progresses, it will likely continue to stir debate about balancing growth with preserving neighbourhood identity, but it marks a significant step towards addressing Vancouver’s housing crisis.

Stay tuned for updates as this long-awaited development moves forward, shaping the future of the city’s west side for generations to come.

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