Jericho Lands, Located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey Neighborhood, Has Revealed an Ambitious New Development Proposal.

Sources: City of Vancouver, Inspire Jericho, Daily Hive

The Indigenous-led project, spearheaded by the MST Development Corporation and Canada Lands Company, now envisions 13,000 homes for up to 24,000 residents, with an increased total building floor area of 13.6 million sq ft. This development is larger in scale than the Squamish First Nation’s Senakw project and has the potential to double the population of the entire West Point Grey neighborhood.

The 90-acre site, previously a military installation, is bordered by West 4th Avenue, Highbury Street, West 8th Avenue, and Trimble Park. Unlike Senakw, Jericho Lands is not on reserve land and is subject to the City of Vancouver’s policies and processes. The project is currently in the drafting stage of a master plan, which will guide future rezoning applications over a span of 20 to 30 years.

To ensure long-term land ownership, the three First Nations involved have decided to limit homeownership opportunities to leasehold strata, making housing relatively more affordable compared to a conventional freehold housing. The revised concept also includes a commitment to affordable housing, with at least 30% of the residential building floor area designated for social and secured rental housing.

The new concept introduces approximately 30 high-rise towers, including three 49-storey towers called the “Sentinels,” representing each of the three First Nations. The project also features low- and mid-rise buildings, with around half of the structures utilizing wood construction for sustainability purposes.

The development aims to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist pathways, with over 13 km of pathways aligned with the site’s hillside topography. The plan allocates 33% of the land area, or approximately 30 acres, to parks, open spaces, and recreational areas. Notable features include the preservation and enhancement of existing forests, the uncovering and restoration of buried streams, and the construction of a gathering place called “Watchmen’s Hill” at the top of the ridge.

Community facilities, such as a new community center, public elementary school, childcare facilities, and First Nations cultural spaces, are planned to serve the new population. The proponents are also engaging in discussions with West Point Grey Academy, exploring the possibility of the independent school remaining on-site within new buildings.

The final design of the buildings, open spaces, and public amenities will be determined in the later stages of the City’s policy statement, with City Council expected to review the master plan in Fall 2023. Public feedback is being sought through an online survey until July 16, 2023.

The project represents an opportunity for the First Nations involved to assert their land ownership and economic leadership while showcasing their culture. It is seen as a step toward creating modern Indigenous communities that welcome all residents and visitors. MST Development Corporation and Canada Lands Company have also partnered for the Heather Lands project, another significant redevelopment endeavor in Vancouver.

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