Recovering her family’s land at the southern foot of Burrard Bridge is a kind of homecoming for the old Squamish Nation Syexwáliya Ann Whonnock.
His great-grandfather Shinnullsutt and his great-grandmother lived on the site before 1913, when the government sent villagers to the north coast in a barge and burned their homes so that Vancouver could expand.
“It’s really significant for us,” he told Global News. “Very grateful and happy to be able to return … and to be able to care for my grandchildren and their unborn children.”
The Squamish Nation struggled to reclaim its land and is now the promoter of a new mass housing project on the site.
1:55 Squamish Nation Approves Major Vancouver Development Squamish Nation Approves Major Vancouver Development – December 11, 2019
On Wednesday, the nation signed a service agreement with the City of Vancouver for the planned development of Sen̓áḵw. The project is a partnership with Westbank to build up to 11 towers with 6,000 rental units, up to 1,200 of them affordable, including 250 for Squamish Nation members.
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“It’s historic in the context of years of broken relationships.” Said Khelsilem, chairman of the Squamish Nation Council.
Read more: Squamish Nation approves development of 11 towers near Burrard Bridge
Khelsilem said municipalities have often used service agreements to limit the development of reserve lands and deny first nations the ability to generate wealth, but not this time.
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“It has not gone through a contradictory approach, it has not been through a legal approach, but through a collaborative approach as equals,” he said.
1:54 Vancouver Squamish First Nations Development Doubles Size Vancouver Squamish First Nations Development Doubles Size – November 5, 2019
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said Wednesday’s deal brings the project closer to reality.
“It is a key step in advancing this development, so this provides all the water, utilities, electricity, fire and police services to this community,” he said.
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Overall, comments about the development have been positive, but some Kitsilano Point residents are concerned about a planned road through Vanier Park.
Khelsilem said the design of the multimillion-dollar project is not a done deal. Because it is located on Squamish Land, the development of the 11.7-acre plot does not require any approval from the City of Vancouver.
The milestone agreement comes after the council approved the development of Heather Lands on Tuesday.
Read more: Squamish Nation Doubles Development of Proposed Kits in 11 Towers, 6K Units
This project will include hundreds of highly affordable social housing and rental units on 8.5 acres in southern Vancouver, driven by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations.
“These lands that were stolen from you and that you are bringing this amazing gift, I think are a fantastic development, that show us how it can be done and lead the way,” Green Coun said. Pete Fry said at Tuesday’s meeting.
The city is also currently considering two mixed-use proposals and 36-acre high-rise towers in Jericho lands at West Point Gray, owned by the same three First Nations.
“Our goal and vision has always been that we wanted to take full control … and educate our children where they could be construction workers and property managers,” said Musqueam chief Wayne Sparrow.
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Professor Tom Davidoff of UBC’s Sauder School of Business said First Nations involvement seems to have helped build political will to move projects forward.
“It’s a great association because the city needs density. Politics is difficult but I think politics is easier when the three First Nations are involved, “he said.
The Squamish Nation is finalizing funding for Sen̓áḵw and expects to enter construction later this year.
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