A multi-billion-dollar land deal between the Canada Lands Company and three First Nations is going to change the face of Vancouver.
The deal will see the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, in partnership with Canada Lands Company, acquire three substantial former Government of Canada properties in Vancouver.
One property is 21 hectares of land in the West Point Grey neighbourhood, previously owned by the Department of National Defence. The property’s boundaries span north of 4th Avenue to the east of Highbury Street and south of 8th Avenue.
The second property consists of 8.5 hectares near Heather Street and West 33rd Avenue, which was a former Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada. The last parcel of land, which is a former Department of Fisheries and Oceans property, is about 2 hectares and located on Marine Drive near Burkehill Road in West Vancouver.
The Nations and Canada Lands Company will have an equal ownership in the lands, according to a statement by Canada Lands.
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The statement goes on to say, the partners will “complete their due diligence with a series of studies that will provide a thorough understanding of each of the three properties, followed by the launch of an extensive consultation process in conjunction with the City of Vancouver and District of West Vancouver that will provide local communities and the general public a forum to discuss ideas and views about the future of the sites.”
According to Canada Lands, there are no preconceived plans for these sites and the partners will be starting with a “blank slate.” Development of these lands is expected to be done over a number of years.
While Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson is happy to see three First Nations working together in partnership to acquire the land, he also said it’s important to consider community feedback.
“Obviously there’s going to need to be a lot of community feedback on this so I’m very committed to seeing the voice of Vancouver and community weighing in here with the future of those lands and how they are going to be developed,” Robertson said. “That’s going to be crucial to the city side of the project… our needs focus on affordable housing and making sure there’s green space. There needs to be a good process around this.”
Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra and Liberal Defence Critic said in a statement this is a good move for the First Nations groups.
“Congratulations to the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and Canada Lands Corporation on their historic joint venture for the purchase of the Jericho Garrison Lands from the Department of National Defence,” said Murray.
“These lands—with their green space, mature trees, military history, and great importance for local indigenous peoples over many millennia—are a jewel in Vancouver’s crown.” added Murray.
The consultation process is expected to begin in the new year.
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