An iconic slice of the Vancouver landscape may soon be changing hands.
In October, the federal government reached an agreement with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations for three parcels including part of the Jericho lands, the Heather Street lands, and an area in West Vancouver. The federal lands measure about 52 acres.
Now, the provincial government is entering exploratory talks with the same group of First Nations over the remainder of the Jericho lands, about 38 acres.
The former provincial school for the deaf is located on the provincial lands, now occupied by the West Point Grey Academy. It’s not clear what would happen to the school, but Musqueam band councillor Howard Grant says the future of the school is not in jeopardy.
“The Musqueam have a solid relationship with West Point Grey at the moment and a number of our students attend that school so it would be a bit premature to even consider moving such an institution that is supportive of what we aspire to, like a good solid education,” says Grant.
Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson says the talks between the province and First Nations are in the early stages.
“Any development of the land is subject to city zoning and the City of Vancouver has expressed a master plan that includes both parcels of land so we’ll see where that goes, but at this point we’re at early conversations with First Nations about their interest in the property,” says Wilkinson.
“The future of the lands is not really the issue right now — it’s really the matter of sorting out the Aboriginal interest in the lands and possibilities in the future,” he says.
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