Vancouver city council votes to advance Jericho Lands proposal
CTV
A proposal to build 13,000 new units and massively densify a neighbourhood on Vancouver's West Side is one step closer to going ahead after a vote at city hall.
A proposal to build 13,000 new units and massively densify a neighbourhood on Vancouver’s West Side is one step closer to going ahead after a vote at city hall.
On Wednesday, city council unanimously voted in favour of a policy statement for the development of the Jericho Lands, which is owned by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
That vote means city staff can go ahead with putting together an official development plan and carry out technical studies ahead of any potential rezoning of the area between West 4th and 8th avenues and from Trimble Park to Highbury Street.
“Housing – it’s not only the number one issue for Vancouver people,” Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas told CTV News on Wednesday.
“It’s also the number one issue for our First Nation communities. We don’t even have space in our communities to build new homes anymore. We’re enclosed to a little tiny reserve.”
But not everyone feels the project is the right approach. One of the major complaints during public consultation has been about the level of density proposed – in particular the heights of some of the buildings.
A group called the Jericho Coalition has formed, made up of people who live in neighbouring areas.
