The planning process for the development of the 90-acre Jericho Lands is the subject of a pair of open houses set for early March.
The lands stretch from Highbury Street to Discovery Street between West Fourth and West Eighth Avenues in West Point Grey.
The Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (now represented by the MST Development Corporation) bought the 38.8-acre western portion of the property from the provincial government for $480 million in 2016.
Two years earlier, in 2014, the three First Nations partnered with Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation, to acquire the 52-acre federal piece of land on the eastern side of the property for $237 million.
Last July, the City of Vancouver approved the two-year planning program for the overall site. It will culminate in a policy statement, which will address issues including land use, built form, height, density, reconciliation, public benefits, transportation, character, sustainability, infrastructure and phases of development.
Redevelopment of the Jericho Lands will also address approved city policies such as Housing Vancouver, Transportation 2040 and Greenest City Action Plan.
The western parcel is wholly owned by the MST Nations. The eastern parcel is jointly owned by the MST Nations and Canada Lands Company (CLC). The two parcels together total 90 acres and the combined site will be comprehensively planned with the CLC and the MST Nations working in partnership, according to the city
Representatives from Canada Lands Company and MST Development Corporation declined to speak to the Courier prior to the open house.
The land is currently home to Jericho Hill Centre, which is operated by the West Point Grey Community Centre Association and Vancouver Park Board, and West Point Grey Academy, an independent K-12 school, as well as the Jericho Garrison.
The garrison was owned by the Department of National Defence until the land was sold in 2014. The defence operations have since moved but some of the existing housing will continue to be leased to military personnel until 2020.
The open houses, co-hosted by the landowners and the City of Vancouver, take place from 12 to 4 p.m, March 2, and from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 7. Both take place at the Jericho Hill pool and gymnasium at 4180 West Fourth.
Presentation boards at the open house will outline the landowners’ aspirations, the forthcoming planning process, Jericho Lands background and neighbouring context, and existing city policies, according to the City of Vancouver.
At the events, participants will be able to provide input through an “asset mapping” exercise. Comment forms will also be available at the open houses, and online, for feedback about community values, needs and interests.
The City of Vancouver says there will be ongoing opportunities for public involvement over the two-year planning process. City staff also expect to consult with various residential, business and community groups.
Following the open houses, draft guiding principles and site plan concepts are expected to be developed and unveiled in late 2019 or early 2020. In mid to late 2020, guiding principles will be confirmed and a preferred site plan concept will be identified. The draft policy statement will be released and council will vote on it in 2021.
For more stories from the Vancouver Courier, visit here.
