Vancouver city council approves Jericho Lands development

A major project to bring thousands of new affordable homes to Vancouver has been approved for next steps.

Vancouver City Council met Tuesday to vote on a proposal for a massive development project that will change the face of the city’s West Point Grey neighbourhood.

The developers envision an eventual 13,000 units in 60 buildings, some as high as 49-storeys, mixed with schools, parks, retail, office space and amenities — a transformation of the sleepy Jericho Lands nestled among the multi-million dollar properties of West Point Grey.

Seven city councillors present voted in favour of the proposal, and four were absent.

Last week, dozens of people registered to speak in front of city council both for and against the proposal.

With so many speakers, Vancouver city council delayed any decision on the Jericho Lands official development plan until Tuesday.

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations are partnering on the project, working alongside the Canada Lands Company, a crown corporation that specializes in real estate and development.

If approved, the Host First Nations-led project would take up to 25 years to complete, with the first units possibly opening within seven years.

The initial concept plan was released in 2021, touting affordable housing, green space, and additional employment opportunities for the area.

—With files from Mike Lloyd