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.
This large parcel of land in Jericho known as ‘The Jericho Lands’, was acquired over the course of several years in two large packages. In 2014, 3 First Nations partnered with Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation and purchased the 52-acre federal piece of land on the eastern side of the property for $237 million. Following this just two years later in 2016, 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.
This lands stretches from Highbury Street to Discovery Street between West Fourth and West Eighth Avenues in West Point Grey.
The City of Vancouver approved the two-year planning program for the overall site last July. A policy statement will soon be released 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.” – Vancouver Courier
What is the land currently used for?
Jericho Hill Center currently uses and occupies this land. 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 operate Jericho Hill Center.
Until 2014 the Garrison Land, on the east side, was owned by the Department of National Defence. Some of the existing housing for military personnel will continue to be leased until 2020, however the majority of the defence operations have since moved.
Open Houses
“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. 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.” – Vancouver Courier
It looks as though these open houses will provide the community an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns bout the proposed development. There is nothing specifically proposed yet. These are just the foundation stages of moving forward to change the use of the land. The landowners will outline aspirations, the forthcoming planning process, Jericho Lands background and neighbouring context, and existing city policies, according to the City of Vancouver during these open houses.
Proposed Developments will be unveiled in late 2019 or early 2020
The City of Vancouver says that there will be ongoing community involvement over the two year planning process. The first draft of the proposed developments are said to be unveiled in late 2019 or early 2020. If you live in these areas and/or want to be apart of how this large parcel of land will change, make sure that you take the time to visit these open houses and stay tuned for more opportunities for you to be involved.
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