The Squamish First Nation is considering a plan to build two high-rises on native land at the southwest corner of the Burrard St. Bridge in Vancouver.
Chief Gibby Jacob said Wednesday the intent is create economic development and provide much-needed housing for the community.
“Nobody is lining up to house our people,” he said. “We have 2,000 members on a waiting list.”
The “business” proposal will be voted on by band council and 3,700 members later this month.
“Hopefully, if we get approval, work could get going next year. There is still a lot to be done,” he said.
Jacob did not disclose the numbers of units contemplated, heights of buildings or the firms involved.
The land was re-acquired by natives in 2002 after a lengthy court battle which found that it had been illegally taken from them almost a century beforehand.
Natives say the four-hectare parcel, which straddles both sides of the bridge, was part of the tribe’s ancestral home for hundreds of members.
Jacob said permission is not required from Vancouver because the project would be on self-governing native land.
He said residents would pay First Nations taxes — a portion of which would go to Vancouver under an agreement to be negotiated.
Services such as water, sewer and drainage would also have to be worked out with the city.
Vancouver Coun. Geoff Meggs said that band members held “positive” talks with Vancouver officials last fall about building rental towers.
Meggs said he had no reason to think there would be special problems with the development if the natives decide to go ahead.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the Squamish Band,” he said.
But he admitted that there may objections on the basis of local concerns such as the size of buildings, layout and traffic.
Meggs said the natives told him public meetings would be held with “lots of chances to comment.”
“They said they don’t want to be treated any better or any worse than anybody else,” he said.
Cat: Kitsilano Real Estate
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