City of Vancouver approves future use of Heather Street Lands

Major milestone for historic partnership between Canada Lands and MST Partnership

Vancouver – On May 15, 2018, City of Vancouver Council unanimously approved the Policy Statement for the Heather Street Lands. The Policy Statement sets direction for how the land will be used, providing 2,000 homes in the growing Cambie Corridor, including 400 units of affordable housing.

This approval represents a major milestone for the Joint Venture of Canada Lands Company and the MST Partnership (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh), which owns the Heather Street Lands.

When developed, this 21-acre parcel will include:

- 20% of housing set aside as workforce housing, such as for first responders and teachers;

- four acres of new park space;

- a new 15,000-20,000 square foot cultural centre;

- a one-acre elementary school site; and

- enhanced connections for walking and cycling in the neighborhood.

Now that the policy statement is approved, work can begin on rezoning, with construction beginning as early as 2020.

“This is a significant milestone for our partnership and is the culmination of nearly three years of work including planning, design and engagement,” said Deana Grinnell, Vice President, Real Estate (BC and Ontario) for Canada Lands Company. “We want to thank the City of Vancouver, their hardworking staff, and the community for being a part of moving forward what will become a thriving community in Vancouver.”

The MST Partnership welcomed the news and believes the Heather Street Lands approval is a model for future developments in Vancouver.

“These lands are important not just because of the history they represent, but because of what they mean for our future,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band.

“This approval shows how our MST Partnership, working with CLC, can be a model for advancing sustainable developments that improve housing, health and wellness,” added Spokesperson and Councillor Dustin Rivers of the Squamish Nation.

"The unanimous approval and adoption of the Heather Lands Policy Statement reflects a positive attitude within the City of Vancouver with respect to reconciliation. We are pleased to be moving forward with this policy statement to the rezoning process," said Chief Maureen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

For more information and to read the Policy Statement, please visit www.vancouver.ca/heatherlands.