The Musqueam Indian Band is seeking to redevelop the Langara YMCA on Vancouver’s west side.

The Indigenous group plans to invest in the project through its economic development arm, Musqueam Capital Corporation. YMCA BC and local residential developer Townline are partnering with the Musqueam on the project.

The existing YMCA is located on West 49th Avenue, next to Langara College.

In addition to replacing the existing YMCA with a new one, the 580,472-square-foot redevelopment project is slated to comprise three multi-residential buildings. They would stand 38, 37 and eight storeys and include 308 rental, 269 strata and 88 social housing units.

Ground-floor commercial units would also be part of the real estate mix, along with community and daycare spaces.

The Musqueam, YMCA BC and Townline have filed a development application with the city. The proposal is in the early stages of the approval process.

The project will go before an urban design panel on October 9. Questions from the public are being accepted online until October 8.

“These elements are designed to create a diverse and dynamic neighborhood that caters to a broad spectrum of residents, from young families to seniors, while supporting community well-being through comprehensive services and exceptional living environments,” wrote Troy Abromaitis, Musqueam Capital Corporation’s senior development manager, in the development application.

“Notably, this project is the first of its kind as a single [First] Nation-led development joint-venture off reserve in Vancouver, showcasing the transformative power of Indigenous leadership in reshaping urban development in the city.”

He called the project is “significant first step” towards Indigenous people’s economic reconciliation. It also fosters opportunities and sustainable relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, he added.

Rendering: City of Vancouver/BOP Architects/YMCA BC/Musqueam Capital Corporation