The first residents of the Squamish Nation-led Senakw development’s multi-family component in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area could begin moving into the project’s inaugural tower by year-end 2025, the Daily Hive reported.

The move-in would mark a significant milestone in the long-term massive redevelopment of a former Molson brewery site.

Construction on Senakw’s first phase, located at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge, began in September 2022. This initial phase comprises three high-rise towers: Tower 1 at 291 feet with 26 storeys, Tower 2 at 297 feet with 31 storeys, and Tower 3 at 370 feet with 39 storeys.

Jennifer Podmore Russell, chief development officer for Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation’s economic development arm, told the Daily Hive that Tower 1 is projected for completion by late 2025 or early 2026. The tower will deliver 333 market rental units and 67 affordable rental homes to the housing market.

“By the end of 2026, another 960 market rental homes and 240 affordable rental homes will be ready from the completions of Tower 2 and Tower 3, effectively helping to address the urgent demand for housing in the region,” Podmore Russell told the Hive.

Combined, the three towers will provide a total of 1,600 new homes.

With the first phase nearing completion, the focus is shifting to the second phase, situated on the east side of the bridge near the former brewery. Full excavation for this section is set to resume in April 2025, the Hive reported.

The complete Senakw master plan includes 11 towers. In total, the development is expected to provide nearly 6,100 purpose-built rental homes, accommodating approximately 9,000 residents. The project also includes 106,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 45,000 sf of office space.

As a car-light community, Senakw is slated to integrate an extensive bike lane network, nearly 1,500 secured bike parking spaces, and a new TransLink bus station at the southern end of the Burrard Bridge, the Hive noted.

The Senakw project is a partnership in which the Squamish Nation holds a majority stake, with Westbank and OPSEU Pension Trust owning the remaining 50%. The project’s design is led by Revery Architecture.

Rendering: Nch’ḵay̓

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