Vancouver city council has unanimously approved a policy statement that sets the direction for a major mixed-use redevelopment on the city’s west side.

Councillors endorsed the Jericho Lands project led by MST Development Corporation. MST is a joint-venture between the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and Canada Lands Company, the federal government’s real estate arm.

The redevelopment is to be completed over the next 30 years. The Jericho Lands owned by the three First Nations and CLC, comprising a 36.4-hectare (90-acre) site in the West Point Grey area. 

The policy statement calls for the development of 13,000 new homes, including 2,600 social housing units and 1,300 secured market and below market rental suites, for 24,000 residents.

The site will contain spaces for various commercial, light industrial and retail businesses expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs. Plans also call for parks, open areas; Indigenous arts, cultural and social spaces; a community centre and an expanded firehall.

A new elementary school, and proposed SkyTrain station (part of the future Broadway line) are slated to be delivered with other parties.

Vancouver sits on parts of the three First Nations’ unceded traditional territories. The Jericho Lands were owned by the Department of National Defence before CLC acquired the parcel in 2014 as part of the MST joint-venture.

“Our people have been on these lands for thousands of years,” said Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow in a news release. “To own them again and to be redeveloping them for the benefit of our people is us returning home. Along with our Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh relatives, we look forward to this opportunity to reclaim our heritage, revitalize our lands, and shape a future that reflects our values and aspirations.”  

City staff will now prepare an official development plan for the site’s future redevelopment. Staff will also begin working with MST on rezoning efforts tied to the project’s first phase.