Canada Lands Company and MST Partnership launch community engagement at kickoff of ‘Inspire Jericho: Hearts and minds together planning a great neighbourhood’

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Joint Venture of Canada Lands Company (CLC) and Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) Partnership, with the City of Vancouver, officially launched at an event in Vancouver today the Jericho Lands policy planning program to create a new vision for the Jericho Lands.

The Jericho Lands policy planning program is the start of a process to create a policy statement which, if approved by City Council, will set out a comprehensive plan for the full 90 acres of the Jericho Lands (52 acres owned by a joint venture of CLC and the MST Partnership, and 38 acres owned by the MST Partnership). The property is bounded on the north by West 4^th Avenue, Highbury Street to the east, 8^th Avenue to the south and Trimble Park to the west.

“This is the start of a multi-year, multi-phase process and we hope members of the nearby community will be inspired to get involved,” said Deana Grinnell from Canada Lands Company. “This is a special parcel of land and we hope the process ahead will encourage members of the nearby community to participate in this historic opportunity to create a new vision for the Jericho Lands.”

“This project is a great example of the growing role of First Nations in Vancouver and as key drivers in advancing the economy of British Columbia,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band. “We are excited to work alongside the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Federal and Provincial Governments, as well as the City of Vancouver to create a legacy that will benefit the city and our members for generations.”

The City’s policy statement will establish principles, objectives and policy on: reconciliation, affordable housing, land use, density, height, public benefits, transportation, built form, character, sustainability, infrastructure and phases of development.

“The Jericho Lands project is a way for our Nations to rebuild from the decades of harm done to our communities; our work with the MST Partnership, Canada Lands and the Jericho community is encouraging for the future,” said Khelsilem, Councillor and Spokesperson, Squamish Nation. “We look forward to seeing the opportunities that are created in terms of housing, jobs, cultural revitalization, and community-building — not only for our community, but for all communities.”

“We’re excited about the prospect of what these lands hold for future generations, not only for our Tsleil-Waututh people, but also for the Squamish, Musqueam, and all Canadians,” added Chief Maureen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. “We look forward to working with our partners, the City of Vancouver, and the local community to outline a vision and contribute to the dynamic growth of our city.”