A sneak peek at Sen̓áḵw reveals 6,000 rental units, Squamish culture integration, and economic reconciliation in Vancouver.
The Sen̓áḵw site is busy with workers and vehicles. It has over 6,000 rental units. It also includes 1,200 homes in eleven towers. The towers stand on 4.2 hectares of Squamish land. This land is near Kits Point and Vanier Park.
CBC got a sneak peek of the Sen̓áḵw building as part of a live broadcast. The show also highlighted Squamish culture. They showcased community and current projects.
Wight said the story has two sides. It teaches the history of the Squamish. It also brings Squamish families back to their land and supports economic reconciliation. First Nations can partner for big projects. These projects help both the nation and the community.
The Squamish Nation began building in 2022, after a court battle lasting decades. It started in the 1970s. In 2002, they got $92 million and a prime piece of land back.
Sen̓áḵw was a summer village long ago. It was rich with clams and other resources. Twenty families lived there. By the late 1800s, Vancouver expanded.
The first units are for rent soon. It has been 112 years since the removal. The government forcibly removed people, according to the website.
This is the biggest Indigenous-led project in Canada, supported by a $1.4 billion loan from the government to help build 3,000 units.
George Hemeon is a Squamish Nation member. He said regaining the land was worth the fight. Squamish youth will live there with future children. Hemeon is proud to see this happen.
The nation wanted to employ Indigenous people and train them as well. They teach career paths and skills. People can get trades certifications and receive full support to do so.
Squamish culture guides the building design. Jacob Lewis leads the committee to ensure Squamish identity guides this project. They use art and design thoughtfully.
He said they want a Coast Salish art style and want to be authentic. These features will be seen from afar, noticeable from the Burrard Bridge, while other features are only visible up close. Squamish language will be on signs, in elevators, and present in the landscaping.
Some residents criticized the large development and worry about the number of units. A group sued about the development in 2022, feeling the city didn’t allow enough feedback.
Wight said they do not need to follow city rules because it lies on reserve land. The nation wants to advance its economy, which is why the site includes 6,000 units. She said they want to be good neighbors, as the nation owns this project.
The site only has 800 parking spots. Wight notes Sen̓áḵw focuses on walkability, with amenities nearby and bike storage included. They are working with TransLink on transit. She hopes people will not need a car, and that car sharing and transit will be available. The project focuses on green living, and the nation will still rely on city services, including police, fire, and utilities.
