REPOST: VREP #227 | 11 Towers and 6,000 New Homes Near Burrard Bridge with Khelsilem Tl'aḵwasik̓a̱n

·1 hr 8 min·5 clips

A Squamish Nation councillor reveals how an 11-tower, 6,000-unit project near Burrard Bridge avoids city zoning entirely.

The episode begins with hosts Adam and Matt Sklina introducing the Sen̓áḵw development project, a large-scale housing initiative on Squamish Nation reserve land. They highlight its scale: 11 towers, up to 56 stories, and around 6,000 units, with 70% purpose-built rental. The hosts note the land is under federal jurisdiction, avoiding City of Vancouver zoning. A sponsorship segment for Oakwyn Realty and a mortgage update with Ray Maklem discussing CMHC changes follow. The main interview features Khelsilem Tl'aḵwasik̓a̱n, a Squamish Nation councillor and spokesperson. He details his role and the nation's growing involvement in real estate. Khelsilem provides a historical overview of the Sen̓áḵw lands, explaining their creation as reserve land in the 1880s, forced eviction of Squamish people in 1913, and eventual return through a 20-year court battle resulting in an $98.2 million settlement and land restitution. He describes the master plan, emphasizing rental for long-term revenue and community benefits. A key discussion point is jurisdictional authority: as reserve land, the project is not subject to city zoning, floor space ratios, view corridors, or community amenity contributions. Khelsilem explains the need to negotiate service agreements with the city for utilities and infrastructure. He addresses the housing crisis, noting the project's density responds to market demand and contrasts with city struggles. The partnership with Westbank is explored, highlighting a 50-50 profit split with Westbank covering all financing. Khelsilem clarifies that while the project isn't reconciliation, it represents a shift in government-to-government relations. Timelines target construction starting early next year with phased completion. The interview concludes with a lighthearted 'Five Wire' Q&A segment. The episode ends with host reminders about resources like the 'SOLD Plan' and the podcast's email list.

As heard by us

An 11-acre Burrard Bridge project becomes a clear look at rental math, land control, and long-term planning.

Vancouver Real Estate Podcast turns to the Senac lands south of Burrard Bridge, where 11 acres, 11 towers, and about 6,000 units make the scale impossible to ignore.

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Why you'd press play

You get a Senac lands story on the south side of Burrard Bridge, with the city mostly out of the big questions.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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