Jericho Lands: Vancouver’s Visionary Indigenous-Led Urban Transformation
A bold step toward reconciliation, sustainability, and inclusive community building in West Point Grey. The Jericho Lands Vancouver development embodies these principles.
What’s Happening?
Vancouver’s urban future just received a powerful boost. The Jericho Lands project, located in West Point Grey, aims to transform 90 acres into a vibrant community with 13,000 new homes, transit options, and public amenities. This initiative stands out because the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) Nations, along with the Canada Lands Company, are leading the effort. The Jericho Lands Vancouver development will create one of Canada’s most inclusive and ambitious city-building models.
City of Vancouver: Jericho Lands Planning Process
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
At a time when affordable housing is at the forefront of Vancouver’s challenges, Jericho Lands presents not only a solution but also a new blueprint for city-building. Unlike typical developments, the Jericho Lands Vancouver development centers Indigenous values, prioritizing long-term stewardship and deep community connections.
Moreover, the MST Nations are reclaiming their historic roles as caretakers of the land—through visionary, high-density, and environmentally conscious urban design. As a result, Vancouver residents may see the Jericho Lands Vancouver development as a turning point in how cities can grow while honouring their past.
Related: Vancouver’s Hidden Innovations: 5 World Firsts That Shaped the Modern World
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about storytelling, land, and future generations,” explains Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Nation.
A Model of Reconciliation, Innovation, and Urban Vision
Clearly, the master plan goes far beyond housing. It includes:
- A potential SkyTrain extension toward UBC to reduce traffic congestion
- Expansive parks, community hubs, and cultural spaces
- Affordable and market housing designed for inclusivity
- Sustainability-focused infrastructure guided by Indigenous ecological knowledge
Notably, the project follows a co-management model that may soon be replicated in other parts of Canada. In fact, the Jericho Lands Vancouver development initiative echoes similar Indigenous-led efforts like Sen̓áḵw, reinforcing a broader movement in urban development.
Related: Canada Lands Company – Jericho Lands Project Overview
Read More: Step Back in Time: Exploring Vancouver’s Lively Streets of the 1920s
What Comes Next?
Although the plan is ambitious, community dialogue remains at its heart. So far, public sentiment has been mixed but hopeful. While some longtime residents express concern about density and infrastructure pressure, others are welcoming the shift toward shared leadership and sustainable living.
Therefore, planners are working to balance tradition with innovation—acknowledging both the land’s cultural significance and its urban potential. In the short term, further community consultations and design refinements are expected. Over the long term, Jericho Lands could become a national model for urban reconciliation.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Ultimately, the Jericho Lands project isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building trust, healing, and co-existence. As cities evolve, they must include Indigenous voices in their visions. In doing so, they create not only homes but also hope for future generations.
This is more than a development. It is, at its core, a movement—toward equity, sustainability, and truth. Clearly, the Jericho Lands Vancouver development is pioneering this movement.
