Vancouver’s Jericho lands development public hearing elicits emotional response

There were emotional arguments for and against a massive development proposal for the Jericho lands in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighbourhood during a public hearing at City Hall on Tuesday.

Dozens of people registered to speak in front of city council to weigh in on a plan that would forever change the character of much of the upscale neighbourhood.

The developers envision an eventual 13,000 units in 60 buildings, some as high as 49-storeys, mixed with schools, parks, retail, office space and amenities — a transformation of the sleepy Jericho lands nestled among the multi-million dollar properties of West Point Grey.

Alan Drinkwater was among residents who spoke out against the proposal, suggesting he would be more accepting of any development of the Jericho lands if it were less extensive.

“Surely it must be done in a manner that complements established neighbourhoods and is environmentally responsible. I am wholly opposed to the official development plan. It is monstrous. The scale and density of development are beyond extensive,” he told Vancouver city council. “Sixty-plus high-rise towers, three of which would be 49-storeys, will result in the total destruction of the beautiful 90-acre site under consideration.”

Another local resident agreed that development might be necessary, but it must be in keeping with the established neighbourhood.

“I agree that the Jericho lands are a great opportunity to provide new housing, but I’m horrified by the idea of having 49-storey towers in this neighbourhood where there is no context, no concept of adjusting to the natural landscape,” said Eva Gurspatch.

However, others suggested development was sorely needed in a neighbourhood that has become unaffordable and unlivable for many.

Kate Hodgson says she grew up in West Point Grey and has watched it change.

“The small businesses that I grew up frequenting — the four book stores in Point Grey village, the movie theatre, the grocery store — have all closed down as rental costs have shot up, but demand has remained unchanged,” she told council.

“My partner and I are now having to consider moving away from the city we love so much — and from our families — because we can’t imagine building the future that we want here.”

Hodgson says the Jericho lands development would allow for a future where her parents could downsize without losing their community and where she and her sibling could stay close as they grow older.

With so many speakers registered, Vancouver city council delayed any decision on the Jericho lands official development plan until next Tuesday.

If approved, the Host First Nations-led project would take up to 25 years to complete, with the first units possibly opening within seven years.

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations are partnering on the project, working alongside the Canada Lands Company, a crown corporation that specializes in real estate and development.

The initial concept plan was released in 2021, touting affordable housing, green space and additional employment opportunities for the area.

With files from Anthony Atanasov.