Residential towers, a cultural centre, a daycare, park space and the potential for a new francophone school are what’s envisioned for the Heather Lands, a 21-acre site between West 33rd and 37th avenues at Heather Street.
In 2014, three First Nations — the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh — and Canada Lands Company for the ownership and redevelopment of the property.
They’re now working with the City of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»o. It’s expected to be presented to council for its consideration later this spring.
The Heather Lands and surrounding area were part of the three First Nations’ traditional territory. The RCMP’s headquarters and operations centre were on the property until they relocated in 2012. Existing buildings on the site include an administration building, an office building and the historic 1914 Fairmont building.
Initial open houses about the redevelopment project were held last fall, followed up by open houses March 10 and 12 when the preferred concept was unveiled.
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The concept outlines details such as type and heights of buildings, public benefits and density. It also proposes that the Fairmont building be moved off the site and be relocated elsewhere in the city. In its place, a community centre with Indigenous-inspired architecture would be built.
(Read the story about the Fairmont building proposal .)
The lands, which sit in the, are proposed primarily as a residential community, according to Deana Grinnell, regional director of real estate for Canada Lands Company.
Grinnell said feedback sessions last fall and this March have attracted a few hundred people.
“So many of our neighbours are familiar with the planning process right now. This is the third major site [being redeveloped], in addition to the Cambie Corridor planning area,” she said. “So they tend to be comfortable with the change proposed.”
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The tallest of 13 mid- and high-rise buildings envisioned in the preferred concept are 20 and 24 storeys, but most range between 12 to 18 storeys. Other buildings proposed are between three and seven storeys. Housing would accommodate roughly 2,000 units.
A network of park and open space would cover about four acres, a daycare would house 69 spaces and the proposed cultural centre would provide space for sharing the culture, traditions and values of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, as well as space for community use.
There is also potential for a much-needed school for the francophone school district (Conseil Scolaire Francophone or CSF) on the southwest corner, at 37th Avenue and Baillie Street. It would serve as a replacement school for l’ecole Rose-des-vents elementary, which sits across the street from the Heather Lands.
Grinnell said a final decision on that issue has yet to be made. City council first has to endorse the policy statement in order to endorse the change in land use. Then, the provincial government and the CSF need to confirm the site meets their long-term needs. Feasibility studies up to now have shown it will, according to Grinnell. After that, there needs to be discussions around a long-term lease.
Joseph Pagé, a parent representative who’s been working on the francophone school file since 2007, called the possibility of a school on the Heather Lands “very encouraging.”
A 2015 that francophone students in Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»lack access to education services equivalent to those students in English schools, which violates Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms section on minority language education rights.
“We’ve been looking for a school west of Main Street for many years and there’s actually been a Supreme Court of Canada decision on the issue. To now have on the plan for the Heather Lands a potential school is encouraging but we’re not over the finish line yet,” Pagé said, adding, “As a community, we’re thankful for the First Nations because, of course, [our] constitutional issues are not their problem. They didn’t need to do this, but they agreed to do this.”
If council ultimately approves the overall policy statement, the subsequent rezoning process could take two to three years. Construction and build-out could take another eight to 10 years.
The public can until April 9.
@naoibh
