Applications open at Sen̓áḵw rental development as Squamish Nation welcomes first residents

The Squamish Nation has reclaimed their ancestral land with a dramatic development that will provide thousands of rental homes.

Journalists and other members of the public got their first look inside the distinctive Sen̓áḵw tower development on the south end of Vancouver’s Burrard Bridge on Tuesday, showing off what the Squamish Nation hopes will be a positive economic opportunity for their community while mitigating the housing crisis.

The first of three towers will welcome its first residents this week, primarily Squamish Nation members but also other First Nations people who were given second priority for in the rental-only development at the traditional site of a trading community.

“It’s been over 100 years since people have lived in this village, so it’s really, really heartwarming to know that we’re going to have our first residents,” said Brandi Halls, Nch’Kay Development Corporation Executive Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Community engagement.

The project earmarked 20 per cent of the units at below market rents, while the rest will be in line with general residential rates, from $1600 for a studio to $3500 for a two-bedroom unit. Some units are family-friendly with up to four bedrooms.

Halls told CTV News that applications are now open for anyone who may want to live in the complex full of modern amenities, including a sprawling wellness centre with sauna, rooftop barbeques and fire pits, and swimming pool.

“Our intention was to bring our people home, but it’s also understanding that this is an economic development project for our community,” said Jacob Lewis, Economic Development Director for the Squamish Nation.

Lewis hopes that now that there are tours of the units and people starting to move in, those who’d opposed the development will see how impactful it can be towards easing the region’s housing crisis.

“Initially there was a lot of protest, a lot of resistance from our neighbors and I’m sure there’s still a lot of people who are disgruntled about what’s happening here, but really, it’s about change and not a lot of people are comfortable with change,” he acknowledged.

The 10-acre parcel was returned to the Squamish by the federal government as an act of reconciliation and the community began brainstorming what they’d like it to look like for residents and the community at large.

Squamish artist, Ryan Johnston, is thrilled his frosted mirror artwork is gracing the elevator interiors and feels the entire project is a way to better integrate his culture and people with other Vancouverites

“It’s pretty much pushing us into expanding and modernizing and being more a part of the city instead of feeling like a slight outcast, even though we’re within the city limits,” he said.

Halls pointed out there will be retail and gathering spaces as future phases of Sen̓áḵw open, and that 60 per cent of the site will be accessible public space.

“We feel honored to be able to bring this community to everyone,” she said. “It’s not just for Squamish people, it’s for the greater community to enjoy together.”