Vancouver, BC

Client  Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) through their development corporation Nch’kaỷ   Development (in partnership with Westbank Corporation)
Architect of Record Kasian Architecture
Type   Mixed-Use Residential
Size   4 million sq.ft.
Status   Construction

Sen̓áḵw

In the largest First Nations economic development project in Canadian history, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has entered into a long-term 50-50 partnership with private developer Westbank to build a 6,000-unit mixed-use community development on Vancouver’s False Creek waterfront, directly across from the city’s downtown. Located at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge, the 10.4-acre site is a slice of what was once a 34-hectare parcel of reserve lands known as ‘Sen̓áḵw’ (“the place inside the head of False Creek”), an important hub for Indigenous trade, social connection, and cultural practices.

While stringent City of Vancouver zoning bylaws limit most buildings in the Kitsilano area to five storeys, the First Nation can develop reserve land independent of traditional zoning and lengthy application and review processes. This landmark development—planned as primarily rental—comprises 11 towers, the tallest of which will be 58 storeys. With a total floor area of 4 million sq.ft., the project will be built in several phases over five years.

Incorporating an innovative blackwater-powered heating and cooling system, and a generously landscaped public ground plane, the project is a new paradigm of Indigenous-led revitalization, and earth-centered urban design. With its goal of a Net Zero Operational Carbon, the development highlights the rich, natural elements of land and sea integral to Indigenous culture, fusing the social, cultural, environmental, and economic drivers of sustainability. Sen̓áḵw’s residential density will be supported by community parks, commercial and amenity spaces incorporated into the landscape at ground level, on accessible rooftops, and in the buildings.

Revery is proud to collaborate on this notable project that will transform the area at the south end of Burrard Bridge, creating a new skyline on the False Creek waterfront, and will contribute significant rental and affordable housing stock to Vancouver’s historically tight inventory.