The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has announced the launch of the first phase of its Land Development Strategies (LDS), an ambitious plan that will transform three priority sites in North Vancouver and Squamish. The project will deliver 600 affordable homes, elder care facilities, and commercial developments across 153 acres.
This Nation-led initiative marks the first-ever comprehensive development approach for the lands and aims to align current and future Nation needs while reflecting cultural and ancestral significance, the Squamish Nation said in a press release. Key sites included in this phase are St’á7mes IR 24, the Marine Drive portion of Xwmélch’sten IR 5, and parts of Ch’ich’élx̱wí7ḵw IR 2.
“Over the past year and a half, we have extensively engaged with our People on this work, from Community Working Group meetings to community events, Council meetings, and Elders luncheons,” shares Wilson Williams, Council member and spokesperson of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. “Redevelopment of Nation lands benefits Squamish People and the greater region; it advances the Nation’s economic autonomy and ability to support new Nation needs. A Nation-led planning process advances our self-determination and right to self-governance.”
Ch’ich’élx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour) – 68 Acres
This future community aims to become a significant economic driver with market residential housing, Nation housing, commercial spaces, and communal and spiritual areas. Environmental restoration is a key focus, including cleanup of contaminated land and renewed water connections. “This village holds great cultural significance and includes areas that must be protected and kept private. The site’s future will aim to strike a balance between economic opportunities, the respect required for its important cultural spaces, and the privacy necessary to uphold our practices.”
Xwmélch’sten Marine Drive (Capilano) – 12 Acres
The Marine Drive site will include a blend of mixed-use residential spaces, a new Nation Administrative and Community Service Centre, green spaces and expanded Nation housing, echoing this village’s legacy of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh governance.
St’á7mes (Squamish) – 73 Acres
St’á7mes will prioritize intergenerational living with a new Elders Village, spiritual areas, and expanded community housing. Plans also include creating additional Nation service spaces.
The Squamish Nation says it has spent more than a year consulting with its members through meetings, events, and discussions with elders. Donalene Rapada, CEO of Hiy̓ám̓ Housing, said the project is about more than just homes—building sustainable, culturally relevant spaces. “This will bring meaningful benefits to our people, including housing, community amenities, and economic opportunities,” she said.
The council has extended a moratorium on outside redevelopment proposals for priority lands until April 2025 to ensure the process remains under Squamish Nation control. Development plans will only move forward if approved by members through a land designation vote.
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