It may be hard to imagine living in the shadows of 50-storey towers, but that is what parts of Kitsilano are now facing as plans for Senakw (Sen̓áḵw) get underway.

The property, located at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge, is owned by the Squamish Nation. Plans include construction of 12 market rental towers — one as high as 59 storeys — on roughly five hectares at the western foot of the Burrard Street Bridge. All told, Senakw will be home to an estimated 10,000-12,000 people, with 10 per cent of units (600-700) provided with vehicle parking.

Westbank Corp (Alma Tower, Oakridge, Vancouver House) has negotiated a 120-year lease on the land and partnered with the Squamish Nation to build the new community that will be a mixed-use development, including retail and office space, plazas, parks, and a daycare in addition to the rental and strata units. Westbank is guaranteeing the loan, now up to $3 billion, leaving the Squamish Nation with few upfront costs. Revenues are expected to be in the area of $20 billion, to be divided equally between Westbank and the First Nation.

The Kits Point Residents Association (KPRA), representing the neighbourhood directly adjacent to the Squamish land, says the project will be immense. On average, it will contain 545 dwellings per acre, compared with 21 dwellings per acre on Kits Point, according to the group.

KPRA has several concerns about the massive project’s impact on the surrounding community, particularly Vanier Park Forest, which is home to migratory birds. KPRA has written an excellent submission to Indigenous Services Canada. Read KPRA’s submission.

Image: artistic rendering of the Senakw development (Revery Architecture/Westbank/Squamish First Nation).