Vancouver city council pushes back Jericho Lands decision

A Vancouver City Council meeting to discuss the divisive Jericho Lands project amassed so many speakers the decision has been pushed back to late April.

Vancouver city councillors voted to reserve a decision on the future of the Jericho Lands until next week at a tense Tuesday council meeting, in which council heard from dozens of speakers – many voicing concern over the Indigenous led megaproject.

“Is this respecting the natural form of the land? I think we all know the answer to that question,” asked one man during his time at the microphone.

“This is anything but respecting the land. It would be environmental vandalism.”

The city is weighing up a proposal by local First Nations to develop 36 hectares of land, constructing 60 buildings which could house up to 24,000 people.

“Reconciliation is a two-way process of coming to understanding and respect,” said a different speaker. “I lament that what may come, if this ODP is approved today, is not reconciliation, but resentment.”

Those comments sparked applause in the council chamber – a violation of council rules which prompted requests from meeting chair Lenny Zhou for people to stop.

It made for difficult listening for local Indigenous leaders in attendance.

“Upsetting,” said Wayne Sparrow, the elected chief of the Musqueam Indian Band. “You know, I don’t know if I’d be able to stay and listen to all 60.”

The sentiment was echoed by Wilson Williams, a councillor and spokesperson for the Squamish Nation.

“I see the challenges some people have with change coming,” Williams told CTV News. “I ask people to have an open heart and an open mind, and we’ve always been welcoming people, we’ve always been good neighbours.”

A group called the Jericho Coalition argues this project will not make Vancouver more affordable.

“I think it’s just going to be luxury condos, and they’re not going to really provide any housing that will solve the housing crisis,” suggested Susan Fisher with the group.

Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on April 22.