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After the province transferred a parcel of land near the University of British Columbia back to the Musqueam Indian Band in 2008, plans were in motion to build a major new community. Those ambitions reached a critical milestone on Thursday, when the band broke ground on the 21-acre, mixed-use housing and commercial development that could accommodate up to 2,500 residents.
The irregularly shaped UBC Block F site — bounded by University Boulevard and Toronto Road to the north, Acadia Road to the west, and Ortona Avenue to the south — will give way to a development officially known as Lelem, which translates to 'home' in Musqueam.
With 1.2 million square feet of residential space, the development devotes area for 1,250 homes across four 18-storey condominiums, a 12-storey rental tower, and multiple four- to six-storey buildings and townhomes. The First Nation has aligned with local developer Polygon Homes to execute the first phase of what will ultimately be a two-phase, 12-year project. Residential units are expected to launch in summer 2018.
Approximately 63 percent of the property is being targeted for open space, parks, trails and greenery. In addition to what is being described as a miniature Stanley Park, residents will enjoy access to a 15,000-square-foot purpose-built amenities complex slated to contain a gymnasium, fitness centre, multiple meeting rooms, and a 40-spot childcare facility. The northwest corner of the site has been imagined as a 30,000-square-foot retail destination replete with restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store.
The land was rezoned from multi-family residential to comprehensive development last year. Removal of the second and third growth forests at the site commenced in the early months of 2017. The profits from the market condominiums, which are being sold on 99-year prepaid leases, will be routed into housing and social programs for the 1,300-member strong Musqueam Indian Band. The rental properties will be owned by the band.
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