They’re not making any more land, but we still seem to be finding some to build on.

The 21 hectare Jericho lands in Point Grey is part of an agreement to split control of three Vancouver properties between a crown corporation and three First Nations – the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

David Eby, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey, said he was heartened to learn that a deal had been made regarding the Jericho Lands.

“There had been a lot of people in the community, myself included, that believed this land would be tied up in negotiations – potentially in court – for many years,” he said. “There’s a very clear and well-established traditional use of this land by First Nations. They were certainly entitled to it and it sounds like they received a fair share of their lands. It was certainly a surprise to hear that it has happened at all, let alone so quickly.”

Mr. Eby said the significance for the community he represents is that development will proceed faster than many anticipated.

“I would not be understating it to say that many members of the community that are neighbours to this property are incredibly concerned about the type of development that could potentially be located at this site,” he said.

“I can tell you everybody from affordable housing advocates to environmental groups … to the West Point Grey Homeowners’ Association has weighed in with different perspectives about what should happen here. That consultation will be challenging, but it’s critically important that it happen.”

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