Indigenous Partnerships and Urban Redevelopment

Massive urban redevelopment is underway on 10 acres of the old BC liquor distribution site at Rupert and Broadway, spearheaded by MST (which stands for Musqueam, Squamish & Tsleil-Waututh Nations) in collaboration with the Aquilini Group (the family that owns the Canucks!). This project involves building 10 towers on 10 acres in central Vancouver, with three towers soaring over 80 stories tall, making them the tallest towers in Vancouver. It is noteworthy that developers who are 'white' are teaming up with indigenous rights groups to navigate the complex bylaws set by the city of Vancouver. 

It's just that simple - substantial financial interests are at play.

Read on…

This is an aerial view of the planned 10 towers, similar to the Burrard or Jericho playbook. However, one must consider the infrastructure necessary to support a small new downtown in the heart of Vancouver. What will happen to all these cars? Increased traffic seems inevitable. Furthermore, how will Vancouver development address indigenous rights while accommodating diverse cultures? Where does this end? Vancouver can't sustain this kind of urban redevelopment.

This highlights the addresses and parcels of land included in the massive, unsightly urban redevelopment project. It will never be the same. Indigenous rights are often overlooked, and many in the indigenous community suffer from mental health issues and addictions, which is why we need Riverview to remain protected. They should not be allowed to develop it like this, as it sets a concerning precedent. The Westbank teams up with MST, Aqualinis, the government, and Concord Pacific—who will be the next big player in Vancouver development? Vancouver simply cannot take it! The city is being rendered unattractive, filled with towers and people, yet lacking small businesses, restaurants, roadways, culture, and serenity.

Indigenous people face challenges with addictions, mental health issues, and homelessness similar to others in society. They comprise 30% of the affected population, while the remaining 70% is predominantly European. Men are often the majority in these statistics, with many women at risk, as highlighted by the tragic cases of MMIW (murdered and missing Indigenous women). This raises questions about indigenous rights and the need for equitable urban redevelopment in areas like Vancouver development. What about 'Every Child Matters'? What about OUR children and the generations to come?

It doesn’t end with the look at UBC lands, the upcoming Jericho, the urban redevelopment of Burrard with skyscrapers, Heather Street, Little Mountain, and the upcoming False Creek of 80 acres, which will drastically change Granville Island and the sea wall. And now this Rupert station? Why does the city of Vancouver allow this to happen? It’s time we update the “old outdated bylaws and allowances” in collaboration with indigenous groups, particularly MST, to ensure that indigenous rights are respected instead of allowing developers to ruin Vancouver!

We need to protect Riverview as a final sanctuary, especially considering the importance of indigenous rights in urban redevelopment! It’ll be up to the province and the city of Coquitlam to make this decision. Let’s hope we vote on this and that our voices are heard regarding Riverview's future and the fulfilling of our community's needs, particularly in the context of Vancouver development, NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!