The skyscrapers that NIMBYs and zoning couldn't stop
Planet Money Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 22 min
Summary
The Squamish Nation regained 10.5 acres of their ancestral land in Vancouver and decided to build skyscrapers, bypassing usual zoning laws. The development aims to generate wealth for future generations and addresses the city's housing crisis.
What Happened
The Squamish Nation, led by Chief Gibby Jacob, regained 10.5 acres of land near downtown Vancouver in 2003, which was historically significant to them. This land, reclaimed after a legal battle with the Canadian government, represented a major economic opportunity for the Squamish people.
Initially, Chief Gibby planned to build mid-rise apartments on the land to generate income, but the proposal didn't move forward due to community concerns about its scale and cultural representation. Wilson Williams, a member of the Squamish Council, emphasized the importance of planning for future generations, leading to a reconsideration of the project's scope.
The Squamish Nation, unconstrained by local zoning laws, shifted their plans to include 11 skyscrapers, with the tallest reaching 60 stories. This new plan aimed to create around 6,000 apartments, including luxury units for the public and subsidized housing for Squamish members.
Despite local opposition, particularly from the nearby neighborhood of Kitt's Point, the Squamish Nation pushed forward with their plan. The resistance included concerns about traffic and environmental impacts, but the Squamish Nation leveraged their sovereignty to proceed with the project.
The Canadian government supported the project with a $1.4 billion low-interest loan, recognizing the need for more rental housing amidst a housing crisis. The project also included efforts to address community concerns, such as funding infrastructure upgrades.
As construction progressed, the Sanhak project began to garner support from the broader public, with some recognizing its potential to alleviate the housing shortage. The development is set to add significantly to Vancouver's housing stock by 2033, with the first phase opening soon.
Chief Gibby and other Squamish leaders view the project as a means to ensure economic prosperity for future generations while reclaiming a significant part of their heritage. The project symbolizes the Squamish Nation's resilience and their ability to build without traditional restrictions.
Key Insights
- The Squamish Nation regained 10.5 acres of ancestral land in Vancouver after a legal battle with the Canadian government, providing them with a significant development opportunity.
- Initial plans for mid-rise apartments on the land were scrapped due to concerns about their cultural representation and economic impact. Instead, the Squamish Nation decided to build skyscrapers.
- The Sanhak project bypasses traditional zoning laws, allowing for rapid construction and high-density development. The project aims to add 6,000 apartments to Vancouver, addressing a critical housing shortage.
- Despite facing local opposition, the Squamish Nation secured a $1.4 billion low-interest loan from the Canadian government, highlighting institutional support for addressing the housing crisis.