A place to live, gather and grow
The Aboriginal Land Trust and Lu’ma Native Housing Society invite you to learn about a proposal designed to meet housing and cultural needs through new affordable homes at East Pender Street and Commercial Drive.
This proposed project is located in the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in an area known as Place of Cedars.
The development celebrates the rich history, culture and values of Indigenous Peoples rooted in this place since time immemorial. The development is envisioned to include:
Approximately 195 new homes in a 18-storey building with a rooftop amenity
Affordable rental and affordable homeownership opportunities
A mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments plus artist live-work spaces
Opportunity for Indigenous-led retail space along Commercial Dr.
Two levels of underground vehicle and bike parking
The building design would encourage connection and community through its amenities including space for outdoor cooking and gathering, raised garden beds for growing food, a rooftop longhouse and nature-inspired children’s play spaces.
The cedar tree is an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples. Respected throughout time, the cedar tree provides homes, transportation, clothing, and many other essentials.
Place of Cedars Development
Project location
Artist’s rendering of the building
Place of Cedars Site Plan
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Two levels of underground vehicle and bike parking
Opportunity for Indigenous-led retail space
Rooftop Longhouse for ceremony and gatherings
Nature-based play spaces for children
Integrated green spaces throughout the development to support biodiversity
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The proposed Place of Cedars development will meet or exceed Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings and aims to significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
On-site circular systems include:
Compost facilities
Stormwater management
Green roof for water capture and cleaning
Cistern for rainwater collection
Permaculture-based raised garden for growing food along with an on-site greenhouse to extend the growing season
In addition, the Place of Cedars proposal aims to support biodiversity through food-forward street-level trees, forest floor plantings, edible meadows for pollinators and people to enjoy, entry-way plantings and more.
Virtual pre-application open house
The project team thanks neighbours for submitting their feedback during the virtual pre-application open house hosted from mid-April to May 8. This feedback will be considered in the development of the rezoning application.
Ensuring current tenants are accommodated
The Place of Cedars proposal includes the redevelopment of two lots to create a single building with 195 much-needed affordable new homes.
Lu’ma Native Housing Society owns the two buildings currently on the site and is working closely with their tenants at 1710 and 1730 East Pender Street to ensure they are aware of the redevelopment timeline and supported to find alternative accommodation if the project is approved.
All current tenants would be welcomed back into the new homes when the building is complete, at a rent that is affordable and based on their household income, provided they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Moving expenses will be covered by Lu’ma Native Housing Society for current tenants that are required to move.
Moving forward with Place of Cedars
This project is an important step towards reconciliation and an opportunity to address the urgent need for Indigenous-led affordable housing in Vancouver. If the redevelopment is approved by the City of Vancouver, the new building will be owned by Aboriginal Land Trust and managed by Lu’ma Native Housing Society.
Questions and comments
Before a rezoning application is submitted to the City of Vancouver, The Aboriginal Land Trust and Lu’ma Native Housing Society are sharing early proposed plans with the public and listening to feedback .
This is a proposed project that has not yet been approved by the City of Vancouver. Feedback collected from the virtual pre-application open house, online comment forms and email during this early engagement will be considered in the development of the rezoning application. If a rezoning application is submitted to the City of Vancouver, there will be an official City-led public engagement process.
This project is being considered under the City of Vancouver’s Policy Enquiry Process (PEP), which contemplates additional height and density for proposals which address reconciliation and cultural redress, and affordable housing criteria within the policy.
