Senákw is being developed by Nch’ḵay̓ West—a partnership between Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation and Westbank Projects Corp.
The largest partnership with any First Nation in Canadian history, Senákw is being developed by Nch’ḵay̓ West—a partnership between Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation and Westbank Projects Corp. As one of the most important projects in the history of Canada, Senákw will set the Squamish Nation on a path towards complete economic independence.
Sen̓áḵw is a total of 10.5 acres of development at 4,000,000 square feet with over 7.5 acres of public space and will be completed in four stages. When finished, it will provide over 6000 rental properties. The project will create hundreds of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities at all stages of the development. Inspired by the values and storytelling traditions of the Squamish Nation, Sen̓áḵw promotes a deep connection to urban living and nature by bringing together the four essential pillars of city-building: built environment, culture, transportation, and energy. This creates a unique development for the City of Vancouver.
The vision for Sen̓áḵw is trifold. Firstly, the Senákw project is designed to respond to the housing challenge in Vancouver. The project will inject 4.5X more rental units into the Vancouver housing market than are built by the city in a single year. Sen̓áḵw will also provide rentals that are 30-40% cheaper than other market rentals. Secondly, in response to the climate crisis, Senákw employs the best principles and practices which target net zero carbon emissions. The development will showcase climate leadership on a global scale as it respects First Nations connection to the environment. Lastly, Sen̓áḵw will recognize the site’s historic roots while celebrating the path to its future by creating a legacy for the Squamish Nation. Sen̓áḵw landmarks Coast Salish architecture and design while providing access to numerous cultural areas in public courtyards.
Sen̓áḵw will provide significant long-term benefits for the Squamish Nation and the City of Vancouver for generations. This vision for a more comprehensive, sustainable, and purpose-built community provides significant opportunities to bolster economic and cultural growth in the region. Sen̓áḵw is redefining First Nations relationships in our country – it is the start of something beautiful.
