About Skeena Terrace

Skeena Terrace is located on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is 10.8-acres in size, located in the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood and is bound by East Fifth Avenue (North), Lougheed Highway (South), Cassiar Street (West), and Skeena Street (East).

Completed in the 1960s, Skeena Terrace was one of Vancouver’s original social housing sites and is operated by BC Housing. There are approximately 600 tenants currently residing on site in 232 units. Due to the age of the existing buildings and infrastructure, which require extensive and ongoing repairs, BC Housing approached the City to explore how the site could be redeveloped to best meet the needs of current and future tenants.

Redevelopment will provide an opportunity to increase the number of affordable housing units on site as well as consider new community-serving spaces. It is anticipated that the redevelopment will be realized through a 12-18 month Planning Process, culminating with a policy statement presented to City Council for consideration, with opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement throughout.

Planning Program

The Skeena Terrace Planning Program will be a comprehensive process which will guide the future development of the site located at 2298 Cassiar St.

The Planning Program will explore important considerations including:

• Minimize disruption to existing tenants through thoughtful and planned phasing and offer of first-right of refusal to those tenants for new units upon project completion;
• Increase the number of new affordable, energy efficient housing options on site;
• Explore a range of options for site design, height, density and massing considerations which will enlist public and stakeholder input throughout the process;
• Recognize and enhance landscaping and ecological assets;
• Plan for complete communities including the provision of ample open spaces, places and other community amenities to support the site and surrounding area;
• Improve accessibility and sustainable transportation connections.

Overall, it is intended that the Planning Program will create a vision for the site that results in an affordable, sustainable, and vibrant community.