The partnership of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and Aquilini Development, known as MSTA, recently submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver for the Heather Lands.
As of today, October 28, the application begins its formal review process with the City of Vancouver.
Vancouver’s Heather Lands is between West 33rd Avenue and West 37th Avenue, at Heather Street, in the Cambie Corridor. The site was the former RCMP E Division Headquarters.
If approved, the rezoning will allow for a significant increase in the amount of affordable housing to be built on the site. The 2022 approval for the site allowed for 2,612 units. The new rezoning application seeks to build 4,250 total units. This additional density will enable MSTA to create 2,900 Attainable Housing Initiative homes, which means pricing below market value.
The increase in homes will come with an increase in height. As an example, in the middle of the site, two buildings are proposed to increase from 25-28 storeys to 42-46 storeys. The total number of social housing units at Heather Lands will increase from about 540 to 612 with the new rezoning application.
Subject to the City’s approval, expected in Spring 2026, sales and construction at the Heather Lands is expected to begin next year, with the first homes being move-in ready by 2029. A community information session about the Heather Lands is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, from 5-8 pm at VanDusen Botanical Garden Floral Hall (5251 Oak St).
City Staff and the MSTA team will be available to answer any questions and provide information on the proposal.
Despite the significant changes called for in the rezoning application, the overall vision for Heather Lands remains the same — an inspiring, progressive and sustainable new neighbourhood that connects people of all cultures as well as provides economic and social benefits for MST Nation Members. If you want to ask questions or make comments about the MSTA rezoning application, please click: https://bit.ly/MSTARezoning.
