Heather Lands

The property is 8.5 hectares/21 acres and located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver on the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (MST Nations) traditional territory. The site was previously the RCMP “E” Division Headquarters. Canada Lands acquired the Heather Lands site in October 2014 as part of an historic joint venture with the MST Nations and since then, the partners have worked side-by-side with the City of Vancouver and local communities to establish a new vision and concept plan for the site.

Following an extensive public engagement process, the policy statement for the site’s redevelopment was unanimously approved in 2018. The rezoning application was approved in principle by Vancouver City Council on May 24, 2022, and finalized in February 2025. The zoning guides this future development of a mixed-use residential community with retail, public amenities, an Indigenous cultural centre and significant parks and open space. To review the related materials, please visit the City of Vancouver’s website. This milestone brings the project closer to detailed design and construction of an inspiring, progressive and sustainable new neighbourhood.

TRANSFORMING THE HEATHER LANDS

The proposed new Heather Lands neighbourhood (χews̓ tə na̓ šxʷtə̕ na̓ χətəl ̕ / X a̱ ws̓ uÚxwumixw) reflects the partners’ shared aspiration to transform the Heather Lands into an inspiring, progressive and sustainable new neighbourhood that generates the best possible economic and social benefit for all. 

The land uses proposed include a neighbourhood park, open spaces, a mix of housing types including affordable housing, retail and office commercial opportunities, an MST Cultural Centre, a childcare centre and a new school on land leased to the Conseil Scolaire Francophone. 

The proposed new neighbourhood will provide approximately 2,600 new homes and aligns with the City of Vancouver’s housing targets for affordable housing. Through urban design, landscape, public art, architecture and the signature MST Cultural Centre, the Heather Lands will connect people to the traditions of the MST Nations.

As of February 2025, Canada Lands and the MST Nations reached a significant milestone with the rezoning enactment of the southern Heather Lands area – an exciting achievement that will advance the realization of Canada Lands’ and the MST Nations’ shared vision for an innovative neighbourhood that is grounded in the MST Nations’ traditions and values.