Three Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community members meet with Mary Tasi of Sky Spirit Studio at the 2023 Nch'ḵay̓ Annual General Meeting to discuss planning concepts for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lands of Ch’ḵw’elhp (Sunshine Coast) and Stá7mes (Squamish Valley). On the table between them is a large map diagram of Stá7mes. Cedar boughs lie on top of the map.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Land Development Strategies

Location

Stá7mes (Squamish Valley) and Ch’ḵw’elhp (Gibsons, Sunshine Coast)

In collaboration with Sky Spirit Studio Inc. and Urbanics, hcma partnered with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Nch’ḵaỷ Development Corporation, and Hiy̓ám̓ Housing to support the first phase of their Land Development Strategies work. The work explores land uses for three sites totaling over 150 acres, with an extension on the moratorium on third-party development proposals, so that the Nation move forward with the next phase of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-led development planning.

Led by our team at hcma focused on supporting Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation, we contributed to planning for the Stá7mes and Ch’ḵw’elhp sites. This included seeking opportunities for thoughtful integration of Nation housing, market residential, community spaces, commercial uses, and an Elders Village. Ongoing engagement with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Stélmexw (Squamish People) guided the process, among a broader team of collaborators and consulting partners committed to supporting this initiative.

With the first phase now approved, this marks a meaningful step toward realizing the Nation’s vision for community-led growth in alignment with the Úxwumixw 2050: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Generational Plan. We look forward to continuing to support the Nation on a path forward shaped by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Voices and Vision.

Learn more about the project in the recent Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Land Development Strategies Update.

Areas of impact

Sketch of a proposed Intergenerational Village. The sketch highlights the guidance of the four directions, highlighting views to each direction for connection and cultural teaching.
Site plan identifying land use identifying opportunities for the Stá7mes site.

“Planning for our Nation lands considers the needs of current and future Sḵwx̱wú7mesh generations, socially, culturally and economically; it reflects a world-class way of incorporating the Nation’s culture, values and way of life into the design and demonstrates the Nation’s leadership in this realm. This Nation-led initiative affirms the Nation’s self-determination in shaping future land use decisions.”

Mindy Wight, CEO of Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation

Back to Work