Gilbert Jacob (Chief Gibby)

kind of anything they wanted on this land, which is extremely unusual.

But the Squamish nation don't have to follow those laws.

Vancouver's zoning laws do not apply on Squamish land.

So for many years, the land sits there, vacant.

Eventually, Chief Gibby retires.

And in 2013, Wilson Williams gets elected to the Squamish Council.

So Wilson got some silver jewelry and stepped into his role as one of the leaders of the Squamish Nation.

He was part of a new generation trying to come up with a plan for this 10 1⁄2 acres.

And this is not just a Vancouver problem.

Economists almost universally agree that restrictive zoning laws are one of the main reasons rents are so high in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Was the housing crisis and really high rents in Vancouver an opportunity in a way for the Squamish nation?

This new plan would make Sanak one of the densest uses of land in Vancouver.

It would also include shops, restaurants, and parks, and there'd be artwork and design by Squamish artists.

So the Squamish nation put it to a vote.

In 2019, they set up two polling stations, one in the city of Vancouver and one just outside, like an hour away.

And when the ballots were counted...

The announcement was big news in Vancouver.

The Squamish nation had decided six years ago to build huge towers on their ten and a half acres of land near downtown Vancouver.

Very nice to meet you, Jacob.

Thank you.