Letter: Cautious expectation for Jericho Lands

Re: “First Nations announce intention to buy provincial Jericho Lands,” Feb. 12.

1. We are encouraged that the province has confirmed a unified planning process for the combined lands and look forward to collaborating with First Nations and other stakeholders in planning the future shape of Jericho as an integral part of the local community.
2. We are concerned that a final sales agreement based on land value appraisals could effectively “price in” expectations regarding scale and density of development before community consultation and planning has so much as begun.
3. The WPG Community Vision adopted by Vancouver city council in 2010, makes clear that “the outcome of a Jericho Lands planning process should be a plan for the site developed in consultation with the WPG community” and that “there should be early feedback to city council on the interests and concerns of the WPG community before any key decisions are made.”
4. Consequently, our expectation is that no key decisions are being made (or assurances given) in regard to potential rezoning, and presume that any land value appraisals presently under consideration are based roughly on existing zoning or appropriately cautious expectations.

West Point Grey Residents Association, Vancouver