From the 26th floor of Sen̓áḵw Tower 1, the view of Vancouver is nothing short of spectacular. Greenery, backyards, rooftops, the seaside running path in Vanier Park, the white peaked roofs of the Bard on the Beach tents, schoolchildren clustering at the Vancouver museum, a yacht gliding through False Creek inlet, English Bay, the West End, the North Shore, Stanley Park, the Lions, and soaring, limitless sky — it is Vancouver from the eye of an eagle.
This week, the first Indigenous residents will move into the first tower, and calls will start going out to others that have registered for a chance at the market rental units. According to Yeltsíliya, also known as Brandi Halls, head of marketing and community engagement for the development, 17,000 people have registered as interested in homes. Halls welcomed media for a first look at the units.
Indigenous Art and Culture Integrated
Tower 1 features three enormous elevators, one of which showcases the work of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh artist Ryan Johnston. Johnston, 30, is one of dozens of artists and artisans commissioned to create works throughout the development that incorporate Squamish culture and storytelling. The elevator mirrors are etched with two female figures representing the Sch’ich’iyúy, or twin sisters — as the Coast Salish people have long called the Lions of the Coast Mountain range — who brought peace to warring people. Alongside them, bears, and below them salmon, representing the circle of life.
Community Priority
In keeping with all things full circle, Kitsilano residents (some of whom protested vehemently against the 11-tower, 6,000-unit project) will be prioritized for the opportunity to view the homes starting this week, before the public. “Kitsilano residents first,” confirmed Halls. Leasing agents are already making calls, working through the 17,000 registrants to confirm interest and unit preferences. A welcome centre will open on site in late June.
Breathtaking Views
The views from the units are as stunning as from the rooftop deck, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and the unique placement of the building, which provides breathtaking views from every vantage point — whether looking north, south, east, or west. Imagine sitting in your living room and looking out over expansive greenery, water, perhaps whales frolicking, the giant sky pinking at sunrise or sunset. Imagine watching the crowds at English Bay beach, or dragon boats on the water, the constant ebb and flow of nature and the city from an aerial point of view.
It is not unusual for eagles to circle above the rooftop deck, said Halls, who saw one Monday, along with a hummingbird. The development, known as Sen̓áḵw, is a landmark project for Indigenous-led housing in Vancouver.
