Squamish Nation plans Kitsilano highrises

Members of the Squamish Nation will soon be voting on a development proposal for the southwest end of Vancouvers iconic Burrard Bridge.

The plan would see two residential towers built on the site.

Senior Operations Officer, Toby Baker, said the band would not need approval from the City of Vancouver to go ahead, if the members approve the proposal, because the development would be built on reserve land.

"There is no direct approval required from neighbouring jurisdictions and neighbouring constituents," Baker said.

However, the proposal would need to pass federal environmental and financial reviews, he said.

Baker also noted there is sufficient space for up to three more towers on the southeast end of the bridge.

In 2009, the Squamish Nation created a controversy when it erected a giant digital billboard at the south end of the bridge.

The vote will be held later this month.

Vancouver Councillor Geoff Meggs said he welcomes the development plan.

"I think anything that brings us into a stronger relationship with the Squamish First Nation, whose territory we are built on, is a good thing," said Meggs.

Meggsadded city officials are working with the band to ensure the towers fit the city's vision for greater density in the neighbourhood.