See Vancouver’s Sen̓áḵw towers, from the inside out
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
By Denise Ryan
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From the 26th floor of Sen̓áḵw Tower 1, everything is dazzling.
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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’s Vancouver from the eye of an eagle.
Indeed, it’s not unusual for eagles to circle above the rooftop deck we are standing on, said Yeltsíliya, also known as Brandi Halls, the head of marketing and community engagement for the development. She saw one Monday. And a hummingbird.
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.
“We’ve got 17,000 people registered as interested in homes,” said Halls, who welcomed media for a first look at the units.
Tower 1 has three enormous elevators, one of which features 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, said Johnston.
And, 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, and working their way through the 17,000 registrants to confirm interest, and in what kinds of units. A welcome centre will open on site in late June.
The views from the units are as stunning as from the rooftop deck. That is in no small part due to the 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 or any combination of those. 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.
Tower 1, tl’eltl’élnup or Home, has 107 studios, 153 one-bedrooms, 70 two-bedrooms, two 3-bedrooms and one 4-bedroom unit. A number of units for Squamish Nation members that qualify for rental assistance and affordable units for those meeting income eligibility requirements under Canadian Mortgage and Housing guidelines have already been filled.
The market-rental units are small, ranging in size from 310 sq. foot studios, one bedroom units range from 415 to 550 square feet, two bedrooms in the 650 sq. foot range, and one 1052 sq. foot four bedrooms. Some of the studios include built-in Murphy beds. All include in-suite laundry, coat closets, bedroom closets and dishwashers, blond hardwood floors, integrated hidden fridges, high-end finishings, AC and heating, triple glazed soundproof windows and a bright, modern esthetic.
What the units lack in size could be made up for in amenities: all residents will have access to shared rooftop decks, co-working spaces, entertainment rooms, indoor fitness centre, outdoor fitness areas and a wellness pavilion that will feature a pool, sauna, cold plunge and social spaces, as well as the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Village exterior green space and on site concierge.
Rents for the studios start at $1690, one bedrooms from $2,275, 2 bedrooms from $3,505. Prices vary subject to home size, layout and view.
Towers 2 and 3 are nearing completion and should be move-in ready by September and December.
The community is geared toward biking, walking and public transport, and there is limited motor vehicle parking.
When completed, the development will have 11 towers in total. Phase 2 of the project has already started excavation, and will restart in fall 2026. There is no firm timeline on Phases 3 and 4.
