Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s next development is expected to provide homes for almost 500 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People. Located on Orwell Street in North Vancouver, the future 203-unit development will sit on land where the Ch’ích’élxwi7kw village once stood.

Honouring, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation history and in partnership with Paháyikwup (Language Commission), Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is pleased to announce this development has been given the name Sheykwáw̓txw or clam house.

Sheykwáw̓txw recognizes the abundant clam beaches that provided physical nourishment for the people and honours the Ch’ích’élxwi7kw community, which was prosperous, in part because their lands were so close to shore and bountiful with marine life that when the tide went out their ‘table was set’.

“We are very excited to receive a name that reflects our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Peoples’ rich tradition of clam cultivation and consumption,” said Hiy̓ám̓  Housing’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Silva. “Sheykwáw̓txw will not just be a place to return home it will encourage intergenerational living, culture, language, and connection to our territory.”

The announcement of the new name took place on April 28, 2026, following the Ground Blessing ceremony, an important milestone rooted in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh history, culture, and protocols. Invited guests included Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Elders, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council), residents of the Seymour Reserve who are neighbours of the site, and project partners.

Sheykwáw̓txw (previously the Orwell Project) is designed to include three interwoven six-storey buildings that are positioned to create a sheltered, sunlit landscaped courtyard that opens towards the neighbourhood. There will be a mix of unit types, from studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment units along with four 4-bedroom townhouses.

Located next to Phibbs Exchange, we hope to begin construction in early Summer 2026 and estimate it will take approximately two and half years to build. This means it will be approximately two years before the call for tenant applications will be available.

We are committed to keeping the community informed as the development progresses.

Funding for this project has yet to be formally announced.

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