Skeena Terraces Master Plan

Skeena Terrace is an 11-acre social housing redevelopment that reimagines a historic landscape while significantly increasing social housing on site. 

Originally designed in the 1960s by landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, the site is defined by mature trees, open space, and a strong landscape legacy. Working closely with BC Housing and the broader project team, PWL led the open space planning and landscape design, balancing intensification with the preservation of these defining elements—retaining significant tree canopy, protecting native soils within the Still Creek watershed, and building on the site’s original landscape framework. 

The landscape is structured as a connected system of open spaces that support daily life, social connection, and long-term resilience. Courtyards, gardens, and shared outdoor areas are designed to serve a diverse community, creating everyday opportunities for residents to connect with nature through play, gathering, and urban agriculture. 

Mobility and connectivity are central to the design, with pathways linking homes to amenities and creating a walkable, accessible neighbourhood. The landscape supports both ecological performance and community well-being—integrating environmental function and social space into a cohesive system. 

The renewal of Skeena Terrace builds on the site’s landscape legacy, supporting higher density while responding to climate and community needs. Strengthened tree canopy, open space, and ecological systems are paired with shared outdoor spaces that support everyday life and connection.