⭐ Our BuildCanadaHomes.org Analysis:
Takeaway
Telus has officially commenced construction on a six-storey mixed-use development in Vancouver’s affluent Point Grey neighbourhood, transforming its former telephone exchange site into a project that will provide 55 rental homes alongside four retail spaces. This initiative, part of Telus Living’s broader strategy to repurpose underutilized properties, aligns with similar projects across British Columbia aimed at enhancing the housing supply, particularly in areas with robust demand, such as locations near the University of British Columbia. In conjunction with these efforts, Telus plans to expand further into Alberta and Quebec, proposing 18 additional sites that could introduce over 3,000 new homes by 2029.
For Ontario’s home builders and developers, particularly those operating in the Greater Toronto Area, Telus’s move underscores a pivotal trend toward mixed-use developments that address housing shortages through innovative re-use of existing buildings. Such projects reflect a growing imperative for developers to integrate residential, commercial, and community spaces effectively; this is especially vital as urban living spaces remain under pressure from demand. As Ontario faces its own distinct housing challenges, industry players should consider whether adaptive reuse may enable them to meet regulatory hurdles and community needs more swiftly. Investing in such versatility could enhance competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. This adaptability is crucial as Ontario’s business landscape increasingly prioritizes sustainability and community integration, offering a key differentiator for developers.
Telus has started construction on a new Telus Living project in Vancouver’s affluent Point Grey neighbourhood, transforming its former telephone exchange site at 2608 Tolmie Street into a six-storey mixed-use building. The development will include 55 rental homes and four ground-floor retail spaces, part of the company’s ongoing plan to repurpose older properties into new housing.
The project, built in partnership with LPI Management Ltd., joins other Telus Living developments already underway in Nanaimo and Sechelt, which are expected to deliver a combined 254 homes in early 2026. Telus says another 18 sites are being proposed across British Columbia, which could add over 3,000 homes within the next six years. The company also plans to expand the program to Alberta and Quebec.
Here’s a render of the upcoming development Telus shared with iPhone in Canada:
Below, is what the site looks like now according to Google Street View, which sits on West 10th Avenue, a thoroughfare to get straight to the University of British Columbia (UBC). Given its proximity to the campus and location, this site will likely draw in some premium monthly rent in one of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighbourhoods:
Located near UBC, the Point Grey project will offer a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments aimed at students, professionals, families, and downsizers who want to stay in the area. The building will feature smart home technology powered by Telus PureFibre, an energy-efficient design, and amenities such as co-working and study areas, social lounges, parcel lockers, bike storage, and pet-friendly spaces.
Telus says the project reflects its broader goal of addressing housing needs in growing communities while making better use of its existing real estate.
Source: Read the original article at Telus Just Broke Ground to Turn an Old Phone Building into Homes on www.iphoneincanada.ca
