Urban Development Institute

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Urban Development Institute

BC's voice for development since '72. Non-partisan, non-profit, paving the way for tomorrow's cities.

The Urban Development Institute is a non-profit association of the development industry and its related professions that is non-partisan in its activities. With over 650 corporate members, UDI Pacific represents thousands of individuals involved in all facets of land development and planning, including: developers, property managers, financial lenders, lawyers, engineers, planners, architects, app

raisers, real estate professionals, local governments and government agencies. Since 1972, the Pacific Region has been dedicated to fostering effective communication between the industry, government, and the public; and aims to improve both housing and job opportunities for all British Columbians. UDI Pacific also serves as the public voice of the real estate development industry, communicating with local governments, the media, and community groups. UDI concentrates its activities in three primary areas: government and community relations, research, and professional development and education.

05/15/2026

We are pleased to announce that Michael Drummond has been appointed CEO of the Urban Development Institute

Michael previously served as Executive Vice President before stepping into the Interim CEO role during one of the most critical periods in B.C.’s housing sector. His appointment marks an important milestone for the organization, becoming only the third CEO in UDI’s modern history.

Under his leadership, UDI has strengthened its advocacy efforts and public voice on housing and economic policy issues across the province.

Please join us in congratulating Michael on his appointment.

05/13/2026

What an incredible afternoon at UDI Capital Region’s Spring Social at Craft Beer Market!

The event was sold out and filled with great energy as members of the development community came together to connect, catch up, and enjoy a relaxed late-afternoon in Victoria's Inner Harbour.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors for making the event possible: BTY, Next Environmental Inc., Ingrid Jarisz / Newport Realty Ltd., Aplin Martin, and Powerhaus Mortgage Experts.

We appreciate everyone who joined us and helped make the Spring Social such a success—looking forward to seeing you at the next UDI Capital Region event!

05/04/2026

Here's what you missed at The Future of Rental: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities hosted by the Women of UDI

The market has shifted, and the data tells the story.

New lease-up vacancy is now 10.7%, while stabilized stock remains under 2%. That gap reflects a market adjusting in real time.

Technology is changing the leasing environment as well. Prospects are arriving informed, and digital leasing is no longer optional.

For the first time in decades, renters have real choice. And that's forcing a reset.

The old ways of “build it and they will come” no longer works. Today, the best product absorbs first. That means better unit layouts, livability, and amenities that are designed to perform, not just exist.

It also means bringing the right people into the conversation earlier. Construction, operations and asset management can no longer happen in silos. If the operator isn’t in the room during design, the project pays for it later.

At the same time, the biggest risk has shifted. It’s no longer construction cost uncertainty driving pro formas. It’s revenue. Net effective rents, concessions, and slower lease-up are now what investors are watching most closely.

And increasingly, projects are moving forward through partnerships. Across non-profits, pension funds, Indigenous landowners, and government, collaboration is becoming essential.

There is also a window right now. While many projects are on hold, this is the time to rethink, build stronger partnerships, and be ready for what comes next.

Thank you to our panelists for a thoughtful discussion:
• Andrew Charney, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation
• Vera Liu, KingSett Capital
• Monica Morgan, Community Land Trust
• Barrett Sprowson, Peterson Real Estate
Moderated by Nicole Jerick

And thank you to our sponsors:
Lead Sponsor: BlueCity Construction
Silver Sponsors: VanMar Constructors BC Inc. and dys architecture

04/29/2026

What’s actually driving the market right now? Capital is more selective. The signals aren’t as clear as they used to be.

On June 9, join UDI’s virtual luncheon with Benjamin Tal (CIBC Capital Markets) for a one-hour, data-driven breakdown of what’s shaping the market and what it means for development decisions.

We’ll cover interest rates, capital flows, demand trends, and how to think about feasibility, timing, and risk in this environment.

Register here: https://udibc.glueup.com/event/new-market-realities-with-benjamin-tal-179634/

04/16/2026

Across Metro Vancouver, thinking is starting to shift.

This was the clear takeaway from our luncheon, From Policy to Practice: Regional Planning Perspectives, this morning.

Municipalities in Metro Vancouver are starting to see the smoke. The industry is already on fire.

That shift is now starting to show up in real decisions: scaling back requirements, revisiting fees, and focusing on what is actually necessary to move projects forward.

It is also forcing a broader reset in how we approach policy and delivery:
• Rebuild the framework around what actually supports delivery
• Focus on what's essential
• Acknowledge that cumulative requirements directly impact viability

For over a decade, Metro Vancouver operated in a market that did not force these questions. Strong absorption and rising prices masked the true cost of the system.

Today’s market does not. When costs exceed what the market can support, projects stop, and housing delivery slows accordingly.

There is growing recognition that viability matters, silos within municipalities must be broken down, and the cumulative cost stack across all levels of government must be part of the conversation.

The key now is ensuring this shift is sustained. Without structural change, there is a real risk of reverting once market conditions improve.

Thank you to our panelists Johannes Schumann (City of Burnaby - Local Government ), Andrew Merill (City of Coquitlam - Municipality ), and Josh White (City of Vancouver - Local Government ), and to our moderator Tracy McRae (Anthem Properties Group Ltd. ), for this important discussion.

03/27/2026

Ontario is moving on housing tax relief. B.C. now has an opportunity to follow.

This week, the federal government introduced Bill C-26, which includes $1.7B to support housing supply. The funding could be used to reduce development fees or deliver tax relief on new homes.

At the same time, Ontario expanded its HST rebate to all new homebuyers for one year to help get projects moving and bring buyers back into the market.

UDI has written to the Prime Minister calling for the same GST relief in B.C. We have also shared that request with Premier Eby and Minister Christine Boyle and are continuing to follow up with both levels of government.

GST relief is one of the most effective ways to address unsold inventory and support buyers, especially those approaching presale completion.

We will keep advocating on this and keep members updated as things move forward.

03/20/2026

Strong turnout at our recent W39th site tour hosted by Graham and U40.

Attendees gained firsthand insight into construction progress, safety innovations, and delivery strategies for this purpose-built rental project in the Oakridge neighbourhood. A guided walk-through of key site areas, including a finished mock-up suite, brought the project’s design vision and challenges into clear focus.

Thank you to the Graham team for hosting and to our members for another engaged and thoughtful afternoon on site.

03/17/2026

How are planning policies translating into real housing delivery across the region?
Join us on April 16 for From Policy to Practice: Regional Planning Perspectives, and gain insider insights from the leaders shaping growth decisions across Metro Vancouver:
- Tracy McRae (Moderator), Vice President, Development, Anthem Properties Group Ltd.
- Andrew Merrill, RPP, MCIP, General Manager, Planning & Development, City of Coquitlam
- Johannes Schumann Director, Development Services & Approving Officer, City of Burnaby
- Josh White, General Manager, Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability, City of Vancouver
Register here: https://udibc.glueup.com/event/from-policy-to-practice-regional-planning-perspectives-169552/

03/11/2026

270 people joined UDI for our largest Celebrating Women event yet

The panel reminded us that uncertainty creates opportunity. Through partnership, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to learn from one another, we shape the future together.

We were fortunate to hear from an outstanding panel:
Deana Grinnell, Canada Lands Company / Société Immobilière du Canada
Jennifer Podmore Russell, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation
Jennifer Woolley, Warrington PCI Management
and our Moderator, Jenny Chan, BGO

Thank you to the Women of UDI (WUDI) committee for hosting and to our sponsors for making the evening possible.

Presenting Sponsor: MOSAIC Homes
Platinum Sponsors: Pontem Group, Scotiabank
Gold Sponsors: Axiom Builders, Richards Buell Sutton LLP, Path Developments
Silver Sponsor: Graham
Bronze Sponsors: Terra Housing,Real Estate Foundation of BC, Aplin Martin,
VanMar Constructors BC Inc., Ventana Construction Vancouver, Gowling WLG, Rogers
Audio Visual Sponsor: Second Narrows Technology Solutions

03/05/2026

ICYMI: Five Clear Signals from our Sold-Out Fraser Valley Forecast

1. The cost-of-delivery crisis is structural, not cyclical.
In some cases, the cost to build and sell a home has more than doubled since 2013. Government fees, particularly Metro Vancouver DCCs, continue to pressure pro formas. Revenues are softening. Equity is tightening. Condo financing remains extremely difficult, with foreclosures increasingly visible, especially in private lending. This is not a short-term wobble. It is a structural challenge.

2. Municipal tone has improved, and that matters.
Engagement in places like Surrey and Mission feels more collaborative and responsive. In a market where timelines and certainty determine viability, that shift is meaningful.

3. Financing is tight, and relationships matter more than ever.
Capital is cautious. Equity requirements are up. Developers with strong, long-standing lender relationships are navigating the pressure better. Trust and timing flexibility are critical right now.

4. Purpose-built rental is not a universal fallback.
Some projects have shifted to rental, but it is not a magic exit strategy. In the Fraser Valley, absorption and achievable rents do not always support the economics. Product decisions must be regionally grounded, not reactive.

5. There is an opportunity for those positioned to move.
Land is trading on better terms. Sellers are more flexible. Construction costs are stabilizing. If GST clarity brings sidelined buyers back, momentum may follow. Broader applicability will be required to generate meaningful market lift.

These were the themes that emerged from a candid and lively discussion at our sold-out Fraser Valley Forecast luncheon.

Thank you to our panel:
- Jamie Squires (Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing)
- Rick Johal (Zenterra Developments)
- Ryan Lucy (Polygon Homes & Morningstar Homes)
- Joe Varing (Varing Marketing Group)

And thank you to our sponsors for supporting this important conversation:
Lead Sponsor: TD
Associate Sponsors: Avison Young and McQuarrie
Spotlight Sponsor: Rogers
Patron Sponsor: KPMG

Address

#650/1050 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E3S7

Telephone

+16046699585

Website

http://www.udi.org/

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