Burnaby city council has unanimously approved the redevelopment of the Telus Boot office tower.

The revamped site on the northeast corner of Boundary Road and Kingsway is slated to undergo a major transformation that will introduce more than 2,500 multi-family units across five high-rise towers.

The redevelopment, known as Central Park Commons, will retain and refurbish the 21-storey modernist office building. The tower was originally built in the 1970s, serving as the headquarters of B.C. Tel, a then provincially-owned firm that has since gone private and expanded into a global giant.

The project will be delivered in two phases at 3777 and 3791 Kingsway through a partnership between Vancouver-based Anthem Properties and Toronto-headquartered Crestpoint Real Estate Investments. Crestpoint acquired a 50% stake in the project in 2024 for $82.5 million from H&R REIT.

According to the development application, the first phase one, known as Kingsway South, will feature two rental-apartment buildings of at 31 and 38 storeys, delivering 724 market rental units alongside ground-level retail spaces.

This phase includes demolishing part of the existing office structure podium while still retaining the boot-like shape, followed by upgrades to the remaining portion.

The second phase, Boundary North, will consist of three strata condominimum towers that will stand 64, 60, and 52 storeys and comprise a total of approximately 1,811 units, including 252 below-market rental apartments as required by city bylaws.

The timeline for this phase remains uncertain and will be influenced by market conditions. According to a city report, certain features of the second phase could change, requiring a revised development application and further city approval.

City reports also indicate that the redevelopment will include extensive community amenities, such as fitness centres, meeting rooms, lounges, a wellness spa, and a pool. The first phase will also feature outdoor spaces, including a dog run, while the second phase will provide shared amenities, such as a children’s play area and additional outdoor spaces.

The project’s approval was expected after city council and planners endorsed it in December.

Pictured: Existing Telus Boot tower in Burnaby, B.C.

Photo: Google Maps

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