(Lilian Kan is among the recipients of the 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Awards presented by Connect Canada CRE. To learn about all of the winners, check out the CWIRE Awards section.)

Lilian Kan is the director of development at Colliers Strategy and Consulting, where she brings extensive experience in residential, commercial, and transit-oriented mixed-use projects.

Kan works closely with the B.C. government, institutions, and non-profit organizations to identify and optimize underutilized land, enhancing its value and density through rezoning, development, and partnerships. Her strategic and creative approach to transforming sites into viable development projects has enabled the creation of much-needed housing units and established her as a leader in her field.

In addition to her role at Colliers, Kan actively contributes her expertise to the community. She serves as co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) with the Urban Land Institute, advocating for female leadership and mentorship in real estate. Through initiatives such as the WLI B.C. Leadership Building Program and the WLI B.C. Leadership Recognition Annual Awards, she organizes events that inspire and connect industry leaders.

Kan’s commitment to affordable housing and community building extends further through her recent appointment as a board member of the Burnaby Housing Authority. As board chair of Entre Nous Femmes (ENF) Housing Society, she works to ensure safe, affordable, and inclusive housing for women and single-parent families across B.C. Her contributions include overseeing the redevelopment of Alma Blackwell at 1656 Adanac Street in Vancouver, which will provide 97 affordable rental units, and collaborating on the Portwood project, a development partnership providing 325 new below-market rental homes. She also leads ENF Housing Society’s partnership at 450 Pacific Street, a seven-storey rental building in Vancouver’s False Creek North area, which will offer 91 social housing units with Hogan’s Alley Society.

Kan is also dedicated to supporting the next generation of industry professionals. As part of the Urban Development Institute mentorship program, she shares her insights and guidance, and she regularly engages as a speaker for Simon Fraser University’s Urban Development Program, providing updates on industry trends, approval processes, and timelines.

These are just some of the reasons why Connect Canada CRE selected her for a 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award.

(To learn about all of the winners, check out the CWIRE Awards section.)