Starlight Investments hopes to develop more multi-family projects in North Vancouver, B.C., after completing its first purpose-bult rental project in the city.

“We would love to,” said Howard Paskowitz, Starlight’s vice-president of development and public affairs, said in an interview with Connect. “We’ve got a national perspective and a deep commitment to addressing Canada’s housing needs. We’re expanding in markets where we can bring solutions to urgent housing demands across B.C.. Obviously, across the Metro Vancouver area, there’s a great need for new quality rental housing. But along with our strategy for delivering new housing, we also look to protect our existing aging infrastructure.”

The Lively adds 40 rental homes to North Van’s Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood, offering a mix of studios, apartments and three-bedroom townhomes. Starlight said the development reflects its broader strategy to expand rental supply through a national pipeline set to deliver thousands of suites in the coming years.

An official opening ceremony was held this week with Paskowitz attending, along with other company executives and city officials. North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan cut the ribbon on the new property. Built by Traugott Construction on behalf of Starlight, the Lively is approximately 50% leased.

Paskowitz said Starlight’s decision to invest in the project was driven by both market fundamentals and Starlight’s long-term vision of supporting vibrant, sustainable communities across Canada. He expressed optimism about the North Van multi-family market’s prospects going forward.

“It’s a tremendous municipality,” he said. “It’s a great example of where private developers and elected officials and city staff can work together. So, it’s a municipality that has recognized the need for new rental housing, and in that is created what we think is a great way for the private sector to work with the public sector sector to really accomplish our shared goal, which is new great housing. British Columbia, there’s no doubt, has a significant demand for purpoe-built rental housing.”

Like most of Starlight’s multi-family projects, The Lively was built on a site containing other multi-family rental suites.

“The Lively is another great example of infill development, which is utilizing underused land to deliver sustainable growth while integrating new amenities and improved accessibility,” said Paskowitz.

The existing rental community was greatly improved by the provision of a new, accessible front entrance coming off Keith Road East.

“Which we think is a big jump,” he said. “Part of our responsibility is not just building in communities, but building communities up.”

Suites feature keyless entry, stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, LED lighting, smart thermostats and private balconies. Residents also have access to a rooftop terrace with views of Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver. The site, next to Victoria Park, offers walkable access to Lonsdale Avenue amenities, public transit, major roads, schools and the SeaBus terminal.

“Honestly, I’m very proud of that one and what we’ve accomplished there,” said Paskowitz. “And not only did we bring in new rental homes, we brought in below-market rental homes. We’ve also improved the the quality of life of our existing residents by improving the accessibility to the existing building, upgrading the existing underground garage, and I think it really is real evidence of the way Starlight takes pride in managing our existing rental communities and expanding those rental communities to provide new housing.”

Starlight’s national development pipeline is on track to deliver thousands of new rental homes over the next decade. During the past five years, the company has invested $2.3 billion in maintaining, upgrading and adding square footage to its existing properties.

Canada’s largest multi-family rental developer, Starlight has 17 multi-family projects underway across B.C.’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Pictured: The Lively apartment building in North Vancouver, B.C.