9 massive developers reshaping Canada’s cities

Developers are the masterminds behind creating new structures and revitalizing old areas. Long before hammers are swinging on site, their teams are envision what could be. They play a crucial role in the construction progress, all the way from forming an idea to selling the final product. Here are 9 developers are having a major impact on the nation’s built environment.

Mattamy Homes

Mattamy Homes, founded in 1978 in Toronto, Canada, is one of the largest private homebuilders in North America. They’ve grown from building a single house to developing entire communities, designing not just the houses but also streets, parks and trails. With a presence across Canada and in 11 metro areas in the United States, Mattamy Homes has helped over 8,000 families a year achieve their dream of homeownership.

Known for:

• Hawthorne Village, Milton, Ont.
• Mattamy on Main, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont.
• Parkside Towns at Saturday in Downsview Park, North York, Toronto, Ont.

Concord Pacific

Concord Pacific, established in 1987, is Canada’s largest master-planned community builder. They’re responsible for large-scale developments like Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place, with a focus on creating entire communities that include not only housing but also parks, amenities, and even commercial spaces. However their reach has been extending beyond Canada, with projects currently underway in the U.S. and the U.K.

Known for:

• Concord Pacific Place, Vancouver, B.C.
• Park George, Surrey, B.C.
• ACFN-Concord Solar Partnership, Alberta

Tridel

Tridel is an old dog that has constantly been learning new tricks. Founded in Toronto in the 1930s, Tridel earned a reputation for shaping skylines. They’re the largest builder of condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area, with over 90,000 homes constructed to date. Tridel’s focus goes beyond just building residences; they’re committed to sustainable practices through their Tridel Built Green Built for Life communities and are known for creating vibrant communities with a focus on innovation and design.

Known for:

• The Well, Toronto, Ont.
• Aqualina & Aquavista, Toronto, Ont.
• YYZ Condominiums, Mississauga, Ont.

Menkes Developments

Founded in 1954, Menkes Developments is a major player in the Canadian real estate scene, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. They specialize in creating a variety of property types, from high-rise condos and elegant single-family homes to coveted office, industrial, and retail spaces. Renowned for their innovative designs, Menkes focuses on developing complete communities, not just individual buildings.

Known for:

• Watermark at Whitby Harbour, Whitby, Ont.
• Sugar Wharf Condominiums, Toronto, Ont.
• The Residences at Yorkville, Toronto, Ont.

QuadReal Property Group

QuadReal Property Group is a relative newcomer. Established in Vancouver in 2016, is a rapidly growing real estate investment and management company. They own and operate a wide range of properties across Canada, including residential suites, office buildings, shopping centers, and industrial spaces. QuadReal emphasizes thoughtful development, prioritizing sustainability and heritage preservation in their projects. They go beyond just managing buildings, fostering a sense of community within their properties.

Known for:

• The Post, Vancouver, B.C.
• Bay Adelaide Centre, Toronto, Ont.
• Yonge Sherbrooke Condominiums

CentreCourt Developments

CentreCourt Developments, established in Toronto in 2010, has become a major force in the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA) high-rise residential landscape. They focus on well-designed condo buildings situated near public transit, amenities, and employment hubs. Their success is evident; with over 19 projects completed or under construction, CentreCourt has provided homes for over 10,000 residents and boasts a development value exceeding $5.6 billion.

Known for:

• 411 Church Street, Toronto, Ont.
• The Parker Condominiums, Mississauga, Ont.
• One City Condos, Toronto, Ont.

The Daniels Corporation

For over 40 years, The Daniels Corporation has been a major developer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), building nearly 40,000 homes and shaping communities. Their focus goes beyond bricks and mortar; they strive to create vibrant neighbourhoods with a commitment to social responsibility, environmental awareness, and iconic design, as seen in their work on Toronto’s Regent Park revitalization and the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Known for:

• Regent Park Revitalization, Toronto, Ont.
• TIFF BELL Lightbox, Toronto, Ont.
• City of Vaughan’s Sugar Wharf Development, Vaughan, Ont.

Bosa Properties

Bosa Properties, founded in Vancouver over five decades ago, has built a strong reputation for quality and community focus. They specialize in residential construction, with a portfolio of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes across British Columbia. Bosa prioritizes not just the aesthetics of their buildings but also the creation of well-designed neighbourhoods, evident in their commitment to functionality and fostering a sense of community within their developments.

Known for:

• Fifteen Fifteen (Jenga Tower), Vancouver, B.C.
• University District, Surrey, B.C.
• The Empress Hotel Revitalization, Victoria, B.C.

Brivia Group

Brivia Group, a Montreal-based developer with over 20 years of experience, has carved a niche in Quebec’s real estate landscape. They focus on exceeding expectations for investors, partners, and communities. Known for their visionary leadership and focus on quality, innovation, and social responsibility, Brivia Group has a growing portfolio of successful and inspiring projects. Outside of Quebec, they are planning CURV, a 60-storey residential development that will be the world’s tallest passive house building.

Known for:

• MAÏA, Montreal, Quebec
• Quartier Dix30, Brossard, Quebec
• OVO (Nolen & O’Connell), Montreal, Quebec