(CNW) — In a joint news conference with Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, Anthem Properties and Beedie Living announced that they will increase their workforce by 100 per cent for the next phase of Station Square, one of BC’s largest transit-oriented developments.
“As we put the roof on the first of five towers, we are pleased to announce that the next phase of Station Square will create 650 direct construction jobs,” said Eric Carlson, CEO of Anthem Properties Group. “That is double the workforce of the first phase.”
Statistics Canada today released job numbers that show unemployment across the country is at its lowest since September 2008.
Construction remains a leading employment sector in British Columbia. Annual statistics released today by the BC Construction Association show the number of direct construction jobs is up from last year, from 190,000 to 196,000. Residential construction is a significant contributor to employment, with ripple effects across other sectors. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association says each housing start has the potential to create five direct and indirect full-time jobs.
“Station Square will have 1,800 homes,” said Ryan Beedie, president of Beedie Development Group, the project’s joint venture partner. “That means we have the potential to create 9,000 full-time jobs.”
Global employment firm ManpowerGroup also tracks job numbers. It says that while much of Metro Vancouver is flat for overall job growth, one area is not. “Burnaby has really taken off,” said Jeff Polkinghorne, British Columbia branch manager for ManpowerGroup. “It’s where all the job growth is.”
In Burnaby, construction jobs are being fueled by transit-oriented developments like Station Square at Metrotown.
“Transit hubs have become our city’s economic drivers,” said Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan. “Not only is the construction sector booming, the number of new businesses seeking licences in Burnaby this year is up nearly 15 per cent since 2010.”
“Station Square will bring hundreds of new residents to the neighbourhood and create millions of dollars in economic spin-offs for local businesses for the lifetime of those businesses,” said Beedie.
Carlson added, “In June alone, Station Square sold more than 500 condos. That speaks to the cultural awareness of high-density living, demand for transit-oriented developments and the future of construction in BC.”
Construction is Canada’s fourth largest employment sector.
Anthem Properties Group
Anthem Properties Group was founded more than 20 years ago and has since invested in, developed or managed more than 210 projects with an historical value of approximately $2.5 billion. Anthem is headquartered in Vancouver and operates throughout western Canada.
“We have the potential to create 9,000 full-time jobs.”
Beedie Living
Beedie Living is the residential division of Beedie Development Group, a company that was founded 60 years ago. BDG is the largest owner of undeveloped industrial land in British Columbia. Beedie Living was launched three years ago and has quickly made a mark as a leading developer of mixed-use and residential projects.