Course Description

About this course:

As cities across British Columbia embrace zoning reform, the shift from single-family homes to multiplex housing is reshaping urban neighborhoods. This session brings together leading voices from policy, finance, construction, and design to explore how homeowners, builders, and communities can unlock the potential of small-scale multi-unit housing. From regulatory clarity to financial tools, construction insights to architectural innovation—discover what it takes to make multiplexes work.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Understand the Rules & Zoning for Multiplexes
    Gain clarity on the latest zoning reforms across BC and how they apply to small-scale multi-unit housing. Learn what approvals are required, how municipalities are adapting, and how these changes open new opportunities for builders and homeowners.
  • Navigate the Standardized Housing Catalogue
    Explore how the province’s standardized housing catalogue can streamline design and permitting. Understand how to use pre-approved plans to reduce costs, shorten timelines, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
  • Master the Financials of Multiplex Development
    Learn the economics behind multiplex projects—from financing options and cost structures to return on investment. Discover practical tools and strategies to make projects financially viable for homeowners and attractive to lenders.
  • Transitioning from Single-Family to Multiplex Construction
    Understand the construction challenges and opportunities when shifting from single-family homes to multiplex builds. Learn best practices for project management, trades coordination, and adapting workflows to multi-unit projects.
  • Design Innovation & Market Transformation
    Explore how architectural design adapts single-family lots into multiplexes that meet community needs. Gain insights into design trends, livability considerations, and how multiplex housing is reshaping BC’s residential market.


Thank you to our Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: FortisBC
Patron Sponsor: BC Housing 



Instructor(s)

David Babakaiff

22+ Years in building | Grew Alair homes in GVR to $20M+ ARR 2024 Best Multiplex Unit Award | Past VP of CHBA (interior BC Chapter) • Serial Entrepreneur: Co-Founded & led Etho Power Ltd. (BC Corp), creating proprietary industrial alternate energy solutions with $5M+ sales across Canada, USA, and Australia - delivering 30% energy efficiency gains through industrial waste conversion. • Built Woodland Group of Companies Inc. (BC Corp), optimizing forestry logistics, risk management, and lumber production for 9+ years, streamlining $10M+ annual throughput while cutting supply-chain waste by 25%. • Over 25 years scaling construction companies in British Columbia, with a focus on capital efficiency and project delivery. While a regional and unit franchisee at Alair Homes, he grew an eight-figure office overseeing Alair's lower mainland residential and multiplex builds annually. • Past VP of the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) interior BC Chapter, bridging government and industry at the provincial level. • Winner of the 2024 Home Builders Association of Vancouver Award for best mid-density multiplex unit, recognized for pioneering multiplex units. • Manages private capital-backed growth models, financing projects in the Vancouver Multiplex Index and the $100M Multiplex Acquisition Program. • Combines high-ROE first executions with investor-focused capital discipline, positioning VanPlex to bridge institutional capital with high-performing residential development.

Eric Lee

Eric has been a building design over-achiever since he received his first Lego set as a toddler. In fact, he designed his first house when he was only 18 years of age. Since then, he has gone on to build the VictorEric group of companies with an impressive portfolio and they have been recognized with several design awards, accolades, TV news, magazine and book features too numerous to mention. A gifted designer and serial entrepreneur, Eric Lee is committed to giving back to the community in his educational seminars. Eric is a long-standing member of the Greater Vancouver Home Builder’s Association, a judge for the various design awards, and a mentor for BCIT students. A naturally gifted and self-taught designer, Eric started with humble family beginnings, as new immigrants to Canada in 1979. Eric has extensive experience in construction and design, thanks to his early involvement in his family’s development business. He is a multi-disciplinary designer; be it building or interior design. Eric has a keen eye for design aesthetics. The many awards he has garnered over the years are a direct result of the passion he brings to his work and projects. But above all else, Eric has a natural skill to listen, interpret, and deliver what his clients want. This is probably the reason so many of his clients have become good friends in the process of building their homes. Eric has a love for motorcycling and adventure. He is the kind of free spirit that will one day be riding a motorcycle around the world, making friends all along the way.”

Michael Leckie

Michael Leckie is an architect, educator, and entrepreneur working to evolve the traditional boundaries of architectural practice as a catalyst for cultural change. Leckie Studio was founded as a multidisciplinary platform to craft singular, thought-provoking, and imaginative architectural work. Operating with a methodology that is rooted in architecture, the studio’s work has been recognized nationally and internationally across a range of scale and typology - including architecture, interior architecture, art installations, and product design. Leckie Studio’s Lantern House was recently awarded Project of the Year at the World Architecture Festival – in the Urban House/Villa category. Michael has also held the position of Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and served on The First Shaughnessy advisory Urban Design Panel for the City of Vancouver. Michael is also co- founder of The Backcountry Hut Company – providing international award-winning component-based architectural systems that are pre-fabricated, scalable, and customizable. Michal is also the founder of Addapt – a new start-up that offers component-based prefabricated urban housing.