TELUS has officially broken ground on its newest TELUS Living development, transforming a former telephone exchange in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood into a six-storey, mixed-use rental building aimed at easing the city’s housing crunch.
Located at 2608 Tolmie Street, the project—developed in partnership with LPI Management Ltd.—will deliver 55 purpose-built rental homes and four ground-floor retail spaces. The site, once a core part of British Columbia’s copper-based telephone network, is being repurposed as part of TELUS’ broader effort to convert legacy infrastructure into modern housing.
“We’re honoured to break ground on this transformative project as the Vancouver Point Grey community office redevelopment showcases what’s possible when all levels of government work together with the private sector to address housing needs,” said Manasweeta Bhatia, Vice President of Real Estate and Business Continuity at TELUS. “By repurposing our real estate assets right here in Vancouver, we’re making a meaningful difference in the community by turning technological progress into homes where families and individuals can thrive.”
The Point Grey development joins two other TELUS Living buildings currently under construction in Nanaimo and Sechelt. Together, the three projects will add 254 rental homes by early 2026, with another 18 properties proposed across British Columbia that could deliver more than 3,000 homes over the next six years. TELUS also plans to expand the program into Alberta and Quebec.
Situated minutes from the University of British Columbia, transit routes, and local amenities, the project is designed to serve a range of residents—from students and young professionals to families and long-time neighbourhood residents looking to downsize.
The development will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all equipped with smart home technology powered by the TELUS PureFibre network. Residents will have access to enhanced security features, energy-efficient automation, and seamless connectivity.
TELUS says the building will prioritize sustainability through high-efficiency design, robust cycling infrastructure, and proximity to transit. Amenities will include co-working and study spaces, indoor and outdoor social lounges, bike storage with end-of-trip facilities, parcel lockers, pet-friendly accommodations, and one level of underground parking.
The groundbreaking marks the latest step in TELUS Living’s mission to turn former central offices—once hubs for copper-based telecommunications equipment—into smart, sustainable rental housing.
Construction on the Point Grey development is now underway, contributing to the growing momentum behind repurposed, community-focused housing solutions across the province.
I would say that this promotional article is somewhat misleading. They haven’t broken ground as they have not finished demolition of the old building. It would have been good to see them preserve the history of this building by keeping parts of the old building as a facade for the proposed new building design.