Office-to-Residential Conversions Continue to Shape Canadian Cities

Over 10 million sq ft of Canadian office space has been converted, demolished, or planned for redevelopment, adding about 17,000 residential units and aiding urban revitalization. Conversion approaches vary: Toronto favors demolition for high-density towers, Ottawa streamlines approvals, and Calgary uses grants to encourage conversions amid high vacancy. Vancouver sees little conversion due to high land costs and seismic challenges. Conversions depend on building age and floor-plate size. Office demand is recovering in prime spaces, while older buildings shift to residential or other uses.