Westbank: Building Inspiring Cities & Sustainable Communities

Introduction

Westbank creates inspiring environments for modern cities. They believe strong cities solve the world’s greatest challenges. Established 30 years ago, Westbank is a private company. It partners with global organizations to maximize impact. Their main focus is on Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, Tokyo, and San Jose.

Westbank is a global leader in net‑zero development. It co-owns one of North America’s largest district energy providers. Its portfolio includes residential, hotels, retail, creative workspaces, district energy, and affordable housing. Over $50 billion in projects are completed or underway.

They have also built a cultural ecosystem. Restaurants, gyms, spas, music venues, clubs, fashion, dance schools, and food halls are part of it. They collaborate with world-class artists, architects, designers, and entrepreneurs to create meaningful shared experiences.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded by Ian Gillespie in the early 1990s, Westbank quickly earned a reputation for quality and design excellence.
Their philosophy centers on beauty, culture, and sustainability. They evolved from traditional development into a “culture company.”

Westbank has delivered large-scale mixed-use developments and landmark architecture. Projects like Oakridge Park in Vancouver set new standards. Vancouver House, designed with Bjarke Ingels Group, is another example.

Design Philosophy & Approach

Westbank designs for community, culture, and sustainability. Every project maximizes natural light and open-concept living.
They integrate energy-efficient technologies and district energy systems. Amenities go beyond homes to include social, fitness, and creative spaces. Top-tier architects and designers bring each development to life. Westbank focuses on shared experiences and long-term value.

Signature Communities

KING Toronto in Toronto, ON – A 16-storey condominium by Westbank and Allied Properties REIT, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. Located in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood, the project wraps around a central courtyard and integrates public art, retail frontages and a heritage-sensitive podium. It blends architecture and community-making by referencing landmark precedent while offering multiple exposures, generous terraces and a “mountain town in the city” design concept.

Mirvish Village in Toronto, ON – This transformational redevelopment on the former site of Honest Ed’s at Bathurst & Bloor creates a complete mixed-use neighbourhood hub rooted in culture, music, retail and rental homes. Westbank preserved 24 heritage buildings, created pedestrian-first lanes, a food hall, music venue and a public-energy system that targets major reductions in energy use.

Vancouver House -in Vancouver, BC – This dramatic tower project by Westbank and Bjarke Ingels Group stands in Vancouver’s Beach District and is recognized globally for its architectural ambition. Completed in 2020, the building includes 375 residential homes plus rental units, retail and workspace. It became a catalyst for neighbourhood transformation.

Calgary House in Calgary, AB – A bold mixed-use landmark in downtown Calgary developed by Westbank in partnership with Allied and designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and DIALOG. The building features a fully integrated public-art installation across its façade, LEED Platinum credentials, and exemplifies Westbank’s “total work of art” approach to architecture and city-making.

The Raven in Vancouver, BC – Located on Vancouver’s West Side, this upscale rental community blends Eastern and contemporary design influences. With a softly stepped form and amenity-rich interiors, including a bike lounge, rooftop space, and pet-friendly features, The Raven embodies Westbank’s commitment to creative living, wellness and community in rental spaces.

Why Choose Westbank

• Track record of successful, high-impact developments
• Award-winning design and sustainable construction
• Net-zero and low-carbon building leadership
• Focus on community, culture, and shared experiences
• Global reach with local impact

Westbank does more than build homes. They create communities where people connect and thrive.

Conclusion

With decades of experience and landmark developments, Westbank sets a high standard for urban living. Their work combines design, culture, and sustainability. Choosing Westbank means investing in a home and a vision for better cities.