2233 Written by Mark Golombek More and more, younger people are sadly being priced out of home ownership while baby boomers are retiring and downsizing, and this evolving market is creating more renters. The result is a more competi-tive real estate situation, with an increased demand for rental accommodation but not enough supply. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) annual rental market report for 2018 noted that the “overall vacancy rate for rental apartments in Canada fell to 2.4 percent,” and Ontario’s rate, the most populated province, is among the lowest nationwide at 1.8 percent.In this fast-paced environment of low real estate inventory, Ottawa-headquartered Lépine Corporation is seizing the opportunity to do what this family-run company has been doing so well for nearly forty years: build.4 Guided by vision The firm is run by Francis Lépine. Real estate development and management is in his blood. Francis learned everything about the industry from an early age as his father René Lépine, Sr. founded Elpine Construction in 1952. This would go on to become Eastern Canada’s largest real estate development company for a time, famed for building the Montreal landmark Olympic Village. At Lépine Corporation, Francis is the visionary and developer, with over 40 newly built concrete buildings to his personal track record. The corporation specializes in building high-end, multi-tenant apartment buildings, and its specialization in this sector of the Ottawa housing market has served the company well over the past two decades. The team has completed dozens of projects, which have generated thousands of new residential suites. “Both the younger generations and the baby boomers were increasingly seeking out apartment living…”6 1160 Rainbow Street, Ottawa, ON K1J 6X7 | Tel: 613-744-0336 | Fax: 613-744-4080We have been a proud sub-contractor of the Lépine Corporation for many years. Mr. Lépine’s management style provides for quality, efficiency and success in a competitive Ottawa market. Congratulations to the Lépine Corporation.Investing in community These residences reflect the Lépine team’s approach to building and to business. The developments they create are not simply well-appointed, standalone suites; they are investments in the broader community. “Lépine believes that when you build quality you build a solid investment,” reads company litera-ture, and the apartments in the company’s portfolio reflect this belief. They are purposefully-designed, warm and welcoming, and enable residents to enjoy a luxurious quality of life while enjoying their neighbourhoods and communities to the fullest. 8 1160 Rainbow Street, Ottawa, ON K1J 6X7 | Tel: 613-744-0336 | Fax: 613-744-4080We have been a proud sub-contractor of the Lépine Corporation for many years. Mr. Lépine’s management style provides for quality, efficiency and success in a competitive Ottawa market. Congratulations to the Lépine Corporation.Lépine builds apartments to stand the test of time and to con-tribute to the fabric of the community in positive ways. Francis’ goal is to build “for generations to come,” and his company’s apartments “are made to last centuries,” he shares. Unsurprisingly, quality and safety are fundamental to the construction process and of utmost importance to Francis and the entire Lépine team. The company has built its reputation on specializing in the premium, resort-styled, multi-family apartment sector, and the 30-plus first-class properties – comprising more than 10 million square feet of residential living space – under its belt are a testa-ment to its dedication and commitment.To this end, Lépine’s apartments, which range in size from 700 to over 2000 square feet, are built solidly to say the least, with thick concrete that is well insulated for energy efficiency and sound-proofing and top-notch electromechanical and HVAC systems for reliability, building and occupant health, and reduced maintenance. They are also spectacularly well-appointed, with details like high ceilings, panoramic views, hardwood floors, natural maple or oak cabinets, granite counters, LED lighting, and more, while building amenities include gyms, terraces with barbecues, and guest suites for visiting friends or family.Next >