Pier 1, Crowne Pacific’s award winning mixed-use commercial and residential flagship head office, built in 2022, on historic Pier Street in Campbell River, BC.
By Tyler Nyquvest
CAMPBELL RIVER – British Columbia has long been a desirable place to live. The rugged natural beauty of Vancouver Island has attracted residents for decades, but in the last 10 years, growth and development has grown exponentially.
With so much increased demand, development companies have flocked to the Island. However, for Brett Giese, President and Owner of Crowne Pacific Development Corp., his family of generational builders have inspired a hands on, intimate approach to development that is uncommon in today’s industry.
Brett Giese, President and Owner of Crowne Pacific Development Corp.
“A lot of off-island, out of town organizations have come to the North Island and we have been here through it all,” says Giese. “Despite there being a lot more competition from these companies and our peers in the area, we are still at the forefront of development in this community and our commitment is being recognized every year.”
Over the years Giese has watched the competition stiffen and building practices change, which is why he holds a certain pride in the fact Crowne Pacific has always remained consistent.
“Apart from speciality trades, every aspect of our business is done in house, we do our maintenance, we do our management, all of that is done within our company,” said Giese. “That is our model – of course, we always strive to grow, however, we never want to outgrow the model that we have followed since the inception of the business.”
It is evident that this approach has been nothing but fruitful for the Island-born company. With over 800 homes built and 20 years in business, the company has accumulated an impressive series of milestones including five consecutive years of Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) awards for projects including multi-family, mixed-use, apartments and more.
The company has achieved many firsts for Vancouver Island, such as building Acadia, the first and largest multi-purpose rental in the Comox Valley in over 30 years, in 2015. The Neo building pushed the company profile even further as the highest-density purpose-built apartment building on the North Island. The Montage building in Courtenay, built in 2022, is the largest purpose-built rental building ever constructed on the North Island and marked Crowne Pacific’s goal to provide 500 rental units within a decade. Finally, the company has also just built the largest apartment rental building in Powell River, expanding its reach across the water.
Beyond the company accolades, Giese was also listed on BC Business 30 under 30 list. These are just some of the achievements that have solidified Crowne Pacific as a beacon of success in the industry. As the company continues to expand its portfolio on the Island and various neighbouring communities, Giese and his team maintain the familial, innovative yet practical approach that has garnered the company so much esteem.
“We are an industry leader and trailblazer, we know that, and we are proud to represent ourselves in this way,” says Giese. “Staying true to our roots and maintaining our vision has been our foundation and our core values will not be sacrificed as we grow.”
