MEDIA

Homes set for demolition moved to where they’re needed

09.18.2024 | CBC’s The National recently explored our story and that of the Vancouver demolition epidemic.

"A Vancouver-based company is saving homes from demolition and moving them across the province where they are badly needed. CBC’s Lyndsay Duncombe explains the process of recycling homes and the benefits that come with it."

01.23.2025 | Cities across Metro Vancouver are recognizing the urgent need to shift from financially and environmentally wasteful demolition practices as the construction sector contributes one-third of regional landfill waste annually. With wood waste comprising nearly half of disposed construction materials and demolitions expected to rise due to densification, innovative solutions and better markets for reusable materials are critical. [Read More]

01.23.2025 | Port Moody is taking meaningful steps to encourage the reuse and relocation of homes impacted by new developments, introducing measures like streamlined deconstruction permits and lower value thresholds for relocated homes.

With an estimated 2,800 homes demolished annually in Metro Vancouver, we continue to emphasize the economic and environmental advantages of moving homes over demolition. [Read More]

Councillor Lisa Muri calls for relocation of older homes to reduce waste

09.09.2024 | Councillor Lisa Muri is urging the District of North Vancouver to adopt new policies that promote relocating or deconstructing older homes instead of demolishing them. Her proposal, which will be discussed at the council today, aims to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while preserving homes that could be repurposed. [Read More]

Burnaby councillor wants 'more concrete' plan to save homes from demolition

06.14.2024 | More than a year after Burnaby council asked staff to investigate a plan to save homes slated for the wrecking ball, staff came back with an answer this week: they’re working on it.

City staff responded to an action plan presented by Glyn Lewis, the owner and CEO of Renewal Home Development, in March 2023 outlining seven policy measures to encourage developers to relocate high-value homes instead of tossing them into the landfill. [Read More]

Kitsilano's landmark little yellow schoolhouse begins new life after move to Squamish Nation

02.06.2024 | After 110 years of serving the community in Kitsilano, a little yellow schoolhouse is entering a new life serving the Squamish Nation on the North Shore.

“The Yellow Schoolhouse is the home of our new Ta Tsiptspí7lhḵn (Language Nest), where our youngest ones will be learning our Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, culture and traditions,” said Sxwíxwtn-Wilson Williams, spokesperson and councillor of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation). “We are thrilled to have this new facility and look forward to welcoming our youngest community members through its doors for years to come.” [Read More]

The Little Yellow School House | Learning Nest

Discover the journey of the Little Yellow School House, a 1912 heritage building rescued from demolition and transformed into a Learning Nest for early childhood language immersion. In partnership with the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Nickel Bros, this project highlights reconciliation, sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage.

This video showcases the dramatic relocation and the building’s meaningful new purpose. It’s a powerful example of how sustainable development and collaboration can create lasting impact for communities and the environment.

Monocle | Floating buildings and maritime architecture

Can floating cities be the solution to rising sea levels? Can architecture prepare in advance for coastal changes? We explore a few ways that our cities are, or should be, interacting with water. 

Featuring Glyn Lewis, Renewal Development’s Founder & CEO segment discussing how we have used the waterways around Vancouver to relocate, rather than demolish, houses that are cleared for development, as well as how to deliver them to communities in need. [Podcast]