Journal
The Journal.
Plain-language guides to custom home building and renovation, plus multiplex development, zoning, and what BC's new housing rules mean for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley homeowners and investors.
Construction
How we build quality control into every multiplex project
Quality on a multiplex isn't an inspection at the end, it's a series of checkpoints built into every phase. Here's how we catch problems while they're still cheap to fix.
Mark Van Ek · August 25, 2026 · 7 min read
Construction
What to expect during multiplex construction in Vancouver
From the day the excavator arrives to the day you get keys, a Vancouver multiplex build moves through predictable phases. Here is what each one looks like on the ground, the inspections, the draw schedule, the deficiency list, and the warranty that starts at the end.
Mark Van Ek · August 23, 2026 · 7 min
Construction
BC Energy Step Code: what it means for a new multiplex
The BC Energy Step Code sets how energy-efficient a new multiplex has to be, and it shapes decisions from the wall assemblies to the heating system. Here's what it means for a Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley build in plain language.
Mark Van Ek · August 12, 2026 · 8 min
Construction
What drives construction cost on a small multiplex
Two fourplexes on neighbouring Vancouver lots can cost very different amounts to build. The reasons are knowable, site conditions, servicing, design, code level, mechanical systems, and finishes each pull the number. Here is what actually moves construction cost, without a single invented figure.
Mark Van Ek · July 22, 2026 · 7 min
Common questions
About the Journal
What topics does the Venture Pacific Journal cover?
The Venture Pacific Journal covers Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley multiplex development, specifically BC's Bill 44 / SSMUH rules, GP/LP partnership structure for homeowners and investors, feasibility reviews, city-by-city permitting guides (Vancouver R1-1, Burnaby SSMUH, Richmond RSM), construction timelines, financing, and missing-middle housing strategy.
What is SSMUH and how does it affect Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley homeowners?
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) is the BC provincial policy, enacted under Bill 44 in 2023, that requires municipalities to allow three to six homes on most standard residential lots without a rezoning. Lots within 400 metres of a frequent transit stop can add a sixth unit. This affects most Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley homeowners, including those in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, and New Westminster, by dramatically expanding what they can build on land they already own.
What is a GP/LP partnership in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley multiplex development?
A GP/LP (General Partner / Limited Partner) partnership is a limited-partnership structure for real estate development. In a Venture Pacific arrangement, the homeowner contributes their land as equity and becomes a Limited Partner. Venture Pacific acts as General Partner, contributing capital, design, permitting, and construction management while carrying the construction risk. Proceeds are shared at project completion according to the partnership agreement.
How long does a Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley multiplex development take from lot to completion?
Most Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley SSMUH-compliant multiplex projects take 18 to 36 months from the start of the feasibility review to occupancy: six to twelve months for design and permitting, and twelve to eighteen months for construction. Projects requiring a rezoning or development variance permit take longer. Venture Pacific's Manchester Living project, for example, had its rezoning approved December 2023 and is expected to complete August 2026.
Does the Journal cover custom home building as well as multiplex development?
Yes. The Journal is organized into two sections: Build, covering custom homes, renovations, and construction contracts and costs, and Develop, covering multiplex development, SSMUH and Bill 44 zoning, GP/LP partnerships, and city-by-city permitting. Each post is tagged into one of these two sections so readers can filter to the topic that matches their project.
Can I get new Journal posts without checking the site?
Yes. The Journal publishes an RSS feed at venturepacific.ca/rss.xml that any feed reader can subscribe to. New posts on both the Build and Develop sides appear in the feed as soon as they go live, so a reader following BC housing policy or construction-cost updates does not need to check the page manually.
Are the Journal's zoning and permitting guides specific to one city?
No, they cover multiple Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley municipalities separately, because SSMUH rules differ by city. Vancouver's guide explains the R1-1 zone, Burnaby's covers its R1 SSMUH district, and Richmond's covers the RSM zone. A homeowner should read the guide for their specific municipality rather than assume the rules match a neighbouring city.
Who writes the Venture Pacific Journal?
Journal posts are written by Venture Pacific's own team members and credited by name on each post. Most bylines link to that person's team profile page. This keeps the byline tied to a real, identifiable person rather than an anonymous company account, so a reader can check who is behind the zoning, financing, or construction guidance in any given article.
Let's talk about your property
A conversation, not a commitment.
Whether you're curious about the multiplex value of your land or looking to partner on a missing-middle build, we're here to start the conversation.