Unions build. Communities benefit.
Royal Oak Development
BCGEU is building a new, more accessible home for members in the Lower Mainland—including affordable housing and childcare—to better serve workers, families, and the broader community.
Project Facts
At-a-glance
- 292 homes
- 30% of units below-market
- 49 licensed childcare spaces
- 49,000 sq. ft. of office and meeting space
- Low-carbon, energy-efficient design
- Built by unionized workers
What We're Building
A new home for BCGEU members
The Royal Oak Development will be a modern, welcoming space where members can access union services, attend meetings, and gather—designed to be more accessible, more sustainable, and easier to reach by transit.
- Improved disability accessibility
- Transit-accessible location
- 49 licensed childcare spaces
- Meeting, conference, and member service spaces
Affordable housing
The project includes 292 homes, with a minimum of 30% designated as below-market housing. This reflects BCGEU’s commitment to helping address the housing crisis facing working people across the province. The affordable rents will be set to align with working-class wages, with rents capped at 80% of CMHC market rates.
Childcare
The development includes 49 licensed childcare spaces operated by a non-profit provider, helping to address the shortage of accessible, quality childcare for working families.
Why BCGEU is Building This
This project creates a long-term, accessible home where BCGEU members can connect with their union and each other.
Built by union workers
The building will be constructed by unionized tradespeople—supporting good jobs and strong communities.
Responding to a real crisis
Working people are facing a housing and childcare crisis. Governments and markets alone are not meeting the need.
Turning collective strength into solutions
BCGEU is partnering with funders and using our collective strength to invest in solutions that serve members and the broader community.
Building lasting community infrastructure
This project is designed to serve people for decades to come—not just today, but for future generations.
Project Timeline
Where we are now
The Royal Oak Development has completed rezoning and has broken ground as of January 15, 2026.
Accessibility, Sustainability and Community Benefit
Accessibility
The Royal Oak project has been designed with a strong focus on accessibility, adaptability, and inclusive living. The development exceeds minimum building code requirements and aligns with the City of Burnaby's Guidelines, ensuring the building supports residents of all ages and abilities.
The project includes a significant number of adaptable and accessible units, designed to accommodate mobility devices and evolving accessibility needs over time. All common areas, including building entrances, lobbies, corridors, amenity spaces, parking areas, and outdoor spaces, are fully barrier-free and accessible.
Sustainability
The project is targeting a low-carbon, energy-efficient design, with electric systems and future-ready sustainability features. The building is designed to meet Step 3+ Low Carbon Energy System of the BC Energy Step Code. The project will be powered by electric energy, include infrastructure for future solar PV installations, and incorporate green roofs, rooftop gardens, and energy-saving features to enhance environmental sustainability.
Community use
The Royal Oak Development is owned by BCGEU and operated by the BC Affordable Housing Society. This structure ensures long-term stability, transparency, and community benefit.
In addition to union offices, the building includes shared spaces such as a café and conference facilities that can be used by the broader community.
Media Resources
Downloads
- Project Fact Sheet
- Renderings and images
- Backgrounder
- News releases