Navigating New Horizons: Canada ICI’s Strategic Expansion into Victoria

Canada ICI’s expansion continues with the opening of its latest office in Victoria. This move is about more than expanding reach—it’s a commitment to embedding local expertise in major markets. Canada ICI has long valued the power of a physical presence over remote operations, a philosophy particularly pertinent in a vibrant commercial and multi-family market like Victoria, where unique developmental challenges make local insight valuable and essential.

Since 2021, Canada ICI’s presence in Victoria has been anchored by Mack Carson, a seasoned commercial mortgage professional who joined the firm in 2016. Mack, who significantly enhanced the Edmonton office’s portfolio with over $750 million in commercial mortgages, has effectively established a strong foothold in Victoria, where he now applies his extensive experience to structure dynamic financing solutions for Western BC’s diverse market needs. Last year, principal Yvan Repka, with two decades of finance expertise ranging from commercial lending at a major bank to capital market strategies, relocated to Victoria. Yvan’s comprehensive background, which includes orchestrating over $3 billion in various financings, perfectly complements Mack’s efforts in cultivating rich opportunities to support local developers and investors.

The Victoria office’s team is further strengthened by the addition of Dustin Lamoureux, who brings over two decades of expertise in the mortgage business. Alongside Yvan and Mack, Dustin provides deep local knowledge and a well-rounded commercial real estate perspective. He has been a pivotal player in financing significant developments on the island, and his proactive involvement in subdivision and land repurposing initiatives has consistently focused on enhancing community value and optimizing outcomes for borrowers. Together, this formidable trio is poised to navigate the unique challenges of the Victoria market, ensuring the office’s growth trajectory mirrors the success of other Canada ICI locations in key markets.

Dustin’s transition to Canada ICI was driven by the pivotal role CMHC-approved lenders play in advancing Canadian development, especially in areas like Victoria, where housing affordability remains a persistent challenge. Canada ICI’s status as a CMHC-approved lender, supported by a national platform that now spans coast to coast, uniquely positions it to make a significant impact in the local community.

The Victoria office is poised to replicate the success of Canada ICI’s other locations by providing direct, boots-on-the-ground expertise. This approach not only aligns with Canada ICI’s overall business strategy but also uniquely caters to Victoria’s specific market needs, distinguishing it from competitors who operate remotely from Vancouver. Key focus areas will include purpose-built rentals and the repurposing of land for residential projects, with particular attention to multi-family units that could benefit from energy retrofits.

Their combined expertise and commitment to relationship-building enable them to navigate the complexities of the market effectively, offering borrowers and investors unparalleled support. As Canada ICI continues to expand its national footprint, the Victoria office stands as a beacon of the firm’s commitment to combining local market acumen with national industry leadership.

As the team looks to the future, they are eager to engage with more clients and projects, demonstrating their dedication to advancing commercial real estate and increasing housing supply in Victoria’s vibrant market. The Victoria office is more than just a new physical space for Canada ICI; it is a hub of collaboration and local expertise, poised to positively impact lives by addressing today’s challenges, seizing tomorrow’s opportunities, and building long-term partnerships.