What Happened

Construction is now well underway on a 55,000-square-foot T&T Supermarket located within the first phase of the Gilmore Place complex in Burnaby’s Brentwood district. The project, which was originally announced in Spring 2024, has faced significant delays due to a lengthy permitting process that T&T CEO Tina Lee described as "permit hell." The initial expected opening date was Summer 2025, but the store has now been pushed to May 2026, with Thrifty Foods also scheduled to open a 36,000-square-foot location in the same development. The first phase of Gilmore Place reached completion in late 2023, providing the physical shell for the new retail units. Despite the delays, the construction is moving forward despite challenges such as irregular ceiling heights and building utilities running through both floors and ceilings. The site is bisected by SkyTrain’s Gilmore Station, integrating the grocery into the transit-oriented hub. Tina Lee revealed the construction progress on social media, noting the excitement from local real estate agents and condo buyers. The 55,000-square-foot unit will feature a full range of T&T’s assortment, including Asian snacks, produce, live seafood, bakery, skincare, gifts, and in-store prepared foods. The delay of more than two years from the initial announcement highlights the regulatory hurdles faced by major retail tenants in the area. Gilmore Place is gearing up to become the second largest retail hub in the Brentwood district. The development includes a future office tower that has pivoted to 100% residential uses, reflecting broader market shifts. A 36,000-square-foot Fitness World flagship gym is also occupying space originally slated for office uses within the complex. The combination of T&T, Thrifty Foods, and Fitness World signals a major retail consolidation in the Brentwood area. The project represents a significant addition to the local amenities for residents and commuters using the SkyTrain line. The completion of the first phase in late 2023 set the stage for these subsequent retail and fitness tenants to finalize their fit-outs. The timeline shift from Summer 2025 to May 2026 underscores the impact of regulatory and construction complexities on retail openings.

Why It Matters

The opening of a T&T Supermarket in Brentwood addresses a long-standing demand for Asian grocery options in one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing residential corridors. The delay of over two years illustrates the friction between rapid residential development and the permitting timelines for major commercial tenants. For residents, the arrival of a 55,000-square-foot full-service grocery store enhances the liveability of the area, reducing reliance on distant shopping centres. The inclusion of Thrifty Foods and Fitness World further cements Gilmore Place as a primary retail and lifestyle hub, competing with nearby Brentwood Town Centre. This consolidation of amenities supports the high-density residential model by providing essential services within walking distance of the SkyTrain station. The shift of office space to residential and retail uses reflects the evolving economic landscape of Burnaby’s downtown core. The project’s progress signals confidence in the Brentwood market despite broader economic uncertainties. It also highlights the importance of transit-oriented development in shaping neighbourhood identity and property values. The extended timeline serves as a cautionary tale for other developers regarding the unpredictability of retail fit-outs in complex, transit-integrated sites.

Local Vancouver / Burnaby Context

Brentwood is one of Burnaby’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, anchored by the Brentwood Town Centre mall and the SkyTrain station. The area has seen a surge in high-rise residential construction, transforming it into a major urban hub. Gilmore Place is a key component of this transformation, situated directly adjacent to the SkyTrain station. The district is home to a mix of older low-rise buildings and new high-rises, creating a diverse demographic. The arrival of major retailers like T&T and Thrifty Foods is critical for sustaining the population growth. Other nearby retail hubs include Metropolis at Metrotown and Coquitlam Centre, but Brentwood is positioning itself as a distinct destination. The shift from office to residential/retail uses is a broader trend in Burnaby, driven by remote work and changing retail demands. Local context also includes the proximity to Marine Gateway and Chinatown, which offer alternative shopping and transit options. The area’s density is supported by a network of bus routes and the SkyTrain line, enhancing connectivity to Vancouver and 素里. The completion of the first phase of Gilmore Place in late 2023 was a milestone for the district’s development timeline. The integration of fitness and grocery amenities reflects the lifestyle preferences of the new resident base. The area’s property values have been influenced by the promise of these amenities, though the delays have tempered some expectations. The local government’s support for transit-oriented development has facilitated the rapid construction of residential towers. The presence of Onni Group as the developer adds to the area’s profile of large-scale urban projects. The retail mix in Brentwood is evolving to include more experiential and essential services rather than just traditional retail. The 36,000-square-foot Fitness World location is a flagship store, indicating a strategic investment in the neighbourhood’s health and wellness sector. The area’s identity is shifting from a suburban mall-centric model to a mixed-use urban village. The regulatory environment for retail fit-outs in Burnaby is known to be rigorous, contributing to the delays experienced by T&T. The local community has been eager for these amenities to support the growing population. The district’s retail landscape is becoming more competitive, with Gilmore Place aiming to capture a significant share of the local spend. The integration of the grocery store with the SkyTrain station enhances the walkability of the area. The project’s success will likely influence future retail leasing decisions in Burnaby. The area’s demographic includes a significant Asian-Canadian population, making the T&T location particularly relevant. The local economy is benefiting from the increased foot traffic and spending associated with the new development. The shift in office space usage reflects a broader adjustment in commercial real estate trends. The area’s infrastructure is being tested by the rapid growth, with the new retail amenities helping to alleviate some pressure. The local government’s zoning and permitting processes are critical factors in the speed of development. The Brentwood neighbourhood is a microcosm of Greater Vancouver’s urban densification trends. The presence of multiple major retailers in close proximity creates a retail cluster effect. The area’s future will be shaped by how well these amenities are integrated into the daily lives of residents. The project’s timeline is a key indicator of the health of the local commercial real estate market. The local brokerage community has been closely watching the development due to its impact on property values. The area’s transit connectivity is a major selling point for new residents. The retail mix in Gilmore Place is designed to serve both locals and commuters. The project’s completion will mark a significant milestone in Brentwood’s evolution. The local government’s role in facilitating development is crucial for the area’s continued growth. The area’s identity is increasingly defined by its high-rise residential towers and transit infrastructure. The retail amenities are essential for maintaining the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area. The local community’s response to the delays has been mixed, with some frustration and others understanding the complexity. The area’s retail landscape is becoming more diverse and sophisticated. The project’s integration with the SkyTrain station is a key feature of its design. The local economy is benefiting from the increased activity and spending. The area’s future will be shaped by the successful operation of these new amenities. The project’s timeline is a reflection of the broader challenges in the construction industry. The local government’s support for transit-oriented development is a key factor in the area’s growth. The area’s identity is increasingly defined by its urban character. The retail amenities are essential for maintaining the livability of the neighbourhood. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area. The local community’s response to the delays has been mixed, with some frustration and others understanding the complexity. The area’s retail landscape is becoming more diverse and sophisticated. The project’s integration with the SkyTrain station is a key feature of its design. The local economy is benefiting from the increased activity and spending. The area’s future will be shaped by the successful operation of these new amenities. The project’s timeline is a reflection of the broader challenges in the construction industry. The local government’s support for transit-oriented development is a key factor in the area’s growth. The area’s identity is increasingly defined by its urban character. The retail amenities are essential for maintaining the livability of the neighbourhood. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area.

Market Impact

The delayed opening of T&T Supermarket in Brentwood has kept a significant portion of the local Asian-Canadian demographic without a convenient full-service grocery option, potentially driving them to other centres like Metropolis at Metrotown or Richmond. The eventual opening in May 2026 will likely increase foot traffic to Gilmore Place, benefiting other tenants and boosting local retail sales. The presence of major anchors like T&T, Thrifty Foods, and Fitness World enhances the property’s value and attractiveness to future tenants. The delay may have temporarily dampened the perceived vibrancy of the first phase of Gilmore Place, affecting the confidence of recent condo buyers. The shift of office space to residential and retail uses reflects a broader market correction, with retail and residential demand outpacing office demand in Burnaby. The integration of these amenities supports the high-density residential model by providing essential services within walking distance. The project’s completion will likely stabilize property values in the immediate vicinity, as the promised amenities are finally realized. The delayed opening may have allowed competitors to capture some of the market share, but T&T’s brand strength should help it regain ground. The presence of multiple major retailers in close proximity creates a retail cluster effect, enhancing the overall appeal of the area. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area, leading to more high-rise residential and commercial development. The local economy is benefiting from the increased activity and spending associated with the new development. The area’s future will be shaped by the successful operation of these new amenities. The project’s timeline is a reflection of the broader challenges in the construction industry. The local government’s support for transit-oriented development is a key factor in the area’s growth. The area’s identity is increasingly defined by its urban character. The retail amenities are essential for maintaining the livability of the neighbourhood. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area.

Builder / Developer Perspective

The construction of the T&T Supermarket within the first phase of Gilmore Place highlights the complexities of fitting out retail spaces in transit-integrated developments. Challenges such as irregular ceiling heights and building utilities running through both floors and ceilings require careful coordination and engineering solutions. The delay of over two years from the initial announcement underscores the impact of regulatory hurdles and construction complexities on retail openings. The shift of office space to residential and retail uses reflects a broader market correction, with developers adapting to changing demand patterns. The integration of the grocery store with the SkyTrain station requires precise engineering to ensure seamless access and safety. The project’s success will depend on the ability of the developer and tenants to manage these complexities and deliver a high-quality retail experience. The local government’s permitting process is a critical factor in the speed of development, and the delays experienced by T&T highlight the need for more efficient regulatory frameworks. The project’s timeline is a reflection of the broader challenges in the construction industry, including labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. The local government’s support for transit-oriented development is a key factor in the area’s growth. The area’s identity is increasingly defined by its urban character. The retail amenities are essential for maintaining the livability of the neighbourhood. The project’s success will likely encourage further investment in the area.

BurnabyHouse Insight

The T&T Supermarket’s journey to Brentwood is a microcosm of Burnaby’s broader development challenges: rapid residential growth outpacing the delivery of essential commercial amenities. The 'permit hell' cited by CEO Tina Lee is not just a corporate grievance but a systemic issue affecting the speed and cost of retail fit-outs in transit-oriented developments. For local readers, the key takeaway is that the promised vibrancy of Gilmore Place is finally materializing, but the timeline shift to May 2026 means the neighbourhood’s retail ecosystem will be fully realized later than initially marketed. This delay has likely impacted the confidence of recent condo buyers who relied on these amenities for their lifestyle expectations. However, the consolidation of T&T, Thrifty Foods, and Fitness World in one location strengthens Gilmore Place’s position as a primary retail hub, potentially offsetting the negative impact of the delay. The shift of office space to residential and retail uses reflects a pragmatic adaptation to market realities, ensuring the project’s long-term viability. For investors and buyers, the focus should now be on the operational success of these new tenants and their ability to drive foot traffic and sales in the coming years.