The Avillia Story

In 2005, Avillia Developments began in the basement office in the home of Patrick and Eleni Shaver. It was a dream born at a cross-section of passion for the land development industry and possessing the technical knowledge, background, and experience needed to build communities that matter. Upon returning to Canada from time spent in Australia working for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and consulting on infill projects in Sydney, Patrick reflected on his background and looked hard at his many career options. So even though Patrick had vast experience in construction, engineering consulting, project management, oil and gas, and government work, he decided that his goal was to become a land developer.

Land development is a risky and capital-intensive industry, but Patrick and Eleni were prepared to take the leap into building Avillia. Given their work experiences and education, they believed they could develop a company in an independent and efficient manner. Patrick and Eleni had the goal of delivering quality neighbourhoods that were also profitable.

At the onset of Avillia, Patrick spent time consulting for landowners and other developers as he worked towards building a company that would own and manage new land development projects. The first parcel of land that Avillia developed was Laurin Industrial in Strathcona County. The scope of this project included approvals, design, and construction to produce a quality industrial park. Not without its challenges due to changes in County development policies and standards along with the City of Edmonton’s impedance of approvals, Avillia was able to adjust, negotiate, and gain support for this development and still deliver a successful industrial subdivision. In addition to the project’s financial success, Laurin also became the model for future urban-style industrial developments in Strathcona County.

From that very first project, Avillia continued to grow. Through strong partnerships with companies like the Katz Group, Landrex, MLC, and Carrington, Avillia was able to add project after project to its portfolio. In 2018, Salisbury Village won for “Best New Community” at the Awards of Excellence for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Edmonton. Since then, various Avillia neighbourhoods have been finalists with BILD Alberta and again with CHBA Edmonton.

Avillia truly has come a long way from a consultancy in a home office to the commercial space it occupies today in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the years, the Avillia team has grown and has added even more knowledge and experience to the company.

Avillia continues to add projects to our portfolio and in 2019, Avillia expanded into the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Though focused to date on land developments, Avillia is now venturing into commercial, resort, and residential property developments.

With every new team member, every new project, and every new partner and investor that works with Avillia, our reach expands, and our business grows. Avillia’s values of enhancing relationships, treating people with respect, and delivering quality, have led to where we are today and are the foundation for more growth, more exciting projects, and greater involvement in the community.

Values

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