Urban Development Institute loses founder Victor Lewis
The Urban Development Institute lost one of its founders Wednesday, with the passing of Victor Lewis at the age of 92.
Lewis, who was instrumental in establishing the national body in 1958, died in Vancouver, said institute executive director Maureen Enser.
“Victor was instrumental in encouraging his colleagues to join together to advocate for fair and equitable public policies and regulations and to create a standard of excellence in not only land and property development, but also in encouraging a commitment to professionalism within the industry,” Enser said in an email.
“His vision for a united industry organization started in other parts of Canada, and by 1972, Victor successfully formed UDI Pacific after a struggle to get the organization registered as UDIBC.”
Enser said that even though Lewis retired many years ago, he continued to show a strong interest in the national nonprofit development industry association.
Lewis is survived by five children, one of whom has a position with the UDI.
Mark Lewis, a partner with Borden Ladner Gervais, is vicechair of the institute’s Real Estate Legal Issues Committee.