Concert Properties is thrilled to announce the launch of an equipment lending library at our Vancouver master-planned community, Collingwood Village. The library is made possible through a unique partnership with The Thingery – an innovative leader in lending libraries.
Similar to a book lending library, residents can borrow new and gently used equipment through an online booking and secure locker system. “The lending library is an innovative offering that provides residents access to household or hobby items ranging from tools to kitchen appliances to sports gear that they may not otherwise have the ability to purchase or desire to store in their homes,” says Grant Knowles, Vice President, Property Management, Concert Properties.
Founded in 2017, The Thingery established similar lending libraries in shipping containers throughout Vancouver communities. In 2021 our development team began discussions with them on including an equipment lending library as an amenity in future developments, making us the first real estate company they’ve collaborated with. Collingwood Village was identified as the ideal location for the pilot project.
The partnership reflects a common desire to connect neighbours and reduce material waste through sharing. “One of the biggest barriers to equipment lending is making the equipment accessible” says Chris Diplock, Founder and Manager of The Thingery. “People are more accustomed to ordering something new and having it delivered. However, the residents here can now visit a library right in their own community and borrow any piece of equipment – making it just as convenient (and a lot less wasteful) than buying online.”
The initiative perfectly aligns with our focus on sustainability awareness and practice at every level of our business as we strive to minimize waste across our operations, offer waste-reduction solutions and promote the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. “There are a lot of useful items available that people only need occasionally,” says Rod, a nine-year resident of Collingwood Village. “It’s beneficial to be able to conveniently borrow items and not have to go out and buy brand-new all the time.”
“We strive to make positive impacts on our residents by offering spaces, amenities and programming like The Thingery that support a healthy lifestyle and encourage social interactions,” says Knowles. "A community is more than just the buildings we develop, build and manage. This initiative delivers a program for resident engagement, while transforming an underused room into a functional community space."
The best practices learned from this pilot will shape the future of equipment lending libraries across our present and future developments, as we realize our vision of building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities across Canada.