France Lépine is reshaping the world of residential development. From construction sites to design studios, she’s creating opportunities for women in an industry long dominated by men — proving that thoughtful leadership and inclusivity can build more than just buildings.
Lépine Apartments is a family‑ and employee‑owned apartment development and property management company built on the belief that housing should empower residents to build prosperous futures within strong communities.
Lépine has been a family‑owned presence in multi‑family real estate for more than 60 years, developing rental communities across eastern Ontario. The company’s approach is shaped by long‑standing family values and a focus on durability, accessibility, and thoughtful design. Its communities are planned with sustainability in mind and built to support residents as they establish roots and build their futures.
The company takes a distinctly long‑term approach to development.
“We view the properties we build as long‑term investments,” says France Lépine, president of Lépine Apartments. “We build durable buildings designed to last for generations. Our buildings will still be here in 300 years — unlike the lifespan of many wood‑frame structures.”
That philosophy is reflected in the company’s own evolution. Now entering its third generation, Lépine Apartments has been a pioneer in the multi‑family housing sector, helping create new rental markets across Montreal and Eastern Ontario.
ABOVE: France Lépine, President of Lépine Apartments, says that improving gender balance has positively influenced the workplace culture.
The company has also seen significant changes within the industry itself. Today, 36 percent of Lépine’s workforce are women, working across a wide range of specialties in a field historically dominated by men.
“As technology has progressed — from joysticks and keyboards to touch screens — the required know‑how has become more technical,” Lépine says. “Muscle is increasingly replaced by hydraulics and expertise. That shift is helping equalize opportunities for women to enter the industry.”
She notes that women on construction sites are increasingly confident in asserting themselves and that workplace culture has evolved to support that shift.
“To attract more women, pay is based strictly on skills, experience, and qualifications — equally for anyone, regardless of gender,” Lépine says. “Expectations are also equal.”
Greater gender balance, she adds, has had a positive impact on workplace culture.
“When women are on site, men tend to behave better, become more positive, and take pride in demonstrating their skills,” she says. “It’s simply human nature.”
Women also play a major role in the professional teams behind Lépine developments. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of the architects, planners, and design professionals working on Lépine projects are women.
“In our enterprise and network, we always remember these buildings are fundamentally people’s homes,” says Lépine. “That perspective brings greater attention to detail and functionality.”
Women now form a majority in architecture and are making significant gains in engineering fields such as urban planning, electrical, civil, and environmental engineering. They also dominate accounting and interior design within the industry.
“I wholeheartedly encourage young women to explore the many profitable and rewarding careers available in real estate,” Lépine says.
Photos: Courtesy Lépine Apartments
