Building Homes - and Legacy - on Canada's Sunshine Coast

On British Columbia’s BEAUTIFUL Sunshine Coast, David Longman is more than a developer — he’s a familiar face. With Longman Developments, he’s not just building homes; he’s shaping the community he’s proud to call his own.

David’s projects have earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. I personally recommend Longman Developments all the time. My clients ask me who I trust, and I always say, "Longman is one of the top guys."

That reputation isn't something David takes lightly. “Development money is flexible,” he says. “It can move from community to community, always chasing the best margins. But I decided a long time ago that my ambition isn’t so great that I want to leave this place. I want to work in the community I love.” For a developer of Longman’s scale, it’s rare to focus so intensely on a single area - but for David, it’s a point of pride. “It’s no fun going to the grocery store if you’re not proud of the projects you’ve brought to the market.”

For those dreaming of building their own custom home on the Coast, Longman Developments welcomes homeowners at any stage. David encourages early conversations with reputable builders, including his own team, to understand construction costs and the unique challenges of building on the Sunshine Coast. David explains that it’s a good idea to spend ten minutes sitting down with a builder before putting an offer on a specific piece of land. He also suggests that buyers ask their agents about including a clause to their offer which allows their builder review the site before making a final decision.

That early collaboration is critical because building a home is a deeply personal and long-term relationship. “It’s a powerful connection you form with your builder,” David says. “Between design, permitting, and construction, you could be working together for 16 months to two years. You need to get along, and you need to be on the same page about the vision for the home.”

To bring that vision to life, Longman Developments works closely with several architects and designers, carefully pairing each client with the best creative partner for their needs. “The days of flipping through a plan book and picking a design are largely behind us,” David notes. “Most of the lots left on the Coast have unique quirks that make custom design the smarter approach. Depending on what our clients want to achieve, we recommend the architect or designer that fits them best.”

Longman Developments isn’t just focused on individual homes - the company is also behind some of the Coast’s most significant projects. In Lower Gibsons, David and his team have been working for over three years on The Harbour, a residential development that’s navigating the community’s sensitive relationship with its waterfront. “It’s a complicated process,” David admits. “We’re breaking it down into small pieces to make sure the public feels confident that we’re protecting the aquifer and keeping the scale appropriate for the community.”

The Harbour is just one part of Longman Developments’ ongoing commitment to balancing growth with local character. In Upper Gibsons, the company is also moving into the next phase of Blue Heron Village where you'll find businesses like the Bank of Montreal, Coastline Health, and the popular 101 Brewhouse & Distillery. “The next building will be mostly residential,” David explains. “The demand for residential is much higher than for commercial, so the new phase will offer 34 residential units with a small amount of stratified commercial space.”

David’s connection to the community extends beyond his developments. When a new playground was built beside the Gibsons Public Market, Longman Developments was proud to be part of the process. “It was a beautiful project,” David recalls. “It was funded by a family who had lost a loved one - someone who had been a dedicated volunteer at the market. It was her dream to see a playground there, and we were honoured to help make it happen.”

With decades of experience and a portfolio of projects that stretches across the Sunshine Coast, David Longman could easily rest on his laurels - but that’s not his style. “Do you have a favourite child?” he jokes when asked if any particular project stands out. “I love them all.” What really keeps him going, though, is the satisfaction of handing over keys to a new homeowner - especially first-time buyers. “Seeing people who’ve worked so hard to save up a down payment finally move into their first home - that feeling never gets old.”

As much as his work defines him, David’s legacy is also personal. His two sons, Cameron and Quinn, are now joining the family business, bringing the next generation into Longman Developments. “They’re hard-working guys, and they’re getting more involved all the time,” David says proudly. “As long as they’re enjoying it - and I’m enjoying it - we’ll keep going.”

Looking ahead to 2035, David envisions himself still working, though perhaps with fewer of the 60-hour weeks that defined his younger days. “As long as the people around me are happy, and I still love what I’m doing, I’m not going anywhere,” he says. “This is my home, and I’m just as invested in its future as anyone else.”

From waterfront communities to hillside homes, David Longman is more than a builder — he’s a neighbour, a mentor, and a champion of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle. With Longman Developments, he’s creating homes that aren’t just well-built, but deeply rooted in the place and people that make the Coast special.