Since 2016, ARPA Investments (ARPA) has been committed to revitalizing neighbourhoods and building community, particularly on Kamloops’ North Shore. Part of its success over the years is due to the driving forces behind the business.
Joshua Knaak, partner at ARPA, has been one of the key figures who has helped the business achieve its mission of developing and building innovative, creative, and beautiful spaces that bring communities and neighbourhoods to life.
With a background in commercial banking, Knaak manages all marketing and financial matters, working alongside the finance team, exploring new opportunities, and devising strategies with realtors for property sales and leasing.
“Every day is different for me, but my overall goal is to ensure that ARPA’s financial matters are taken care of so that all operations run smoothly and efficiently,” he shared.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Knaak plays a significant role in community leadership as the current President of the North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA).
“I have been involved with the NSBIA Board of Directors for the last four years,” he said. “They are a key organization to the success of the North Shore. They have been very active in supporting redevelopment and new business. It is an effective group, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
His involvement with the NSBIA underscores his commitment to local redevelopment and business growth.
“Joshua Knaak is a key driver of our community’s vibrancy,” added the NSBIA’s Executive Director, Jeremy Heighton. “His vision and passion for promoting and creating long-term contributions to the North Shore and beyond attracts others and enhances our ability to continue to grow. His role as President of the North Shore Business Area has empowered us to advocate for our long-term plans and vision for the entire North Shore.”
This passion for community engagement aligns with Knaak’s work at ARPA, where he takes pride in contributing to the revitalization of neighbourhoods, especially along the North Shore’s Tranquille Corridor.
“We’ve done seven buildings right along the area, and we’ll be working on another two here shortly, with plans for another three in the future,” he explained. “In the next five years, we’ll have done a dozen buildings on the North Shore.”
One of ARPA’s newest projects is a mixed-use building with 90 residential units and a main floor for commercial space at 377 Tranquille Road, the site of the former Northbridge Hotel. As part of a collaboration between the City of Kamloops, BC Builds Housing Development Opportunities, and Community Land Trust Foundation, the project will aim to bring more attainable housing to the North Shore.
“It will be very similar to what we’re actually doing across the street with The Innova, which is currently under construction,” shared Knaak, sharing his excitement about being involved in this project.
As ARPA continues to grow and evolve, Knaak’s passion and ongoing commitment to the betterment of the communities in which they develop remain steadfast. Through his leadership and collaborative spirit, his vision extends beyond mere construction to encompass the creation of vibrant spaces where people can connect, thrive, and feel at home.
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