Explore every episode of the podcast The Contrarian CEO

We are very thrilled to have Sam Brown, President and Head of Commercial at CMLS, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate lending in Canada. Sam shares his insights on how interest rates are impacting lender risk appetites, the growing importance of ESG criteria in lending decisions, and how CMLS is leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline the lending process. We also discuss the role of foreign investment in shaping domestic lending practices, the challenges of financing affordable housing developments, and the strategies lenders are using to assess and support sustainable projects. Finally, Sam offers his perspective on the disruptive trends that are set to transform the real estate lending industry in the coming years. This is a must listen for developers, investors, and industry professionals looking to navigate the complexities of commercial real estate financing in today's market.

In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we are thrilled to sit down with William Wong, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, to talk about how the real estate market has changed over the years and where it’s headed next. William takes us on a journey, starting with how REITs, introduced in Canada in 1996, have reshaped the way real estate works. He explains why some REITs are selling properties now and what role major investors like Blackstone and Brookfield play in the market. As interest rates adjust, William shares what this means for real estate financing and how capital markets are adapting to the changes. We also dive into the future, looking at how global investments are influencing Canadian real estate and how capital markets can support greener, more sustainable building projects. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate finance. Don’t miss it!

We’re thrilled to have Scott Andison, CEO at Ontario Home builders’ Association, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode we explore the housing crisis and what’s being done to address it. Scott shares practical insights on how higher levels of government can push municipalities to speed up approvals and whether the “growth must pay for growth” model still works. We discuss how developers can stay ahead of long municipal delays, manage rising construction costs while delivering affordable housing, and take advantage of innovations like modular housing to save time and money. The conversation also highlights how developers and governments can work better together and whether private investors should play a bigger role in funding infrastructure for new housing. This episode offers clear, actionable ideas for anyone looking to understand and solve today’s biggest challenges in real estate.

In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we are very thrilled to sit down with Ana Bailao, Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs at Dream. Ana shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, what she observed after moving from politics to the private sector, and innovative solutions she’s excited about. We discuss what’s needed to get stalled projects moving again, her vision for the future of housing, and the key components she believes should be included in an emergency package to address the housing crisis. Tune in for a practical and inspiring conversation about making real change in the housing sector!

In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we’re super excited to have one of the world’s leading urbanists, Richard Florida join us to discuss his vision for a revitalized Toronto waterfront. With his deep expertise in urban studies, Richard shares how waterfronts have transformed from industrial landscapes into thriving community hubs that attract talent and creativity. We’ll compare Toronto’s waterfront to those in other global cities, uncovering its unique strengths and areas ripe for improvement. As downtowns across Canada face revitalization challenges, Richard explains how strategic waterfront development can be a catalyst for urban renewal. He also introduces the concept of the Meta-City and its significance for Toronto’s future, illustrating how a dynamic waterfront can elevate the city’s global status. Finally, we’ll explore actionable strategies for making Toronto’s waterfront a model of sustainable urban development, emphasizing resilience in the face of climate change. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Richard Florida as we dive into the exciting possibilities of a Waterfront Renaissance in Toronto!

We’re very thrilled to have Lisa Bate, President at Bate Sustainability Inc. as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, we talk about how businesses can bring sustainability into their daily work. We tackle doubts about big goals like Net Zero Carbon. Our guest also shares real life examples of sustainable projects and offers simple tips for creating a culture that cares about the environment. We also look at how cities are becoming more climate ready, the best ways to lower the carbon footprint of building materials, and how rules and regulations can help drive change. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or just curious about sustainability, this episode offers easy to understand insights for building a better future.

We’re very thrilled to have Christine Chea

Director, Development at Mattamy Homes as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, I chat with Christine about the challenges of building in today’s market. She reveals how small municipal issues can slow down projects and how Mattamy is adapting to meet the changing needs of buyers. We explore how they choose the right amenities, keep condo designs fresh over the years, and adjust their marketing strategies in response to high interest rates. Christine also shares insights into Mattamy’s sustainability goals and the tricky balance between going green and making homes affordable. Join us for a fascinating conversation!

We’re very thrilled to have Stephen Willis,

Senior Principal, Community Development

at Stantec, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we're taking a closer look at the planning reforms happening across Canada and how they're affecting the housing market. We talk about what these changes are supposed to do like speeding up construction, increasing the number of homes available, and making housing more affordable. We also chat about the impacts so far, the challenges that have come up, and how the different stakeholders are reacting. And we discuss what still needs to change to help ease the housing crisis. Join us for an honest conversation about housing and where things are headed!

We’re very thrilled to have Bhawana Chhabra, Senior Market Strategist at Rosenberg Research & Associates, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we talk about all the current changes in the commercial real estate world. We get into how regional banks are dealing with CRE risks and interest rates, to the massive demand for electricity due to AI and the green energy transition and how this impacts real estate. And if you’re looking for tips on smart investing for 2024 and 2025, we’ve got you covered. We also dig into how the upcoming U.S. election could shake things up. It’s full of insights and strategies you won’t want to miss!

We’re thrilled to have Benjamin Gianni, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Urbanism Program at Carleton University, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a hard look at how China’s rapid housing development compares to Canada. We examine the factors behind China’s approach; from employer provided housing to centralized planning, while exploring the consequences of their speculative market and absence of property taxes. We’ll also discuss whether Canada can adopt any of these strategies to address the housing supply challenges. Join us on this conversation about housing policy and urbanization!

We’re beyond thrilled to have Mayor Mark Sutcliffe as our distinguished guest on this week’s podcast. We’re chatting with the Mayor about some of the biggest issues facing the city. We talk about the "Fairness for Ottawa" campaign and what it’s all about and how the city plans to get people involved, beyond just signing a petition. We talk about taxes, and if they need to go up, how the city plans to protect households from being burdened. The Mayor recently announced that Ottawa found $153 million in savings, so we’ll get into where that money came from. We also touch on the city’s long-term financial health and whether there are any new funding ideas that could help Ottawa rely less on traditional government money. And of course, we couldn’t have this conversation without talking about downtown. With remote work affecting so many cities, we ask the Mayor how Ottawa’s mix of industries is helping or slowing down its downtown recovery, and what the city is doing to support local businesses that depend on foot traffic. Whether you’re a resident of Ottawa or just interested in how the city is handling these challenges, this episode is packed with insights.

We’re very thrilled to have Ali Ozden, CEO and Principal at BECC Modular Systems as our special guest on this week's podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we’re pulling back the curtain on modular construction with. From how the company got their start in the industry to the challenges they face with lenders and developers; we’ll explore what it really takes to push modular projects forward. You’ll hear about their exciting modular hotel project in California and find out just how high you can build using modular techniques. We also explore the key differences between traditional and modular construction, and why modular might be the future of building. Plus, there’s some insider info about what’s next for BECC that you won’t want to miss. If you’re curious about the future of construction, this is the episode for you!

We’re very thrilled to have William Lepine, Treasury Manager at Lepine Apartments. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a deep dive into the origins and growth of Lepine, a key player in the Ottawa real estate market. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face, shedding light on how these differ from other areas. We explore their approach to land acquisition and the entire development process, from initial planning to project completion. Our guest explains how Lepine strikes a delicate balance between affordability, quality, and sustainability in their projects, a critical consideration in today’s market. We also examine the impact of rising land values and construction costs on their operations and discuss the strategies they employ to ensure their developments make a positive impact on the communities they serve. In addition, we reflect on some of the most rewarding moments in William’s career. Finally, we uncover what’s new and noteworthy at Lepine Corporation. This conversation offers a good understanding of real estate development, making it a great listen for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

We’re super thrilled to have Simon Mass, Founder and CEO at “The Condo Store Group of Companies”, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we explore the evolving landscape of the condo market. We discuss the latest trends influencing buyers and developers, the recent shifts in condo pricing, and the biggest challenges developers face today. Our guest also sheds light on the growing importance of sustainability in condo development. Plus, get a glimpse into what's new and noteworthy at "The Condo Store". Tune in for expert insights and predictions on where the condo market is headed over the next few years.

We’re very thrilled to have Jonathan Westeinde, CEO at Windmill Developments, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we dive deep into the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and real estate development with a focus on Windmill Developments' groundbreaking projects. We tackle the tough questions: How do you engage with climate change skeptics? What makes sustainability profitable or not profitable? And why is sustainability a core value for Windmill? We explore the delicate balance between addressing the climate crisis and the pressing need for more housing. Is there a way to solve both without compromising on either? And we take a closer look at the Zibi project, one of the most ambitious sustainable communities in Canada. Hear firsthand about the most challenging aspects of this brownfield redevelopment, from navigating environmental regulations to engaging with diverse stakeholders. Whether you're a sustainability advocate, a real estate developer, or just curious about the future of green building, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

We’re super thrilled to have Michael Waters, CEO at Minto Group, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Minto, a leader in the housing market. Join us as we explore how Minto transformed from constructing 1,000 housing units annually to an impressive 4,000-plus units. Michael shares the strategies and efficiencies that enabled this significant growth and discusses how larger builders like Minto achieve what smaller builders often can’t. Our conversation also touches on the complex task of managing relationships with multiple lenders and equity partners, ensuring the financial stability and success of their projects. Furthermore, we delve into the governance structures necessary for managing billions in assets, highlighting how Minto maintains operational excellence while navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape. Finally, we address the pressing question of how larger builders can contribute to solving the housing crisis, focusing on Minto’s role in creating more affordable housing solutions. Tune in to learn about the intricate balance between growth, governance, and social impact from one of the industry’s most successful builders.

We’re very thrilled to have Julian Schonfeldt, Chief Investment Officer at CAPREIT, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this insightful episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we explore how CAPREIT’s investment strategy has evolved. This includes CAPREIT recent sell of $740M portfolio of manufactured homes. This was more than just a transaction, it marks a pivotal shift in CAPREIT’s investment strategy. Julian also explains how CAPREIT is the largest REIT Canada based on “Float”. We also discuss Ottawa and why CAPREIT is a net buyer of real estate in Ottawa. Join us as we unpack these insights and strategies shaping real estate investing. Whether you’re an industry expert or simply curious, this episode is packed with information you won’t want to miss.

We’re super thrilled to have Benjamin Tal, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we delve into critical topics shaping Canada's economic and housing landscape. We discuss the policy rate adjustments and that the Bank of Canada will keep cutting rates until the end of 2025. Ben predicts the overnight rate should stabilize between 2.75% and 3% at the end of 2025. Our conversation also explores the idea of adopting a land leasing model and the land selling model, similar to other countries, which could provide new opportunities for housing development and affordability. We address the need for policy adjustments in the immigration point system to prioritize skilled trades in construction, a crucial step in addressing labor shortages and boosting housing supply. The discussion also highlights how the Bank of Canada's rate adjustments have a more pronounced impact on inflation compared to the US Federal Reserve's moves. We also explore the potential introduction of the 1031 exchange in Canada, a policy tool that could incentivize the development of more purpose-built rentals, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis. The introduction of the 1031 exchange should have happen soon. Lastly, we tackle the undeniable influence of sustainability practices in today's market. Regardless of personal opinions on sustainability, businesses must adopt these practices to stay competitive. Join us as we explore these vital issues with Benjamin Tal.

We’re very thrilled to have Steven Haylestrom, CEO at “The Modular Solution” on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”we dive into the world of modular housing with a focus on "Housing at High Speed” an innovative concept and company that aims to revolutionize the construction industry. We explore how the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is collaborating with “Housing at High Speed” to create a fast-track permitting system specifically for modular and prefabricated buildings. This initiative aims to streamline the approval process, enabling municipalities to expedite permits for these types of constructions. We discuss how pre-approved or certified housing units can be built in large numbers, eliminating the need for repetitive certification processes and significantly reducing construction timelines. Drawing inspiration from Sweden's streamlined approach, where consumers can order custom designed homes online and receive them within three months, we envision a future where housing can be delivered efficiently and affordably. Our conversation also tackles the industry's resistance to modular housing, addressing common misconceptions that equate modular homes with trailer parks. We highlight how modular housing can offer diverse and aesthetically pleasing designs, providing energy efficient and sustainable living options. Additionally, we examine CMHC's recent pilot project for insured financing of modular housing, aimed at understanding the financial landscape for such projects. Join us as we explore why traditional construction practices persist, despite the clear advantages of modular housing, and how "Housing at High Speed" seeks to change the narrative and accelerate the adoption of modern construction methods.

We are very thrilled to have Seth Samowitz, COO at BKREA (Bob Knakal Real Estate Adivisors) as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Bob Knakal refers to Seth as the AI Guru and rightfully so. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we explore the transformative potential of AI in real estate brokerages. Despite the industry's traditionally slow adoption of technology, AI is poised to revolutionize how brokerages operate. We also discuss the reasons behind real estate's slow technology adoption. Furthermore, we examine the challenges of scaling AI in commercial real estate. Join us as we unpack how AI is set to disrupt the real estate industry.

We’re very thrilled to have Peter Berczi, CEO of MarshallZehr, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we dive deep into construction financing. We discuss a groundbreaking $230 million condo project funded by MarshallZehr. And we talk about tools and strategies available to assist builders who might be struggling in today's challenging market. We touch on the recent drop in land values and decreased construction costs. Our discussion also covers the crucial question of when we can expect capital to start flowing from investors again. Finally, we discuss whether mass timber is just a passing fad or a lasting trend in sustainable building. Join us for an informative and engaging episode that addresses the critical topic of construction financing. Click the link to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Nigel Furgus, President and CEO at Paragon Living as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, we discuss the significant development of $600 million worth of multifamily housing by Paragon. We examine how these projects aim to address both the housing supply and affordability challenges, and what impact they might have on the market. We also explore Logix ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms), a modern building method that offers great energy efficiency, strong and durable structures, and sustainable construction options for homes. We also talk about the housing crisis and the affordability crisis and how they are related but not the same. We further discuss why more housing doesn’t always mean lower prices, looking at the factors that make this relationship complicated. Nigel also shares insights from the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) conference, including new policies, market trends, and new technologies in real estate. Join us for a clear and simple discussion on these important topics that affect everyone. Click the link to listen to full conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Nhung Nguyen, CEO at Horizon Legacy as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Ever wondered how robots could reshape the construction industry? Join us on this episode as we discuss the fascinating world of robots and how they're helping to solve the labor shortage crisis in construction. We talk about the amazing benefits for architects, like how robotics can seamlessly connect with CAD drawings, bringing blueprints to life with incredible precision. And we highlight a real-life project in Gananoque, Thousand Islands, where robotics is being utilized in building 26 townhouses, showcasing the future of construction. And we touch on Horizon Legacy’s “Construction Automation Lab” which is one of the first of its kind in Canada. Click the link to listen to the conversation!

Last year, we had the pleasure of hosting Mark Kenney, CEO at CAPREIT, on the podcast. Mark’s insights are more relevant than ever. In our discussion, Mark emphasized the importance of viewing CAPREIT as “Housing Providers” rather than the traditional term "Landlord." This nuanced perspective highlights their commitment to addressing housing needs with empathy and responsibility. Mark also delved into the concept of creating new city centres in Ontario in undeveloped areas with affordable land as a strategic response to the housing crisis. He explored the potential of municipal utility districts as a way to provide essential services in these new developments. Furthermore, we touched on the cultural shift needed in how young people view careers in the trades. Mark highlighted the opportunities within the trades and how they can lead to successful business ownership. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. Click the link to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Nico Zentil, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets at CBRE, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Nico talks about his journey with CBRE and his strong belief in the future of Office. We explore exciting growth areas and discuss why Nico believes those who have invested in Office will benefit from their contrarian approach. Nico also shares stories from recent real estate transactions, including a significant $277M deal. We touch on the privatization of real estate in Ottawa and explore why pension funds have become net sellers of real estate. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Krystal Valencia, Founder at Rental Rescue, as our special guest on this week's podcast episode. Here are some of the key items we addressed: What is Rental Rescue? How would you deal with "Professional Tenants" that game the system? What are some “predatory practices” by some housing providers? What does it mean for housing to be a right? Recognizing housing as a right means ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, backed by legal protections and government support, which promotes human dignity and social equity. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I am very excited for this week's podcast with Carl Gomez, Chief Economist and Head of Market Analytics at Costar Canada. What are the real underlying factors impacting the current inflation rate? In this week's podcast, Carl mentions that a big chunk of the higher inflation is being caused by big increases in mortgage interest costs. Should the Bank of Canada fight inflation by raising interest rates which leads to increased mortgage costs? Carl further states that it will be important to keep an eye on mortgage interest costs as a source inflation. Click the podcast link to listen to our full conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Toon Dreessen, President at DCA Architects, as our special guest on this week's podcast. Here are some of the items we addressed:

1. Is it practical to make Ottawa a walkable city with six months of winter?

2. What is the last mile of transportation?

3. Would Hurdman be a better location for the Sens Arena?

4. What is the best land use policy?

My favorite quote from the podcast is that "The best land use policy is a transportation policy." Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Ray Williams, Chair and Cofounder at the Black Opportunity Fund and Former Vice Chairman at National Bank. Here are some of the items we addressed on the podcast: 1. What is the Black Opportunity Fund doing to enable more black people to participate in solving the housing crisis? 2. How is it going with the $50M CMHC commitment for black owned real estate companies? 3. Is the Black Opportunity Fund just another “Woke” organization? 4. What is the Black Opportunity Fund doing to enable more black people to participate in the AI revolution? Click the link below to listen to our full conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Zoran Vranjkovic, Tax Partner at Welch LLP. The federal government recently announced an increase to the capital gains tax which will come into effect on June 25.

1. What do you need to know about the new Capital Gains Tax?

2. Is it advantageous to trigger the new capital gains tax before June 25?

3. How does the new capital gains tax impact Canadian Investors compared to Foreign Investors?

We discuss the above questions among other critical items as they relate to the New Capital Gains Tax. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Colin Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at TD Asset Management. May 2024 is the “One Year Anniversary” for the “Efficiency in CRE” podcast so it was great to have Colin come back as the first repeat guest. Last time we did the podcast with Colin, the podcast was featured on LinkedIn News for “Office in Downtown Ottawa”. We did not really talk about Office this time around. We discussed alternative investments, what has happened regarding the housing crisis since we last did the podcast in 2023 and the inspiring impact of the “Black Opportunity Fund.” We discussed solving real world problems with alternative investments, increased government focus on the housing crisis and how the Black Opportunity Fund is helping to the solve the housing crisis among other initiatives. And we also discussed that though there is more government focus in addressing the housing crisis, not enough has been done to move the needle. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Tony Irwin as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Tony is the President & CEO at the FRPO (Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario) and Interim President at CFAA (Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations) In this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by rental apartment owners as well as dealing with the government to address the housing crisis. Join us as we discuss the importance of members of FRPO and CFAA to committing to playing by the rules even as they play the critical role of providing rental housing. We address what has been referred to as “financialization of rental housing”. We also discuss the need for social housing expansion and we examine ways to ensure housing is really a right for all. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have the National Head of Research at Colliers, Adam Jacobs, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here are some of the items we discussed: 1. A 25 basis points rate cut may not be enough to get real estate investors off the sidelines 2. ⁠Investment sales are back to normal levels even though it may not feel that way 3. ⁠Employees like hybrid work and Employees have more leverage than they had in the past. 4. ⁠Fundamentally, it makes sense for the Bank of Canada to cut rates. However, inflation in the States is still elevated and the Federal Reserve is therefore not cutting rates. The Bank of Canada is obviously influenced by the US Federal Reserve decisions Click the link below to learn more about our very insightful conversation!

I’m thrilled to have Matthew Young, President and CEO at Republic Developments, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here are a few items we discussed: 1. High rise: Republic developments’ focus is high rise and one of their key projects is for the development of 7,600 units in Scarborough. 2. Innovative Culture: Fostering an innovative culture within an organization is essential for staying competitive and adapting to changing environments. Republic developments is investing in key technologies to be more efficient. 3. Frog and Hot Water Analogy: This analogy is often used to illustrate the concept of gradual change and the importance of recognizing warning signs before a situation becomes critical. The same can be said about how the current housing affordability crisis came to be. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

In this week's podcast episode, I’m delighted to have Sandy Shindleman, President of the Shindico Group, a leading real estate company in Winnipeg, as our special guest. Sandy discusses the three R's of real estate, giving back, and investing for the long term. Sandy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the real estate industry, highlighting how they contribute to success and growth. He also talks about the significance of giving back to the community and shares insights into long-term investment strategies for sustainable growth. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion! Click the link below to listen and gain valuable insights from Sandy Shindleman!

I’m very thrilled to have Jean-Pierre Poulin, Founder and CEO at Devcore as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from JP during our conversation, “How cold should it be for people not to sleep outside with electricity and water… we’re in Canada, this is totally unacceptable. And everybody right now are shoveling this into somebody else backyard… it’s the federal government that should take care of them… no it’s the provincial… it should be the city… I think we have to stop doing that and we have to sit down together… we can… and just force the discussion and force action…immediate action.” Click the link below to listen our conversation!

“Productivity growth in the long term, in any economy, is how you get stable inflation growth and improvements in real living standards and improvements in long term income and improvements in per capita GDP… it gets very little attention but it’s probably the most important economic number out there. And in Canada it has been shrinking…” said Dylan when talking about productivity being the most important economic number out there. Dylan Smith is the VP and Senior Economist at Rosenberg Research. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m super excited to have Bob Knakal as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here is what Bob said when I asked him about what’s new and noteworthy about his career, “Hopefully if God blesses me with good health, I can keep doing this for another 20 or 25 years… It’s the greatest business in the World… Do the right things, work hard. The great thing about real estate is that it’s probably the purest form of meritocracy there is. You get out of it what you put into it… do the right things, work hard and good things will happen for you.”

I’m very thrilled to have Jeff Moffatt, President at SpaceWerx as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s a quote from Jeff during our conversation, “Nothing great can get done by these micro interest groups coming up with opposition, that makes absolutely no sense. When you look at the city of Ottawa, with so much potential, there’s a all bunch of projects that are in the planning stages right now… A lot of times with these projects, great ideas happen, but they get knocked down, until they become mediocre, until they actually don’t work. And Landsdowne is great example where it got killed, it could have been amazing…” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Brad Bradford, the Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches East York in Toronto as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Brad during our conversation when discussing extremely restrictive zoning and policies. “…let’s be clear, all that was done very deliberately. And that was done because of the powers and forces and politics of the day that set those restrictions. And so… while it would have been advantageous through the 2000s and 2010s in that era were you had a politics that rewarded nimby councillors, I think that’s shifted. We’re not all the way there but I think it’s shifted rapidly and aggressively to say we recognize what happened over the past 20 years has kind of gotten us in this housing crisis.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Kevin Leon, President and CEO at Crestpoint Real Estate Investments as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Kevin during our conversation, “When you go to refinance a building… sometimes you can’t count on the lenders to either take out your entire financing, meaning refinancing upward, and in some cases now what you’re in the office market especially… lenders don’t want to finance an office. So you have to make sure you have enough equity in your portfolio, through your investors to make sure that you’ve looked ahead and are prepared to provide enough equity even if it means paying down debt.” Click the link to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Hugh Gorman, CEO at Colonnade Bridgeport, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here’s an excerpt from Hugh during our conversation, “Historically we’ve overbuilt, we go through these boom bust cycles were we overbuild… It doesn’t matter what type of development… it’s a long lead time… by the time you’re through land acquisition to entitlement to design to construction, stabilization… it’s three four five years depending on the scale of the project. Lots happens in three or four or five years from the demand side. Our view is… for the next decade… Ottawa is extremely short supplied.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Mike Bonneveld, President at Skyline Industrial REIT, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Mike in our discussion of industrial assets types on the podcast, “You’re seeing groups like Amazon… Walmart and Sobeys with these large… scale robotic pick and pack facilities, which is changing the dynamic of who the employee is… it’s not just a warehouse employee… driving around and picking stuff up. I toured a Sobey’s… about a year and half ago. And I think they had 30 robotics engineers on full-time staff because they had 400 robots that were moving constantly and was a 24/7 operation. And if you have a robot that goes down, it needs to be replaced, pulled off… put a new one back on so it doesn’t slow the process.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Jaime Mckenna, Managing Director and Group Head Real Estate at Fengate Asset Management, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Jaime in discussing the different aspects impacting the supply of housing, “If we woke up tomorrow and we all said ok great, we can now pencil all the development we wanna build, whether it’s commercial whether it’s residential… it makes financial sense. We don’t have the labour to actually build the supply we need to meet the demand and a lot of that could be solved by adjusting immigration policy.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I’m very thrilled to have Adrian Rocca, CEO at Fitzrovia, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Here’s one of my favourite quotes from Adrian on the podcast when talking about the impact of delays in the development approval process, “Delays kill deals… it’s an equity drag, it reduces your returns, it impacts your ability to fundraise, it impacts your ability to give… investors, institutional investors, the confidence they need to deploy capital in this space, it’s everything.” Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Rob Kumer, CEO of KingSett as our special guest on this week's podcast episode. Rob takes us behind the scene of KingSett's decarbonizing of the Royal York Hotel, revealing a story of transformation and forward-thinking. Rob also shares his leadership philosophy of leading from behind as new CEO of KingSett. And what could be achieved regarding the current housing crisis if the three levels of government are more aligned? Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Ugo Bizzarri, CEO at Hazelview Investments as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Ugo talks about how investing for the long term has been key for Hazelview. We also discuss Hazelview’s development pipeline of over 21,000 housing units and what it’s going to take to completely build these units. Ugo also mentions how technology can be used to fast track construction. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I'm very thrilled to have Wenzel Hoberg, Global Head of Real Estate at Fiera Real Estate as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Wenzel talks about a recent Fiera white paper that highlights how Canada has showed stronger performance metrics compared to other G7 countries for real estate investments in the last 15 years. We also discuss the difference in the real estate sector between Canada, the UK and the United States. Wenzel also mentions what should be done to attract more foreign capital in Canadian real estate. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

“What the City of Ottawa did and a number of other cities, was to institute this three phased pre-consultation. There’s no justification in the law. But what it’s done is, it has pushed the timelines for consideration of re-zoning and site plans out so long, that I literally have in my office, files representing thousands of units that are delayed because of the city." - Michael Polowin during our conversation on the podcast. I’m thrilled to have Michael Polowin, Partner and National Municipal Group Leader at Gowling WLG, as our special guest in this week’s podcast. Click the link below to listen to our conversation!

I'm super thrilled to have Jason Castellan, CEO and Co-Founder at Skyline Group of Companies as our special guest for this week’s podcast episode. In the podcast, Jason talks about the government wanting pension funds to invest more capital in real estate within Canada. We also discuss the 1031 exchange in the United States and how this approach could be used in Canada to increase the supply of housing. Jason also mentions why sustainability is good business. Click the link below to listen to our conversation.