Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with James Trainor, Senior Vice President at AON, to explore the pressing issue of cybersecurity in the real estate sector. Drawing from James’s extensive experience in cybercrime, the discussion covers the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the importance of proactive measures, and how technology can help safeguard properties. They delve into real estate-specific challenges, ransomware’s impact, and AI’s critical role in cybersecurity. This episode offers essential insights for real estate professionals aiming to protect their assets from cyber risks.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• The Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape
• Real Estate’s Vulnerability to Cybercrime
• The Importance of Cybersecurity Training
• Assessing Cybersecurity Readiness
• AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity
• The Need for Incident Response Plans

James Trainor is the Senior Vice President at AON, offering over eight years of expertise in cyber resilience, emerging technologies, and strategic risk management. A Certified Information Security Officer, Risk Officer, and Digital Officer from Carnegie Mellon, James brings a robust background in intelligence and law enforcement from his 21-year tenure with the FBI. His leadership in cybersecurity, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism has earned him numerous accolades. James is dedicated to enhancing global security and resilience in an evolving digital landscape.

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with Maxim Olshevsky, CEO of Astra Group Corp. They explore the challenges and triumphs of converting underutilized office spaces into vibrant residential units in Calgary. Maxim shares his journey in commercial real estate, insights on adaptive reuse, the role of municipal support, and strategies for space efficiency. The discussion offers valuable lessons on navigating market demands, financing challenges, and the potential of innovative real estate solutions.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Maxim’s Journey into Real Estate
• Seizing Opportunities Amidst Crisis
• Navigating the Conversion Process
• Municipal Support and Incentives
• Designing for Tenant Needs
• Financing Challenges and Solutions

Maxim Olshevsky, CEO of Astra Group and Peoplefirst Developments, is a seasoned real estate and construction expert with over 20 years of experience. He is recognised for transforming underutilised properties and has revitalized multifamily, industrial, and commercial spaces, significantly impacting Calgary’s real estate landscape. His innovative work has earned accolades of Business in Calgary Leaders Award and a spot on Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. Currently, he focuses on converting vacant office towers into sustainable, affordable housing, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing urban living and promoting sustainable development in Downtown Calgary.

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with Sachin Anand, Vice President of Acquisitions at Regional Group. Join them as they explore the real estate market in Ottawa.

They discuss investment strategies, the evolution of office spaces, and the shifting dynamics of retail, industrial, and multifamily sectors. Sachin shares his unique approach to suburban office investments and community-focused developments, offering insights on balancing risk and opportunity in a challenging economic landscape.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Ottawa Market Expertise  
• Community-Focused Development  
• Contrarian View on Office Spaces  
• Retail Sector Dynamics  
• Industrial Market Challenges  
• Optimism for Ottawa’s Future

Sachin Anand is VP of Acquisitions at Regional Group, where he drives growth through strategic investments and partnerships. With nearly 20 years of real estate experience, he has managed over $2 billion in real estate loans and co-structured $24 billion in capital market transactions. Sachin excels in commercial property valuation, joint ventures, and large-scale development financing. As a key figure in Ottawa’s real estate community, he is passionate about creating long-term value, building partnerships, and shaping the National Capital Region’s growth. An avid traveler, Sachin has explored over 40 countries.

 

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Welcome to the CRE Podcast: 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with Brad Bradford, the first active-sitting politician to ever appear on our podcast, and Toronto City Councillor for Beaches-East York, to discuss the pressing challenges in Toronto’s housing market and the intersection of politics and housing policy in Toronto.

Fresh off his removal from key housing-related roles by Mayor Olivia Chow, Brad unpacks the political tensions shaping the city’s approach to affordable housing and development.

He shares his candid perspective on the mayor’s decisions, which he describes as prioritizing “politics over progress,” and offers bold alternatives for addressing Toronto’s housing crisis. Brad also delves into his advocacy for ambitious housing solutions, including multiplex developments and increased density on major streets, which he argues were met with resistance by the mayor and her allies. 

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Political Tensions: How Mayor Chow’s decision reshaped Brad’s role in housing policy.
• Housing Supply Challenges: The impact of bureaucracy, development charges, and NIMBYism.
• Leadership in Housing: Bold alternatives to break through political gridlock.
• Collaboration for Progress: Bridging divides between government and private sectors.
• Toronto’s Future: A vision for housing affordability and city growth.

More About Our Guest…

Brad Bradford is a Toronto City Councillor representing Ward 19, Beaches-East York.  He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Urban and Regional Environments from York University and a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo. With a background in urban planning and years of experience in local government, Brad is a tireless advocate for housing, transit, and infrastructure solutions.

Known for his candid style and passion for pragmatic policies, Brad is committed to overcoming political and bureaucratic barriers to foster collaborative approaches to city building. Recently, he has been at the center of a public political dispute over Toronto’s housing strategy, positioning him as a key voice in the city’s housing debate.

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What better way to end the year than by revisiting the most downloaded episode of 2024!

To celebrate a huge year for the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, we’re thrilled to bring you this standout conversation with Avtar Bains, President of Premise Properties.

Whether you’re listening again or discovering this episode for the first time, it’s the perfect way to close out 2024. Celebrate the year with us and gain insights to kick off 2025 with confidence.

Topics covered include:

• How Avtar discovered his passion for real estate and built an extraordinary career.
• Challenges he faced in his early days and the lessons learned along the way.
• The critical role of relationships and delivering value in the real estate industry.
• The evolving landscape of real estate ownership in Canada and how it’s reshaping the market.
• Why Avtar chose to focus on a family real estate portfolio and his approach to investment strategy.
• His methodology for assessing asset classes, emphasizing positive cash flow and future market potential.
• Predictions for the next real estate cycle and the opportunities that lie ahead.

About Our Guest:

Avtar Bains is the founder and President of Premise Properties, a leading private real estate investment and development company based in Vancouver. With over 30 years of experience, including serving as Executive Vice President at Colliers International, Avtar’s depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence have positioned him as a prominent voice in Canadian commercial real estate. He also serves on the boards of Morguard North American Residential REIT, Peterson, Primaris REIT, and UBC Properties Trust.

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with Francis Cortellino, Chief Analyst at CMHC, to discuss Canada’s housing market challenges. They explore how immigration is driving rental demand, the impact of limited supply on affordability, and the obstacles facing first-time homebuyers. Francis delves into low vacancy rates, rising rents, and the role of government policies in addressing these issues. With insights on municipal regulations, housing starts, and potential solutions to the housing crisis, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Canada’s real estate trends and housing policy.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Demand vs. Supply: The Rental Market Dilemma  
• The Affordability Crisis: Real-Life Impacts  
• The Role of Government in Housing Development  
• Future Outlook: Hope for Increased Housing Supply  
• A Call for Collaboration and Urgency

More about our guest…

Francis Cortellino is the Chief Analyst at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) who specialises in housing market dynamics across Canada, focusing on Ottawa and Montreal. He provides critical insights into rental demand drivers, immigration trends, and first-time homebuyer challenges. Known for his expertise on supply-demand imbalances and municipal approval processes, Francis advocates for collaborative government solutions to increase housing supply. His work highlights the urgent need for affordable housing, making him a leading voice in addressing Canada’s housing crisis.

 

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Adam and Aaron sit down with Katie Paris, Director of Building LeBreton at the National Capital Commission (NCC). Together, they explore the NCC’s unique role as Eastern Ontario’s largest landlord and its impact on Ottawa’s real estate landscape. Katie shares her journey from environmental real estate in the U.S. to leading transformative projects like LeBreton Flats. The conversation delves into leasing strategies, community engagement, and sustainability while offering a behind-the-scenes look at Ottawa’s urban development. The episode highlights the NCC’s vision of balancing public interest with private investment.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Introduction to the NCC
• Katie Paris’s Background
• LeBreton Flats Development Overview
• Leasing and Development Strategies
• Community Engagement and Future Vision
• NCC’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

More about our guest…

Katie Paris is a California native with a career at the intersection of environment and real estate. She began in the U.S., working with land trusts and redeveloping contaminated lands for new uses.

After moving to Ottawa in 2003, Katie joined the National Capital Commission (NCC), where she now leads the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats as Director of Building LeBreton. With expertise in land transactions, sustainable development, and community engagement, Katie oversees projects that enhance Ottawa’s urban landscape, from transforming brownfields to creating vibrant public spaces. Her work exemplifies a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in real estate.

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Aaron and Adam welcome Zev Kershman, VP of Product and Customer Success at DashQ, a cutting-edge lead-to-lease platform for multifamily landlords.

Recorded at the Canadian Apartment Investment Conference, Zev discusses how DashQ uses AI to streamline leasing processes, reducing approval times from days to minutes. The platform automates various tasks, allowing landlords to manage leads better and improve tenant experiences. 

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Overview of DashQ
• Challenges Faced by Landlords
• The Lead-to-Lease Process
• Integration and Customization of the Platform
• Market Dynamics and Competition
• Future of the Industry
• Operational Complexities and Market Needs

More about our guest…

As the SVP of Customer & Business Enablement at DashQ, Zev Kershman leads initiatives that empower multi-family landlords to transition to a renter-centric model. With over a decade of experience, Zev focuses on creating actionable strategies that redefine tenant experiences across portfolios. His team drives multi-decade client relationships by centralizing tech stacks, modernizing workflows, and streamlining operations. Under his leadership, clients often see a 500%+ increase in lead-to-tour performance, a 60%+ decrease in no-shows, and a 100%+ reduction in approval timelines.

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Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Aaron and Adam welcome Stephen Sender, Board Member at  Allied Properties REIT and Sienna Senior Living, to discuss the evolution, challenges, and opportunities in the Canadian REIT market.

Stephen shares his journey from South Africa to leading roles in banking and corporate directorship. The trio explores REITs’ history, institutional growth, and current IPO challenges. Stephen offers insights on the discount between public and private valuations, the competitive pressures from non-public entities, and the future of REITs. The conversation blends strategic analysis with practical insights and offers high-value takeaways for industry professionals.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Current Economic Landscape
• Stephen’s Backstory and Journey into REITs
• History of REITs in Canada
• Evolution of the Canadian REIT Market
• Current IPO Landscape for REITs
• Future of REITs and Structural Adjustments
• Investor Expectations and NAV Concerns
• Competitive Landscape for REITs
• Optimism for the Future of REITs

More about our guest…

Stephen Sender served as an investment banker for over 30 years in Canada and abroad. He was Industry Head – Real Estate in Scotiabank’s Global Banking and Markets Division, representing the bank’s capital market activities in the Canadian real estate industry.

Since the early 1990s, he has provided investment banking advice to numerous public entities involved with raising capital and providing guidance in numerous large transactions, including mergers, takeovers, and related party transactions. He has been a frequent moderator/speaker at conferences in Canada and is a part-time instructor at York University, Schulich School of Business.

Stephen holds a B.Comm. (Honors) degree from the University of Cape Town and qualified as a C.A. (S.A) in 1984. He serves as a trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee of Allied Properties REIT and as a director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Sienna Senior Living Inc.

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