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

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron are joined by Kathy Black, Head of Development at Fiera Real Estate. Together, they explore Canada’s evolving development landscape. From navigating the condo market slowdown to the booming success of industrial condos and the rise of purpose-built rentals, Kathy shares how Fiera is adapting to changing market conditions. Listeners gain actionable insights into rental metrics, development financing, and strategic pivots shaping commercial real estate today.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Career Journey: From Ground-Up Development to Fund Management 
• Portfolio Overview: 75% Residential, 25% Industrial Strategy
• Office Conversions: Why Demolition Often Makes More Sense Than Conversion
• Toronto Condo Market Challenges: A First-Hand Development Perspective
• Purpose-Built Rental Success: Regional Market Insights
• Strategic Partnerships: Navigating Distressed Development Opportunities
• Industrial Condos: The “Unsexy” Asset Class Delivering 70% IRRs
• Development Financing: Relationship-Based Lending in Today’s Market
• Future Outlook: 2025 and Beyond Development Strategy
• After Show: Behind the Scenes Discussion and Market Analysis

Kathy Black serves as Head of Development at Fiera Real Estate, overseeing a robust portfolio of development projects across Canada valued at over $2 billion. With more than two decades of experience in real estate development and fund management, Kathy has established herself as a leading expert in ground-up development across multiple asset classes, including residential, industrial, and mixed-use properties. 

Her strategic leadership has successfully raised and deployed over $231 million in development funds while achieving remarkable returns, particularly in the industrial condo sector. Kathy brings a unique perspective to real estate development, combining hands-on project management experience with sophisticated fund management expertise, making her an invaluable voice in Canadian commercial real estate development. Her pragmatic approach to market challenges and opportunities, particularly during shifting market conditions, has helped establish her as a trusted authority in the industry.

 

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

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron are joined by Gord Cook, Vice Chairman at Colliers, to explore Canada’s dynamic industrial real estate market. They examine the impact of rising interest rates, evolving supply-demand dynamics in the Greater Toronto Area, and the future of industrial investments. From automation trends to shifting investor profiles, this insightful discussion unpacks key challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today. Don’t miss this essential conversation on CRE trends and forecasts!

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• The Surge and Softening of Industrial Rents  
• Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis  
• Geographical Dynamics of Industrial Markets  
• Automation and Technology in Industrial Real Estate  
• Shifts in Investment Dynamics  
• Economic Factors Influencing the Industrial Market

With a remarkable 37-year career at Colliers International, Gord Cook serves as Vice Chairman, specializing in industrial leasing, investments, and in-fill redevelopment. A top 5 national producer year after year, Gord is known for delivering exceptional results for high-profile clients like Canadian Tire, DHL, and Home Depot. Supported by a dedicated team, he combines strategic focus with deep market insight. An active speaker and board member, Gord has earned numerous awards from NAIOP, SIOR, and Colliers. Beyond his professional achievements, he values quality time with his wife, Christy, their four sons, and RJ, the family retriever.

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

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron welcome back Adrian Rocca, CEO of Fitzrovia, to explore Toronto’s dynamic real estate market. They discuss the impact of rising costs, the urgent need for increased housing supply, and Fitzrovia’s innovative strategies, including vertical integration and unique resident amenities. Tune in for an insightful discussion on tackling development challenges and shaping the future of multifamily living in Canada.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Fitzrovia’s Remarkable Growth  
• Innovative Resident Experience  
• Urgent Need for Government Action  
• Navigating Rising Costs and Interest Rates  
• Advocating for Development Incentives  
• The Future of Housing in Canada

Adrian Rocca has over 20 years of real estate and principal investing experience with over $20 billion of transactions across Canada, the US, and Europe. Previously, Adrian served as the Head of Tricon Luxury Residences Canada (Tricon Capital’s purpose-built apartment platform) and Tricon Lifestyle Communities (US-focused manufactured housing business). Prior to joining Tricon, Adrian was a Director with Apollo Real Estate Advisors in London, U.K., and worked with Credit Suisse First Boston as an M&A associate in Toronto and London. Currently, Adrian serves as a Board Member for the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, Toronto Public Library Foundation, and Canadian Olympic Foundation. Additionally, he serves as the Chair of the Hold’em For Life Foundation.

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

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron are joined by Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the Canadian Green Building Council. They discuss the evolution of sustainability in commercial real estate, the impact of LEED certification, and the challenges of decarbonizing buildings. Listen in as they explore Canada’s leadership in green building practices and the future of sustainable real estate.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• The Birth of Sustainability in Canada  
• Canada as a Global Leader in Green Building  
• The Regulatory Landscape: A Comparison with Europe  
• Decarbonization: A Business Imperative  
• Geothermal Energy: The Future of Building Efficiency  
• Addressing Embodied Carbon in Construction

Thomas Mueller is the Founding Director, President & CEO of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), where he leads national green building strategies, programs, and advocacy initiatives. Appointed CEO of Green Business Certification Inc. Canada (GBCI CA) in 2018, he champions advanced building performance standards. An influential advocate for sustainable development and carbon emissions reduction, Thomas is a sought-after speaker and authority on green buildings. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geography, Planning, and Applied Ecology from Ludwig-Maximilian University and a Master’s in Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including Canada’s Clean50 Award.

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

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron welcome back Brian Rosen, President and CEO of Colliers Canada. They explore the future of Canadian real estate, focusing on the 2025 outlook. Key topics include the evolving office market, government return-to-office mandates, trends in multifamily and industrial sectors, and retail’s surprising resurgence. Tune in for valuable insights on adapting to changing market dynamics and navigating the future of commercial real estate.

 

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

• Cautious Optimism for 2024   
• Long-Term Outlook for Office Spaces  
• Government Policies and Office Space Dynamics  
• Retail’s Unexpected Resurgence  
• Predictions for 2025  
• The Need for Adaptation in Real Estate

Brian is a Senior Executive with a proven track record of delivering results in both Strategy and General Management, with a particular ability to turn around underperforming organizations. A dual citizen of Canada and the US, and having worked in New York, Boston, Houston, Zurich, and Toronto, Brian has expertise in developing and implementing Canadian, US, and International strategies at S&P 500 firms with a concentration on B2B Services and Commercial Real Estate. Having spent time in Innovation, Marketing, Strategy, and General Management, Brian combines creative, long-range thinking with a growth mindset and a rigorous focus on operational feasibility, execution and P&L management. 

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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 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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