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Saskatchewan’s Rental Market: Strong Growth and Investment Opportunities with Cameron Choquette

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Cameron Choquette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, at the CFAA Rental Housing Conference in Toronto. Join them as they discuss Saskatchewan’s thriving rental market, which is seeing strong growth with low vacancy rates and increasing rents. Cam highlights the province’s pro-business stance, lack of rent control, investment appeal, and the challenges posed by high development costs. He stresses the need for legislative reform to support rental housing development. They also explore the downtown environments of Saskatoon and Regina, with Saskatoon thriving and Regina facing revitalization challenges.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

  • Saskatchewan’s Rental Market Growth
  • Challenges in Developing Rental Housing
  • Legislative Reform and Incentives
  • Downtown Environments in Saskatoon and Regina
  • Legislative Reform as a Priority
  • Attractiveness of Investing in Saskatchewan’s Rental Market
  • Hope for the Adoption of Similar Approaches Across Jurisdictions

More about our guest…

Cameron Choquette is the CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, leading its operations since 2019. An award-winning young professional, Cam holds an Honours Degree in Management from the Edwards School of Business and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Under his leadership, the Association has achieved significant growth and advocacy success, winning the CFAA’s 2021 Association Achievement of the Year Award. In 2022, he was named Saskatchewan’s Young Professional of the Year. Cam is passionate about governance, strategy, and policy.

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Why You Can’t Build Cities Without Affordable Housing: A Conversation with Ana Bailao of Dream

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Ana Bailao, Head of Affordable Housing & Public Affairs at Dream, an asset manager, owner and developer of real estate. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience across government, private, and non-profit sectors, Ana is passionate about creating more livable, inclusive, and affordable cities.

She shares her journey from politics to real estate, focusing on the significance of affordable housing in city development. She explains the collaboration between the City Council, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, and the federal government’s role in housing policy. Ana highlights successes in fostering partnerships and policy reforms while discussing Dream’s efforts to build mixed-income communities. The episode concludes with insights on risk, return, and the need for immediate housing construction solutions.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

  • Importance of Affordable Housing in Building Cities
  • Relationship between City Council and Toronto Community Housing Corporation
  • Role of the Federal Government in Affordable Housing
  • Ana’s Role at Dream and Building Mixed-Income Communities
  • Importance of Risk and Return in Development Process
  • Clearing Misconceptions Surrounding Developers and Affordable Housing

More about our guest…

With over 20 years of senior leadership experience across government, private, and non-profit sectors, Ana Baila is passionate about creating more livable, inclusive, and affordable cities. After establishing a successful career in the private sector, she transitioned to public service and was elected to Toronto City Council in 2010, where she was re-elected three times. She served as Deputy Mayor and the City’s Housing Advocate during her tenure, securing billions in federal and provincial funding to revitalize Toronto’s housing initiatives. 

She played a key role in the 2020-2030 Toronto Housing Plan by expanding the affordable housing budget. In 2023, she ran for Mayor in the largest by-election in Canadian history, finishing second. Engaging with thousands of Torontonians during the campaign was a deeply rewarding experience, and she remains optimistic about the city’s future. Today, she works with industry leaders to advance affordable housing projects in Toronto and Canada.

 

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Retail Resilience and Residential Roadblocks Insights from Andrew Duncan, CIO of RioCan

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam interview Andrew Duncan, RioCan’s Chief Investment Officer to discuss his company’s evolving investment strategy to stay aligned to a dynamic market. Andrew shares insights into his background, RioCan’s focus on capital allocation, and the challenges of making long-term investment decisions in an unpredictable market. 

He explores RioCan’s residential portfolio, detailing the obstacles to growth in apartment and condo development. The conversation then shifts to RioCan’s strong retail portfolio, and Andrew highlights the key performance indicators he monitors and a sneak peek at some potential retail acquisitions. Andrew also points to RioCan’s focus on debt reduction and portfolio adjustments that would positively impact the company’s stock value. 

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

  • Making Strategic Investment Decisions in a Volatile Market
  • RioCan’s Residential Portfolio and Growth Aspirations
  • Factors Influencing Residential Investment Decisions
  • The Importance of Strong Performance and Positive Fundamentals
  • Potential Opportunities in Retail Acquisitions
  • Future Plans for RioCan
  • Challenges in the Apartment and Condo Market
  • Acknowledging the Performance of the Retail Market

More about our guest…

Andrew oversees RioCan’s development pipeline and investment transactions to optimize the Trust’s portfolio for future growth opportunities. His focus is maximizing the full potential of RioCan’s real estate, unlocking intrinsic value through development, partnerships and strategic acquisitions and dispositions to support RioCan’s evolution into Canada’s dominant urban mixed-use REIT. 

Andrew has significant experience working with partners and stakeholders to deliver complex mixed-use development projects. His balanced knowledge of construction, planning, and analytics allows him to manage the development portfolio responsibly while leveraging expertise in asset classes and deal structures to maximize returns for unitholders.

Andrew joined RioCan in 2013. An engineer by trade, he previously led Engineering and Design at Lowe’s Companies of Canada and maintains his professional engineering license. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Guelph.

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Creating Pathways to Homeownership: A Conversation with Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA. This nonprofit organization helps people in your community and worldwide build or improve a place they can call home. Join them as they discuss Habitat for Humanity’s mission and their focus on creating pathways to homeownership. Ene explains their model of zero down payment mortgages and buyback provisions, ensuring affordability and accessibility. They also explore government incentives, developer partnerships, and the need for creative solutions in the affordable homeownership market. 

Here are the key topics discussed:

  • Introduction to Habitat for Humanity’s mission
  • Habitat for Humanity’s model of zero down payment mortgages
  • Government incentives for affordable homeownership 
  • Addressing the high interest rate environment
  • Habitat for Humanity’s partnerships with developers
  • Government’s role in providing tax incentives and credits
  • Importance of affordable homeownership
  • Need for aggressive measures to address the housing crisis
  • Government response and the conversation about expanding urban boundaries

More about our guest…

Ene Underwood’s professional purpose throughout her career has been applying business thinking to some of society’s most challenging social and economic well-being issues. Building on a career that began in the private sector with one of the world’s preeminent strategy consulting firms, Ene spent nearly two decades in leadership roles in some of Canada’s most respected hospitals. 

Since 2013, Ene’s focus has been housing, leading Habitat for Humanity’s work in the GTA to leverage the power of homeownership to transform lives and build generational change. Ene has increasingly been a leading voice in broader housing policy changes to re-establish a Canada where affordable housing is available to all.

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Future Predictions for Canadian Real Estate and Market Challenges with Adam Jacobs of Colliers

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Adam Jacobs, the National Head of Research at Colliers. They explore the current state of the commercial real estate market and discuss the impact of data analytics, interest rates, and economic factors on market valuations. Adam highlights unexpected market resilience despite recession fears and examines challenges like high construction costs and shifting buyer dynamics. The conversation also delves into Canada’s real estate future, including office market trends and its growth potential.

Here are the key topics discussed:

  • Adam Jacobs’ back story and transition to real estate
  • The current state of the market and expectations of a deep recession
  • Impact of rising interest rates on commercial real estate
  • Rising construction costs and a lack of adjustment
  • Entering the next cycle of the real estate market
  • Reluctance to devalue assets and revaluations
  • Canadian psyche and reluctance to accept the current market state
  • Challenges facing the downtown area

More about our guest…

Adam is a national commentator on the economy, real estate market, and hot topics like return to office and investment trends. He has been regularly interviewed and featured on BNN Bloomberg, the Globe and Mail, the Financial Post, the Toronto Star, and various industry publications. His publications at Canada’s largest brokerage cover topics including institutional investors, office leasing, life sciences, and retail trends. Adam is a regular presenter at national conferences for groups ranging from student housing developers to credit unions to property managers.

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Brownfields & Beyond: Meggen Janes on Revitalising Contaminated Lands in Canada

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Meggen Janes, Executive Director of the Canadian Brownfield Network and the principal at Geosyntec. Join them as they discuss the growing importance of addressing environmental contamination in commercial real estate. Meggen shares her insights on brownfield redevelopment, the challenges of navigating environmental permits, and the need for streamlined processes. The episode also highlights success stories and the lack of financial incentives for brownfield development in Canada compared to Europe and the US.

Topics covered include:

  • Introduction to the episode and guest
  • Importance of addressing environmental contamination in Canada
  • Meggen’s background and experience in the industry
  • Role of the Canadian Brownfields Network in reclaiming brownfield land
  • Barriers to brownfield redevelopment
  • Streamlining the approval process and aligning interests
  • Off-site liability and risk mitigation
  • Success stories of brownfield redevelopment in Toronto
  • Lack of financial incentives and government support

More about our guest…

Meggen has worked in the Canadian brownfields sector for more than 25 years. Prior to joining Geosyntec in 2021, she was the Director of Soil and Groundwater Management and Brownfield Approvals at Waterfront Toronto. She spent six years on the CBN Board of Directors before being named executive director. She served the Board in a number of roles, including the past four years as the co-chair of the conference committee.

In her own words: “I’m enthusiastic for this new challenge, which allows me to continue engagement with my friends and colleagues in the Canadian Brownfields Network.” “Tammy has created a strong foundation for this organisation, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further CBN’s expansion, enhance the membership value, and introduce new programming to reach both our long-standing and new members across the entire breadth of our country.”

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How Adaptive Reuse Is Shaping Southwest Ontario with Craig Beattie of Perimeter Development Corporation

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On this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adam Powadiuk and Aaron Cameron speak with Craig Beattie, Founding Partner and CEO of Perimeter Development Corporation.

Topics covered include:

  • Perimeter’s strategic approach to urban development and a commitment to fostering community growth
  • The transformation of Kitchener’s old automotive plant into Google’s largest Canadian office
  • The adaptive reuse projects and their impact on the local real estate market

More about our guest…

Craig heads the Perimeter team, guiding them through all phases of development from initial acquisition to the completion of award-winning projects. With over twenty-five years in the industry, he recently held increasingly senior roles in leasing and development at First Gulf Corporation.

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Balancing Growth and Affordability: Exploring Edmonton’s Development Landscape with Kalen Anderson

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Kalen Anderson, CEO at UDI Edmonton Metro, the unified voice and expert resource for the real estate development industry in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Kalen discusses her urban planning background, her role at UDI, and her passion for housing. She highlights UDI’s advocacy for the real estate industry and its collaboration with municipal regulators. The conversation covers Edmonton’s growth, downtown revitalization, and Kalen’s vision for the city’s future, emphasizing the importance of a pro-business environment and attracting investment.

Topics covered include:

  • Kalen Discusses her Background in Real Estate
  • UDI’s Mandate and Importance in Urban Planning
  • Transitioning from City Planner to UDI’s CEO
  • Growth and Development of Edmonton
  • Overcoming Challenges of Resistance to Development and Rezoning 
  • Downtown Revitalization Challenges
  • Kalen’s Vision for Edmonton’s Future

More about our guest…

Kalen Anderson is a registered professional planner with a personal and professional commitment to building sustainable partnerships with communities, cities, and city regions. She is the Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Development Institute – Edmonton Metro and previously served as Vice President of Capital Planning and Chief Planner with the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, as well as a Planning Director and senior leader at the City of Edmonton for over a decade. 

She is a collaborative decision-making, successful relationship-builder, and strategic communications expert. A passionate and dedicated city-builder, Kalen’s leadership is founded on a broad understanding of urban and regional policy, economic development, and community engagement to support growth and change.

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Challenges and Opportunities in Commercial Real Estate with Denis Jones of Deveraux Group

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Denis Jones, President and CEO of the Deveraux Group of Companies. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of commercial real estate. Denis, the President and CEO of Deveraux Group, shares his unique journey from being a doctor to becoming a successful real estate investor and developer. Discover how Deveraux Group has grown to be a major player in the rental market, with thousands of units in its portfolio and exciting development plans. Get insights into the challenges and opportunities in the market, financing strategies, and future expansion plans. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation.

Topics covered include:

  • Dennis’ Real Estate Journey
  • Business Expansion with a portfolio of 5,500 units and 3,700 in the pipeline
  • Rental Market Challenges and Opportunities
  • Designing Amenities for Rental Properties
  • Financing Strategies for New Projects
  • Future Plans and Expansion
  • Optimism for the Rental Market 
  • Importance of a Diversified Growth Strategy

More about our guest…

With over 23 years of work experience, Denis remains a passionate and visionary leader in the construction and management of multi-family apartment complexes. His mission is to create and deliver quality, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions for diverse communities across Western Canada. As the President and CEO of the Deveraux Group of Companies, he leverages his medical background, business acumen, and real estate expertise to drive innovation, growth, and performance for the group and its investors.

Denis has been leading the Deveraux Group of Companies since 2008. The business is a diversified group of companies involved in the construction and management of apartment communities. Through the Auctus property income fund, Denis has enabled accredited investors to participate in the group’s projects and benefit from the steady income and capital appreciation of the properties. He has also overseen the development and execution of new business strategies, leases, contracts, and partnerships, as well as the management of operations, finance, and human resources. He has successfully expanded the group’s portfolio, market share, and reputation in the industry while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

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The Realities of Rental Management: An In-Depth Look with Donna Monkhouse of ARLA

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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam connect with Donna Monkhouse, Executive Director of the Alberta Residential Landlord Association (ALRA). Donna discusses her real estate background, ARLA’s mission to educate and advocate for landlords, and the range of services ARLA provides, such as training and resources. 

They explore the negative perception of landlords, rental rate affordability in Alberta, and the potential impact of rent controls. Donna highlights the challenges faced by small landlords and the importance of education and communication for a balanced rental market. The conversation concludes with thoughts on Alberta’s rental market future and affordable housing needs.

Topics covered include:

  • ARLA’s mandate and services
  • Perception of landlords in the media and public
  • Affordability of rental rates in Alberta
  • Efficiency of the rental dispute resolution system
  • Risks of rent control and increased regulations
  • Challenges faced by small landlords
  • Importance of educating landlords and tenants
  • Future of the rental market in Alberta

More about our guest…

Donna has over 25 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate. She is a Property Manager with vast experience in residential, commercial, industrial, and condominium real estate assets. She is experienced in day-to-day operations and effective team management. She is a self-starter and ensures projects are expedited efficiently and effectively. She understands the value of goals and objectives and ensures they can be met or makes the necessary changes to meet them. Donna has excellent communication and people skills, which are essential to any organization. She is an exceptional problem solver, decision-maker, and detail-oriented.

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