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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download