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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk welcome Katie Maslechko, CEO of the Rental Protection Fund. Katie shares how the fund rapidly scaled to 1,500 units across BC, deploying $250M in equity to preserve affordable housing. She discusses innovative acquisition strategies, creative nonprofit partnerships, and an upcoming $1.47B federal initiative that could reshape Canada’s affordable housing landscape. It’s a must-listen for real estate professionals focused on impact, equity, and long-term housing solutions.
What you will learn:
- How the Rental Protection Fund deployed $250M to acquire 1,500 affordable housing units across BC in under a year
- Why the fund’s unique equity model bridges gaps for nonprofits while maintaining long-term affordability
- The strategic approach to balancing preservation with development potential
- How the fund structures 20-year agreements to ensure sustainable, affordable housing
- Why the upcoming $1.47B federal housing fund could transform affordable housing
- Balancing immediate deployment with long-term capital sustainability
Katie Maslechko is the CEO of the Rental Protection Fund, a pioneering initiative established with a $500 million investment from the province of British Columbia. She leads the organization’s mission to preserve naturally affordable rental housing by bridging the equity gap for non-profits and community housing providers. Under her leadership, the Fund has acquired over 1,500 units across BC in less than a year, deploying approximately $250 million in equity alongside an additional $250-300 million in private lending. Katie’s expertise in structuring innovative housing preservation deals has positioned her as a key figure in Canada’s affordable housing sector.
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