We’re thrilled to have Benjamin Gianni, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Urbanism Program at Carleton University, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a hard look at how China’s rapid housing development compares to Canada. We examine the factors behind China’s approach; from employer provided housing to centralized planning, while exploring the consequences of their speculative market and absence of property taxes. We’ll also discuss whether Canada can adopt any of these strategies to address the housing supply challenges. Join us on this conversation about housing policy and urbanization!

We’re beyond thrilled to have Mayor Mark Sutcliffe as our distinguished guest on this week’s podcast. We’re chatting with the Mayor about some of the biggest issues facing the city. We talk about the "Fairness for Ottawa" campaign and what it’s all about and how the city plans to get people involved, beyond just signing a petition. We talk about taxes, and if they need to go up, how the city plans to protect households from being burdened. The Mayor recently announced that Ottawa found $153 million in savings, so we’ll get into where that money came from. We also touch on the city’s long-term financial health and whether there are any new funding ideas that could help Ottawa rely less on traditional government money. And of course, we couldn’t have this conversation without talking about downtown. With remote work affecting so many cities, we ask the Mayor how Ottawa’s mix of industries is helping or slowing down its downtown recovery, and what the city is doing to support local businesses that depend on foot traffic. Whether you’re a resident of Ottawa or just interested in how the city is handling these challenges, this episode is packed with insights.

We’re very thrilled to have Ali Ozden, CEO and Principal at BECC Modular Systems as our special guest on this week's podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we’re pulling back the curtain on modular construction with. From how the company got their start in the industry to the challenges they face with lenders and developers; we’ll explore what it really takes to push modular projects forward. You’ll hear about their exciting modular hotel project in California and find out just how high you can build using modular techniques. We also explore the key differences between traditional and modular construction, and why modular might be the future of building. Plus, there’s some insider info about what’s next for BECC that you won’t want to miss. If you’re curious about the future of construction, this is the episode for you!

We’re very thrilled to have William Lepine, Treasury Manager at Lepine Apartments. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we take a deep dive into the origins and growth of Lepine, a key player in the Ottawa real estate market. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face, shedding light on how these differ from other areas. We explore their approach to land acquisition and the entire development process, from initial planning to project completion. Our guest explains how Lepine strikes a delicate balance between affordability, quality, and sustainability in their projects, a critical consideration in today’s market. We also examine the impact of rising land values and construction costs on their operations and discuss the strategies they employ to ensure their developments make a positive impact on the communities they serve. In addition, we reflect on some of the most rewarding moments in William’s career. Finally, we uncover what’s new and noteworthy at Lepine Corporation. This conversation offers a good understanding of real estate development, making it a great listen for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

We’re super thrilled to have Simon Mass, Founder and CEO at “The Condo Store Group of Companies”, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we explore the evolving landscape of the condo market. We discuss the latest trends influencing buyers and developers, the recent shifts in condo pricing, and the biggest challenges developers face today. Our guest also sheds light on the growing importance of sustainability in condo development. Plus, get a glimpse into what's new and noteworthy at "The Condo Store". Tune in for expert insights and predictions on where the condo market is headed over the next few years.

We’re very thrilled to have Jonathan Westeinde, CEO at Windmill Developments, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we dive deep into the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and real estate development with a focus on Windmill Developments' groundbreaking projects. We tackle the tough questions: How do you engage with climate change skeptics? What makes sustainability profitable or not profitable? And why is sustainability a core value for Windmill? We explore the delicate balance between addressing the climate crisis and the pressing need for more housing. Is there a way to solve both without compromising on either? And we take a closer look at the Zibi project, one of the most ambitious sustainable communities in Canada. Hear firsthand about the most challenging aspects of this brownfield redevelopment, from navigating environmental regulations to engaging with diverse stakeholders. Whether you're a sustainability advocate, a real estate developer, or just curious about the future of green building, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

We’re super thrilled to have Michael Waters, CEO at Minto Group, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we dive deep into the remarkable journey of Minto, a leader in the housing market. Join us as we explore how Minto transformed from constructing 1,000 housing units annually to an impressive 4,000-plus units. Michael shares the strategies and efficiencies that enabled this significant growth and discusses how larger builders like Minto achieve what smaller builders often can’t. Our conversation also touches on the complex task of managing relationships with multiple lenders and equity partners, ensuring the financial stability and success of their projects. Furthermore, we delve into the governance structures necessary for managing billions in assets, highlighting how Minto maintains operational excellence while navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape. Finally, we address the pressing question of how larger builders can contribute to solving the housing crisis, focusing on Minto’s role in creating more affordable housing solutions. Tune in to learn about the intricate balance between growth, governance, and social impact from one of the industry’s most successful builders.

We’re very thrilled to have Julian Schonfeldt, Chief Investment Officer at CAPREIT, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this insightful episode of “Efficiency in CRE” we explore how CAPREIT’s investment strategy has evolved. This includes CAPREIT recent sell of $740M portfolio of manufactured homes. This was more than just a transaction, it marks a pivotal shift in CAPREIT’s investment strategy. Julian also explains how CAPREIT is the largest REIT Canada based on “Float”. We also discuss Ottawa and why CAPREIT is a net buyer of real estate in Ottawa. Join us as we unpack these insights and strategies shaping real estate investing. Whether you’re an industry expert or simply curious, this episode is packed with information you won’t want to miss.