What does it really take to transform a city block? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Owen, partner at Mondev, to talk about the five-year journey to redevelop L'ilot vaoyageur in Montreal. From stalled city tenders to innovative partnerships, we get into how this 1,000-unit project finally moved forward—with half of the units dedicated to social and affordable housing.

 

We also talk about the real risks developers take—zoning delays, red tape, shifting markets—and why long-term thinking is non-negotiable in real estate. Jordan shares how Mondev’s team managed to weather the recent storms in the industry without overpaying for land or overleveraging. It’s a clear look at how discipline and strategy play out in real time.

 

To close, Jordan shares how automation and custom-built tools help streamline their prospecting process. He reminds us that behind every building, there’s not just capital—but creativity, patience, and a deep love for the process.

 

What you will learn if you listen to the episode:

 

- How to build affordable housing in Montreal

- The real risks of real estate development

- Zoning problems every developer faces

- What it takes to redevelop a city block

- Long-term thinking in real estate investing

- How developers use AI and automation for property deals

- Why Montreal real estate needs new housing projects

 

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Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

 

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

 

Connect with Jordan Owen:

 

Website: https://www.mondev.ca/

Instagram: @jordan_v_owen | @mondev.ca

 

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

 

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I’m here to delve into the topics that matter most to you. 

 

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

 

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.