The Critical Lane

We’re very thrilled to have Bhawana Chhabra, Senior Market Strategist at Rosenberg Research & Associates, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”, we talk about all the current changes in the commercial real estate world. We get into how regional banks are dealing with CRE risks and interest rates, to the massive demand for electricity due to AI and the...

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...

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...

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 for...

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 en...

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 a...

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 skept...

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 efficie...

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...

We’re super thrilled to have Benjamin Tal, Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we delve into critical topics shaping Canada's economic and housing landscape. We discuss the policy rate adjustments and that the Bank of Canada will keep cutting rates until the end of 2025. Ben predicts the overnigh...

We’re very thrilled to have Steven Haylestrom, CEO at “The Modular Solution” on this week’s podcast. In this episode of “Efficiency in CRE”we dive into the world of modular housing with a focus on "Housing at High Speed” an innovative concept and company that aims to revolutionize the construction industry. We explore how the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is collaborating with “Housing at H...

We are very thrilled to have Seth Samowitz, COO at BKREA (Bob Knakal Real Estate Adivisors) as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Bob Knakal refers to Seth as the AI Guru and rightfully so. In this episode of "Efficiency in CRE," we explore the transformative potential of AI in real estate brokerages. Despite the industry's traditionally slow adoption of technology, AI is poised to revoluti...

We’re very thrilled to have Peter Berczi, CEO of MarshallZehr, as our special guest for this week’s podcast. In this episode of Efficiency in CRE, we dive deep into construction financing. We discuss a groundbreaking $230 million condo project funded by MarshallZehr. And we talk about tools and strategies available to assist builders who might be struggling in today's challenging market. We touch...

I’m very thrilled to have Nigel Furgus, President and CEO at Paragon Living as our special guest on this week’s podcast. In this episode, we discuss the significant development of $600 million worth of multifamily housing by Paragon. We examine how these projects aim to address both the housing supply and affordability challenges, and what impact they might have on the market. We also explore Logi...

I’m very thrilled to have Nhung Nguyen, CEO at Horizon Legacy as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Ever wondered how robots could reshape the construction industry? Join us on this episode as we discuss the fascinating world of robots and how they're helping to solve the labor shortage crisis in construction. We talk about the amazing benefits for architects, like how robotics can seamless...

Last year, we had the pleasure of hosting Mark Kenney, CEO at CAPREIT, on the podcast. Mark’s insights are more relevant than ever. In our discussion, Mark emphasized the importance of viewing CAPREIT as “Housing Providers” rather than the traditional term "Landlord." This nuanced perspective highlights their commitment to addressing housing needs with empathy and responsibility. Mark also delved...

I’m very thrilled to have Nico Zentil, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets at CBRE, as our special guest on this week’s podcast episode. Nico talks about his journey with CBRE and his strong belief in the future of Office. We explore exciting growth areas and discuss why Nico believes those who have invested in Office will benefit from their contrarian approach. Nico also shares stories from...

I'm very thrilled to have Krystal Valencia, Founder at Rental Rescue, as our special guest on this week's podcast episode. Here are some of the key items we addressed: What is Rental Rescue? How would you deal with "Professional Tenants" that game the system? What are some “predatory practices” by some housing providers? What does it mean for housing to be a right? Recognizing housing as a right m...

I am very excited for this week's podcast with Carl Gomez, Chief Economist and Head of Market Analytics at Costar Canada. What are the real underlying factors impacting the current inflation rate? In this week's podcast, Carl mentions that a big chunk of the higher inflation is being caused by big increases in mortgage interest costs. Should the Bank of Canada fight inflation by raising interest r...

I'm very thrilled to have Toon Dreessen, President at DCA Architects, as our special guest on this week's podcast. Here are some of the items we addressed: 1. Is it practical to make Ottawa a walkable city with six months of winter? 2. What is the last mile of transportation? 3. Would Hurdman be a better location for the Sens Arena? 4. What is the best land use policy? My favorite quote fr...

I’m very thrilled to have Ray Williams, Chair and Cofounder at the Black Opportunity Fund and Former Vice Chairman at National Bank. Here are some of the items we addressed on the podcast: 1. What is the Black Opportunity Fund doing to enable more black people to participate in solving the housing crisis? 2. How is it going with the $50M CMHC commitment for black owned real estate companies? 3. Is...

I'm very thrilled to have Zoran Vranjkovic, Tax Partner at Welch LLP. The federal government recently announced an increase to the capital gains tax which will come into effect on June 25. 1. What do you need to know about the new Capital Gains Tax? 2. Is it advantageous to trigger the new capital gains tax before June 25? 3. How does the new capital gains tax impact Canadian Investors compare...

I’m very thrilled to have Colin Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at TD Asset Management. May 2024 is the “One Year Anniversary” for the “Efficiency in CRE” podcast so it was great to have Colin come back as the first repeat guest. Last time we did the podcast with Colin, the podcast was featured on LinkedIn News for “Office in Downtown Ottawa”. We did not really talk ab...

I’m very thrilled to have Tony Irwin as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Tony is the President & CEO at the FRPO (Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario) and Interim President at CFAA (Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations) In this episode, we talk about the challenges faced by rental apartment owners as well as dealing with the government to address the housing crisis....

I’m very thrilled to have the National Head of Research at Colliers, Adam Jacobs, as our special guest on this week’s podcast. Here are some of the items we discussed: 1. A 25 basis points rate cut may not be enough to get real estate investors off the sidelines 2. ⁠Investment sales are back to normal levels even though it may not feel that way 3. ⁠Employees like hybrid work and Employees have mor...