As 2009 begins, Canadian real estate executives are dealing with some significant uncertainty with respect to the prevailing economic conditions, pressures on asset values, availability and pricing of all forms of capital and decline in investment activity.

With the disappearance of CMBS activity, 30% or more of the sources of debt capital have vanished. High leverage and non-recourse lending has been replaced by more conservative underwriting and a widening of spreads as risk is re-priced by the remaining active lenders. 

What impact will this higher cost of capital have on cap rates, asset values and transaction activity in the coming year?

The 2009 RealCapital conference will focus on these key issues and trends by bringing together owners and investors with sources of public and private equity investment and debt financing in the Canadian real estate market.

The program will provide a unique, high-level business forum that will examine these themes, address key issues, assess emerging trends, and discuss effective strategies for real estate investment and financing for office, industrial, retail, and multi-residential sectors in the current environment across the country.    

Over 650 executives from across Canada are expected to attend this special one-day conference, organized by the Real Property Association of Canada and York Communications / MMPI Canada, the producer of the Real Estate Forums. 

In keeping with the strong reputation of the forums, RealCapital will present high-quality speakers on very topical issues at a relatively low registration fee. 

The conference will also provide a great opportunity to network with experts and decision-makers responsible for real estate investment and financing today. 

 We hope that you will take advantage of this unique and very informative event.

Brydon Cruise President & Managing Partner Brookfield Financial Real Estate Group	Louis Forbes CFO Primaris Retail REIT