5:30 PM -

7:00 PM

CHAIR’S RECEPTION

7:15 AM

REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:00 AM

8:05 AM

Within the Canadian context, Saskatchewan had one of the best economic performances and GDP growth of all provinces from 2010 until 2015. However, in the past three years, it has faced some challenges. This presentation will examine the most significant elements of this unique market including some global, national trends, economic fundamentals, and their potential implications for Saskatchewan. It will also examine how the resilience of its diverse economy has helped Saskatchewan to begin to return to growth. How do the prospects for this market compare with other Canadian provinces? What implications will stagnant oil and some depressed commodity prices have on Saskatchewan? 

10:00 AM

MORNING REFRESHMENTS

10:30 AM

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select A1, A2 or A3)

SESSION A1:
THE EVOLVING OFFICE MARKETS IN SASKATOON AND REGINA: A FLIGHT TO QUALITY? TENANT MARKETS? WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF DATED ASSETS?

This session will examine the current trends and future outlook for the office markets in Regina and Saskatoon. Where are the leasing fundamentals in both cities heading at this time? With the development of River Landing, will there be a flight to quality in Saskatoon as there was in Regina with Hill Centre III? What does the future hold for the downtown and suburban office markets in both cities? How competitive will leasing rates be? How much new demand for space is on the horizon? How are Class B and C properties likely to perform compared to Class A space? What strategies are smaller landlords likely to pursue in these markets?

SESSION A2:
RESIDENTIAL & LAND DEVELOPMENT IN THE GREATER REGINA AND SASKATOON MARKETS

Residential development markets in Saskatoon and Regina have experienced some turbulent headwinds over the past few years. A decline in housing prices and starts have been two major characteristics of these markets. However, CMHC’s forecasts for 2019 calls for a modest recovery in starts with key factors being continued employment growth, firmer oil prices, and lower new home inventories. The report said the trend should continue into 2020 but starts will remain significantly below 2014 numbers. Home values are also forecast to rebound in both 2019 and 2020. As we are four months into 2019, how correct are these forecasts? What is the price and inventory of residential land in the Regina and Saskatoon? Where are land values heading for 2020 and beyond? What is the outlook for housing demand over the longer term? Are there infrastructure and improvements that should help growth in these communities? Where are construction costs heading at this time?

SESSION A3:
WHAT ARE ENTREPRENEURS DOING IN TODAY’S MARKET TO SUCCEED?

Given the strong investor sentiment in the Canadian market, major opportunities have emerged for entrepreneurialism in the real estate industry. Who are they and what are they doing?  They are experienced at looking for innovation and accessing lower priced capital. They are often privately-owned firms. While they do not dismiss risk, they often have the ability to see value and reward where many others do not. What have been the most significant challenges that they have had to endure? How do they see opportunities unfolding in the future? 

11:35 AM

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (SELECT B1, B2, OR B3)

SESSION B1:
HOW HAVE THE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE MARKETS CHANGED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS? WHAT LIES AHEAD?

Prior to the economic slowdown, industrial lease rates in Saskatoon had inflated to become some of the highest in Canada. A higher vacancy rate combined with a cautious mindset towards development activity has resulted in lower lease rates in both Regina and Saskatoon markets.  However, it appears that the industrial property class in both cities is maintaining a competitive balance for landlords/tenants with only a slight softening of lease rates. This session will examine the most significant recent trends in these two industrial markets. The panel will also examine market characteristics including: what preconditions are needed to support new development; how much availability of land is there for additional industrial development and where; what type of product is in highest demand in Regina and in Saskatoon; and what is the outlook for the industrial sector over the next 12-24 months.

SESSION B2:
CREDIT AND DEBT MARKETS: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT LIES AHEAD? WHERE ARE SPREADS HEADING?  WHAT ARE THE MAJOR SOURCES?

In an ever competitive environment, in which capital is footloose, cities are competing for investment dollars to support municipal growth policies. This session provides opportunity for discussion on the importance of clear municipal rules and regulations, and the need for strong collaborative dialogue between the public and private sectors to support continued real estate investment/development for economic growth. Municipal plans are dependent upon the private sector for execution to achieve desired economic and population growth.  In addition to tax regimes and labour market considerations, investors are less apt to pursue markets with ambiguous and/or inconsistent rules and regulations that result in higher risk, less certainty and a longer and cumbersome approval process. How are Regina and Saskatoon are viewed as cities with effective growth management and planning policies? What do the public and private sectors need to understand about each other to improve community competitiveness? Are there key sticking points in relationships and approval processes in either city? What are leading practices in dealing with sustaining growth and attracting investment? How are current processes working and how can they continue to improve? 

12:30 PM

LUNCHEON REFRESHMENTS

1:30 PM

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (SELECT C1, C2, OR C3)

SESSION C1:
INVESTOR INTEREST IN SASKATCHEWAN: WHO WANTS TO INCREASE THEIR PRESENCE IN THIS MARKET?

An insightful discussion about investment activity in the Saskatchewan market. The session will open with a brief overview of some of the bellwether transactions over the past twelve months.  The panel will address a range of questions including: What have been the major challenges facing investors trying to buy assets in Regina or Saskatoon? What is the profile of investors who are looking at these markets? With some investors deciding to dispose of their assets, is there any disconnect between supply and demand of product?  Where are cap rates likely to be by 2020 relative to today’s prices? Which product types appear to most strongly favoured by investors? How do the investment markets in Regina and Saskatoon compare with other Canadian cities?  

SESSION C2:
WHY DO THE RETAIL MARKETS IN SASKATOON AND REGINA CONTINUE TO BE BUOYANT?

This session will examine retail activity in Regina and Saskatoon and the extent of investor, developer and tenant interest in these markets. Why is retail the best performing of all property classes in Saskatchewan with declining vacancy rates? With upgrades and expansions to the province’s largest malls, what are the underlying reasons for these investments? How much new development has been created and leased, e.g. Meadows Market, Brighton Marketplace? How do the Regina and Saskatoon markets compare with one another? Differentiation is also a key ingredient between existing centres and newer projects. How are older assets performing vs. newer ones? Are there any particular formats and innovations growing in popularity? What lies ahead for the retail market in Regina and Saskatoon for 2019 and beyond?  

SESSION C3:
HOW ARE REGINA, SASKATOON AND SECONDARY REAL ESTATE MARKETS ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN ACTUALLY PERFORMING?

An overview of the performance of the office, industrial, retail, and multi-unit residential markets in Saskatchewan over the past twelve months. Where are demand and vacancy rates trending at this time? How much development activity has been completed during the past year? How much is ready to be undertaken? What impact will it have on vacancy? Can the various markets in Saskatchewan absorb all the new space? What underwriting criteria are providers and borrowers of capital using at this time in these markets? Where are cap rates and prices trending? What are examples of bellwether transactions? What is the outlook for 2019 and beyond for Saskatoon, for Regina, and for secondary markets?

3:30 PM

CLOSING ROUNDTABLE: ASSESSING THE RISKS, CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2019 AND BEYOND