2017 Program

Monday, April 10, 2017

1:30 PM
WESTERN CANADA APARTMENT CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

More Info

An exclusive session on one of Canada’s most vibrant real estate opportunities and development activities: new apartment construction. Hosted by Derek Lobo, CEO, SVN Rock Advisors, the workshop will provide a strong focus on how you can benefit from the current gold rush to build apartments by addressing the following questions:

  • Opportunity analysis – Which Western Canada markets are prime for apartment development? What are the considerations for product and site selection?
  • Market study – Who are the key rental market competitors? What’s the gap in the market?
  • How to do a feasibility study – What should you build? What rents should you charge? What is the depth of market? How much money will you make?
  • A step-by-step financial analysis of the purpose-built rental apartment component including capital stack structure, financing and joint ventures.
  • Sensitivity analysis to maximize profit by manipulating variables such as rent level, unit mix and size, project timing and lease-up schedule.

Vancouver Convention Centre West (Room 109-110)
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Tickets must be purchased for this event.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

7:00 AM
REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Registration Sponsored By

Continental Breakfast Sponsored By

8:00 AM
OPENING REMARKS: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Introduction of the Forum Chair:

Julia Doran

Julia Doran, Business Development Manager, FCT

Forum Chair:

Hani Lammam

Hani Lammam, Executive Vice President, Cressey Development Group

8:05 AM
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR CANADA: WHAT LIES AHEAD?
This presentation will offer insights and perspective on current trends and will analyze the major fundamentals in Canada including the impact of global markets. What are the major predictions for 2017 and beyond?

Douglas Porter

Speaker:
Douglas Porter, Chief Economist & Managing Director, BMO Financial Group

8:45 AM
CLOSER TO HOME: HOW WILL THE ECONOMY PERFORM IN B.C. AND THE LOWER MAINLAND?
British Columbia’s economy has been sitting atop Canadian provinces in terms of economic growth over the past few years. But, is this expected to slow down in 2017? With the impending provincial election, tighter mortgage insurance rules, and possible trade restrictions under the new US administration, the possibility for a shift is undeniable. What can be expected in government infrastructure spending? What does the region need to do to maintain its competitive advantage?

Helmut Pastrick

Speakers:
Helmut Pastrick, Chief Economist, Central 1 Credit Union

9:10 AM
GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE: WHERE IS METRO VANCOUVER HEADED?
It is without doubt that Vancouver and the surrounding region has been feeling great pressures. Can the region afford to continue growing the way it has been? What can Vancouver do to mitigate the restraints to growth? What is occurring at this time to overcome these restraints? What kind of development opportunities are emerging? What can we expect from the First Nation’s development? How will infrastructure impact growth? This panel of esteemed executives will tap into the most prevalent questions being asked in the region. What does Vancouver look like in the next year, 5 years, 10 years? What is the biggest challenge facing real estate investment and development?

Norm Taylor

Mike Clay

Kevin Desmond

Brian McCauley

Richard Weir

Moderators:
Norm Taylor, Executive Vice President, Managing Director, CBRE Limited | Brokerage Services

Panel:
Mike Clay, Chair, Metro Vancouver Housing Committee and Mayor, City of Port Moody
Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink
Brian McCauley, President & Chief Operating Officer, Concert Properties Ltd.
Richard Weir, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, Bosa Development Corporation

10:10 AM
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
10:30 AM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select A1, A2 or A3)
Session A1:
SUCCESSFUL BUT SUSTAINABLE? WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE VERY TIGHT METRO VANCOUVER INDUSTRIAL MARKET?

Vancouver’s industrial land has been under the microscope as of late, and it’s no secret that the land squeeze is a reality. The Metro Vancouver industrial market continues to experience very low vacancy due to strong demand and a lack of available options. The question that remains is how can land that is currently allocated for industrial be used to its maximum potential without compromising the lands integrity and supply chain systems? With the rise of e-commerce, it signals a shift in the industrial market as retailers adapt to changing logistic demands. How have location preferences for warehouses changed amongst retailers? What are users demanding when it comes to specialized facility requirements? What other trends are impacting industrial development in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland? What is the future for older inner city industrial spaces?

Stuart Morrison

Beth Berry

Russ Bougie

Jeff Miller

Brent Sawchyn

Moderator:
Stuart Morrison, Executive Vice President, Colliers International

Panel:
Beth Berry, Director, Industrial Development, Beedie Group
Russ Bougie, Principal, Industrial Sales & Leasing, Avison Young
Jeff Miller, Vice President, Industrial, Oxford Properties
Brent Sawchyn, Principal, PC Urban Properties Corp.

Session A2:
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY ISSUES FACING TENANTS AND INVESTORS IN THE RENTAL APARTMENT MARKET?

Municipal roadblocks continue to plague the development of much needed rental stock, particularly within Vancouver. What can be done to relieve this stifling bureaucracy? There continues to be rising demand for rental accommodation with vacancy rates for purpose-built apartments declining to 0.7 percent. Is multi-family rental still a strong investment bet in this market in spite of low cap rates and the implementation of the foreign buyer tax? How might the Trump-effect impact our local multi-family investment scene? What effect will higher mortgage rates have on valuations? Could higher rates negatively impact potential buyers of homes and condos putting even more pressure on vacancies? Will the potential increase of approximately 10,000 purpose-built new rental units currently in the pipeline in Metro Vancouver have any significant influence on our exceptionally low vacancy rates?

Mark Goodman

Ugo Bizzarri

John Lynch

Todd Nishimura

Dan Sander

Moderator:
Mark Goodman, Principal, The Goodman Report

Panel:
Ugo Bizzarri, Managing Director, Portfolio Management & Investments, Co-Founder, Timbercreek Asset Management
John Lynch, Manager, Business Development, CMHC
Todd Nishimura, Director, Marketing, Vertica Resident Services, GWL Realty Advisors Inc.
Dan Sander, Hollyburn Properties Ltd.

Session A3:
WHERE ARE THE COST AND AVAILABILITY OF DEBT AND CAPITAL MARKETS HEADING?

This discussion will examine the availability of public and private debt and equity as well as forecast what borrowers can expect for the remainder of 2017. How are the risks in the Canadian economy — especially Alberta — affecting other markets? How are trends in the bond market affecting the potential for higher borrowing costs? What can be expected over the coming year with respect to the cost, availability and sources of capital? Will lenders be more or less aggressive in the remainder of 2017 in BC? What impact are provincial and federal government policies having on financing in the residential market? How challenging is asset valuation today in the Vancouver market? What underwriting criteria do borrowers need to meet for debt or equity capital?

Tony Morgan

Mark Achtemichuk

Brad Anderson

Dean Atkins

Chris Enns

Moderator:
Tony Morgan, Director of Finance, Low Tide Properties

Panel:
Mark Achtemichuk, Vice President & Managing Director, CMLS Financial
Brad Anderson, Vice President, Real Estate Lending, Western Canada, Scotiabank
Dean Atkins, Senior Vice President, Mortgages & Real Estate, bcIMC
Chris Enns, Executive Director, Mortgage Investments, KingSett Capital

11:30 AM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select B1, B2 or B3)
Session B1:
DOWNTOWN AND SUBURBAN OFFICE: ARE THEY NOW A TENANT’S MARKET?

There’s been an unprecedented amount of new development over the past few years in Vancouver’s office market, and another wave of development is expected to appear. As these new buildings continue to rise, what will happen to the older B and C class buildings? Who are the tenants that will be occupying these towers and new builds? How much can this market absorb over the next year? Is the GVRD a landlord’s market or a tenant’s market? Why is investment in this market as strong as it is, given the fundamentals on the leasing side? How is transit oriented development impacting the office market in the suburbs? Where is demand for space from tech the strongest? Are there certain types of buildings that the tech sector prefers to occupy? What will the Vancouver office market look like over the next 12-36 months? Is there more new space expected on the horizon?

Mark Chambers

Bart Corbett

Jocelyne Legal

Bryce Margetts

Steffan Smith

Moderator:
Mark Chambers, Executive Vice President, JLL


Panel:
Bart Corbett, Senior Vice President, Office Leasing, Cushman & Wakefield
Jocelyne Legal, Vice President, Leasing, Triovest Realty Advisors (B.C.) Inc.
Bryce Margetts, Vice President, Western Canada, Canderel
Steffan Smith, Senior Director, GWL Realty Advisors

Session B2:
THE ASIAN INFLUENCE: HOW IS FOREIGN INVESTMENT AFFECTING B.C.?

Foreign investment in Vancouver has been a hot topic over the last few years to say the least. What are the main reasons and underlying criteria that prompts Asian investments to come over to Canada and Vancouver in particular? Why is it continuing to pour in? Is this trend going to continue to grow? What are their motivations as investors, and what are they looking for when they come here? This panel will provide an update from the 2015 session, and will provide predictions into the future of foreign investment in Vancouver, and Canada alike.

Roque Hsieh

Hon. Stockwell Day

Alan Lee

Jack Yong

Moderator:
Roque Hsieh, Partner, KPMG

Panel:
Hon. Stockwell Day, Vice Chairman, CCBC National Board
Alan Lee, CIO, Atelier Capital Partners Inc.
Jack Yong, Partner, Lawson Lundell LLP

Session B3:
THE DRAGON’S DEN: HOW MUCH WILL INVESTORS PAY FOR REAL ESTATE ASSETS IN VANCOUVER?

A unique face-off between three commercial brokers and a cross-section of local and national investors. The brokers will present various assets for sale and the investors will react and comment on these properties. To what extent do they have an interest? What cap rates and valuation will they apply to each asset and property class? How will the cost of capital range from private equity funds to REITs to institutional investors? The last portion of the session will examine their perspective on real estate market fundamentals for 2017 and beyond for the Vancouver market and Canada as a whole. They will also briefly examine some of the benchmark transactions in Vancouver over the past twelve months.

Colin Johnston

Edgar Buksevics

Darren Cannon

Rob Greer

Mark Hannah

Joe Mazzocco

Andrew Tong

Moderator:
Colin Johnston, President, Research, Valuation & Advisory, Altus Group

Panel:
Brokers
Edgar Buksevics, Associate Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield
Darren Cannon, Executive Vice President, Industrial, Colliers International
Rob Greer, Principal, Avison Young

Investors
Mark Hannah, Director, Nicola Crosby Real Estate
Joe Mazzocco, Executive Managing Director, KingSett Capital
Andrew Tong, Senior Vice President, Investments, Concert Properties

12:30 PM
RECEPTION & LUNCHEON

Pre-Luncheon Reception Sponsored By

Luncheon Sponsored By

1:10 PM
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE
VANCOUVER, THE EXPONENTIAL CITY

Cities are changing. Now more than ever we are seeing more densely populated cities, resident-empowerment, changes in real estate development, and flexibility in running businesses and living in modern cities. With this comes challenges and opportunities in abundance. Nikolas will look at some of the global trends that will have an impact on Vancouver’s real estate market, and will make some bold predictions to help inspire you to think differently about the coming changes.

Nikolas Badminton

Speaker:
Nikolas Badminton, Futurist

2:00 PM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Select C1, C2 or C3)
Session C1:
WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS: LAND DEVELOPMENT IN METRO VANCOUVER

The Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Watuth are now full or co-owners of six prime properties in Metro Vancouver, including the 90-acre Jericho Lands and the 21-acre former RCMP lands on Heather Street near Queen Elizabeth Park. What opportunities exist with the development of these parcels of land? What is next for First Nation’s development in the Lower Mainland? Are there more acquisitions on the horizon? How can you partner with aboriginal groups to create successful investment or development joint ventures?

Michael Nienhuis

Chris Hartman

Jake McEwan

Stefan Moores

Moderator:
Michael Nienhuis, Associate, Miller Thomson

Panel:
Chris Hartman, CEO, TFN Economic Development Corp.
Jake McEwan, SVP, Aquilini Indigenous Developments LP
Stefan Moores, Managing Director, The Castlemain Group

Session C2:
VANCOUVER MAVERICKS: ARE ENTREPRENEURS THRIVING OR SURVIVING IN TODAY’S ECONOMY?

Entrepreneurs are experienced at looking for innovation and accessing lower priced capital. While they do not dismiss risk, they often have the ability to see value and reward where many others do not. How do they source debt and equity capital? What are some examples of how they would consider structuring their deals? What niches do they strategically focus on to find the highest potential value opportunities that will provide quality returns? How do they continue to compete in this market? What have been the most significant challenges that they have had to endure? What opportunities do they see unfolding now and in the future? Are they thriving or just surviving in today’s economy? How are they continuing to grow their business, and what steps are they taking to combat the tough market place?

Paul Tilbury

Nicholas Boyd

Justin Mitchell

Philipp Postrehovsky

Matt Switzer

Moderator:
Paul Tilbury, Chief Operating Officer, Dayhu Group of Companies

Panel:
Nicholas Boyd, President, Fusion Project Management
Justin Mitchell, Partner, Frontline Real Estate Services
Philipp Postrehovsky, Co-Founder & COO, RentMoola
Matt Switzer, SVP Labs, Corporate & Business Development, Hootsuite

Session C3:
THE EVOLUTION OF RETAIL: HOW IS IT CHANGING IN TODAY’S MARKET? WHAT WILL BE THE MALL OF THE FUTURE?

There’s no denying that change is inevitable, and the retail environment is certainly no exception. Technology has had an impact on retailers and brands over the last decade, and the pace of this change shows no sign of slowing. How can traditional retailers reinvent themselves to capture consumers and market share? What is happening with street front retail and why is this retail in the downtown core so strong? What is happening to retail in the suburbs and how do retailers perform in these vertical shopping centres? Alternatively, what can we expect from the “Mall of the Future” and how can developers anticipate changing consumer needs? What is the transformation going to be like? This session will examine current and emerging trends in retail, and will provide insight into what the future of the retail market could look like.

Scott Lee

Franco Custodinho

Sarah Kimes

Derick Fluker

Moderator:
Scott Lee, Principal, Northwest Atlantic Canada

Panel:
Franco Custodinho, Senior Vice President Leasing, Retail, Ivanhoé Cambridge
Sarah Kimes, Associate Vice President, Brand Strategist, CallisonRTKL
Derick Fluker, Principal, FORM Retail Advisors Inc.

2:55 PM
AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS
3:15 PM
CLOSING ROUNDTABLE
PREDICTIONS AND ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES IN 2017 AND BEYOND

Drawing on their experience, trials and tribulations, successes and wins this panel of national senior real estate executives will share their predictions for the second half of 2017 and first part of 2018. If they were to take a gamble where would they place their bets? What trends do they see developing for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland? Who do they turn to as they plan for the future? What are the key challenges, trends, and risks facing investors, owners and developers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties in the Vancouver market? What asset classes and transactions will likely offer the best possible returns in 2017?

Hani Lammam

Eric Carlson

Remco Daal

John Horton

Jon Stovell

Moderator:
Hani Lammam, Executive Vice President, Cressey Development Group

Panel:
Eric Carlson, CEO, Anthem Properties Group Ltd.
Remco Daal, President, Canadian Real Estate, QuadReal
John Horton, President, Shape Properties
Jon Stovell, President & CEO, Reliance Properties Ltd.

4:15 PM
CLOSING COMMENTS
4:20 PM
CHAIR’S RECEPTION
5:30 PM
POST-EVENT COCKTAIL RECEPTION