Send us a text

The Canadian housing market faces significant challenges, from affordability crises to zoning restrictions that slow new development. Yet leaders like Sherry Larjani, founder and president of Spotlight Development Inc., are reshaping how we think about housing.

Spotlight on Inclusivity

Spotlight Development specializes in high-density residential and mixed-use projects designed to meet diverse community needs. Its flagship initiative, The Inclusive, blends affordable condominiums with wraparound services such as childcare, medical facilities, food assistance, and vocational training.

Why Inclusive Housing Matters

As Larjani notes, “Housing isn’t just about a roof; it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive.” This philosophy underpins projects like The Inclusive – Kitchener (~1,300 suites) and The Inclusive – Toronto (~2,000 suites), which integrate energy efficiency, community spaces, and essential services under one roof.

Policy and Affordability Challenges

Larjani is vocal about how zoning and land-use policies can either facilitate or hinder inclusive development. She argues for reforms that prioritize density and mixed-use zoning—keys to affordable and sustainable housing in fast-growing urban areas.

Women in Real Estate Leadership

A career highlight for Larjani was Reina Condos, the first condominium in Canada entirely developed by an all-female team. The project not only challenged traditional industry norms but also demonstrated how diverse perspectives lead to innovative housing solutions.

ESG and Community Impact

Larjani’s work extends beyond development. Through her Aria Foundation, she partners with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and BlackNorth to support low-income families. Her projects integrate ESG principles, showing how real estate can generate social impact alongside financial returns.

The Future of Development

Looking ahead, Larjani envisions scaling inclusive development models across Ontario and beyond. She continues to advocate for policy innovation, design excellence, and inclusive community engagement to create vibrant, equitable urban centers.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

Join us in this informative episode where we sit down with Blair Scorgie, an accomplished Registered Professional Planner and urban designer based in Toronto. With over 17 years of experience spanning public policy, secondary plans, mid-rise housing, and development approvals, Blair brings a deep and practical understanding of Toronto’s complex planning environment.

In this conversation, we focus on a central question facing many new and aspiring developers today:
What is the best type of development project to pursue in Toronto right now—and why?

Blair walks us through the current approval climate across the GTA, comparing various typologies such as multiplexes, laneway and garden suites, six-plexes, and mid-rise buildings. We unpack which forms are actually getting built in today’s market, and which ones may be more aspirational than feasible. Blair also shares updates on recent policy shifts and what they mean for builders hoping to make a meaningful contribution to Toronto’s housing supply.

A must-listen for real estate developers, investors, and planners seeking clarity on what types of projects pencil out—and what to watch out for. This episode blends insider knowledge, policy breakdowns, and real-world strategies to help you navigate development opportunities in Toronto and the GTA.

Topics Covered

• Navigating Toronto’s Real Estate Development Landscape
• Multiplexes, Garden Suites, and Laneway Units: What Actually Works
• The Rise (and Roadblocks) of 6-Plexes in Toronto
• Major Streets and Mid-Rise Projects: A New Breed of Developer
• How to Avoid the Most Common Approval Pitfalls
• DC Charges, Site Constraints, and Garbage Loading (Yes, Really)
• Precedent, Zoning, and the Power of Pack Meetings
• The Appeal Process Explained: Major Streets Under Review
• Why 3.5 Storey Walk-Ups May Be the City’s Most Underrated Typology
• Blair’s Ideal Project: What He’d Build Today with $5M
• What’s Missing in Our Housing Strategy: Transition Zones and Design Clarity
• Advice for First-Time Developers in Toronto and the GTA

​Scorgie Planning is a multi-disciplinary planning and urban design consultancy based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 2024, our company operates as a sole proprietorship in collaboration with a range of technical consultants. Scorgie Planning takes a diplomatic, rational and innovative approach to city building.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

Join us in this engaging episode where we welcome Justin Aykler from Grid Developments and Aykler Real Estate. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate and development industry, Justin shares his journey from starting after his MBA to becoming a key player in his family business. We delve into the multifaceted aspects of real estate, from development cycles and market trends to dealing with financial challenges and leveraging family wisdom passed down across three generations. Justin provides valuable advice on navigating current market crises, the importance of thoughtful design tailored to end-users, and potential strategies for working with non-profits on affordable housing projects. A must-listen for anyone interested in real estate development and market dynamics, offering both practical insights and long-term strategic advice.

• Family Business and Early Projects
• Lessons Learned and Key Insights
• Trends and Market Shifts
• Development Charges and Project Challenges
• Halloween Night Development Charge Crisis
• Sunday School Lofts Success Story
• Current Market Challenges and Land Value
• Capitalizing on Market Shifts
• Non-Profit Development Projects
• Policy Hurdles and Future Directions
• Generational Investment Strategies
• Advice for the Next Generation
• 
  

Grid Developments creates thoughtfully designed urban homes in Toronto’s most livable, vibrant neighbourhoods. Our interdisciplinary team is focused on great architecture and quality craftsmanship, bringing lasting value to homeowners and their surrounding communities.

GRID is a fusion of two companies with vast local expertise: Aykler and Co., a developer and builder with three generations of history, and Urban Fabric Developments, founded by George Popper, an architect with 35 years in practice and nearly 1,000 completed projects. These decades of experience have been united into a tightly knit team of designers, brokers and builders. With expertise in architecture, planning, construction, marketing, sales and financing, our integrated approach to development ensures no detail is overlooked. We take great pride in creating distinctive urban homes.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of Real Estate Development Insights, we explore a topic at the heart of every development conversation today: construction costs. Our guest, Marlon Bray, is a seasoned industry expert who recently transitioned from cost consulting into a more hands-on construction management role. With decades of experience in pricing, budgeting, and project execution, Marlon offers a candid and insightful look at the evolving landscape of construction costs in Canada.

We’ve all heard the headlines—construction costs are falling. But is that good news? Not exactly. As Marlon explains, today’s cost reductions are a symptom of deeper industry problems, not a sign of market health. The dramatic drop in activity, loss of trades, and market hesitancy have all contributed to reduced pricing, but at a hidden cost: a weakened development ecosystem and eroding long-term capacity.

This episode breaks down the complex relationship between construction cost trends, municipal red tape, policy stagnation, and developer hesitation. If you’re a builder, planner, or investor wondering when to re-enter the market—or trying to understand what the real cost drivers are—this episode is essential listening.

Key topics we cover:

• Why construction costs are falling—and why developers should be cautious, not celebratory.
• The real reason thousands of shovel-ready units remain stalled.
• How planning delays and policy inconsistency drive up both risk and cost.
• The role of tariffs and taxes in inflating material prices.
• Why “cost” isn't just about dollars per square foot—it’s about timing, approvals, and survival.
• Critical mistakes new developers make when estimating project costs.
• The long-term danger of talent loss and trade attrition due to stalled projects.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, we sit down with Brendan Whitsitt to explore the evolving landscape of purpose-built rental housing (PBR). With a career that spans architecture, private development, and large institutional platforms like Tricon Residential, Brendan brings a nuanced perspective on what it takes to make rental projects work in today’s environment.

We dive into the differences between condo and rental development models, the critical importance of systems and incentives, and why execution—rather than entitlement—has become the main driver of value. Brendan also shares insights into building better rental buildings, from thoughtful amenity selection to optimizing the resident move-in experience.

He unpacks the current market reality: stalled condo projects, financing challenges, and what his new venture, Recovery Capital, is doing to reposition struggling developments as viable rental opportunities.

Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode:

– The evolution of purpose-built rental development in Toronto

– Key differences between condo vs. rental execution models

– Why horizontal project management outperforms vertical handoffs in rentals?

– Critical systems and incentives every rental project needs

– How to design rental buildings with resident experience and retention in mind?

– Challenges in leasing, amenities, and operational strategy

– The role of institutional investors in the Canadian PBR market

– A closer look at Recovery Capital’s model for saving stalled developments

- Forecasting the next 3–5 years of housing supply, immigration, and affordability

Imprint Development is a real estate company focused on delivering rental and mixed-use projects that last—physically, financially, and socially. Headquartered in Toronto and informed by experience across North America, we apply a fully integrated model to design, build, and operate high-quality rental housing with discipline and care. For the communities where we work, this means more thoughtful buildings and better long-term outcomes.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode, Join Payam and esteemed architect Jaegap Chung as they delve into the complexities and future of urban housing design. Jaegap, a first-generation immigrant and seasoned architect focusing on housing solutions, shares insights on creating livable and sustainable mid-rise buildings in Toronto. The conversation navigates through the evolution of housing trends, the quality of city design, public and private realms, and the importance of creating functional living spaces. Discover the challenges and solutions related to urban housing, including the benefits of mid-rise buildings, the importance of public transportation, and how prefabrication and automation can shape the future of construction. A must-listen for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, and housing policy.

• Biggest Challenges in Urban Housing and City Planning
• Top Mid-Rise Building Trends in Urban Design
• What to Consider Before Starting an Urban Infill Development
• How to Improve Livability in Mid-Rise Apartment Buildings
• Best Ways to Maximize Small Space in Urban Housing
• What Is a Third Space and Why It Matters in Urban Living
• How Mid-Rise Buildings Can Help Revitalize Neighborhoods
• Common Housing Development Problems and How to Solve Them
• Innovative Housing Ideas for the Future of Cities
• How to Build Community in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
• What Is Co-Living and How It Builds Social Connection
• How to Speed Up the Housing Development Process
• What’s Next for the Construction Industry in Canada

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with David Roff, Vice President of Business Development at Cranson Capital, to discuss all things related to raising equity for residential real estate development. David explains the intricate differences between equity and debt in the context of real estate projects, covering various forms of financing such as construction loans, bridge loans, and mezzanine loans. He emphasizes the importance of working with experienced developers due to the complex nature of high-stakes projects. David walks us through the detailed multi-step process that Cranson Capital follows for evaluating projects, the legal structuring involved, and the crucial factors investors consider when raising capital. He also delves into common mistakes developers make and highlights key considerations for successful project financing. With insight into current real estate trends and the impact of government policies on development feasibility, this episode offers invaluable knowledge for both new and seasoned developers.

• How To Raise Capital For Real Estate Development?
• What do investors look for in real estate deals?
• What is a good IRR for real estate investors?
• How much equity does a developer need to raise
• Understanding Equity in Real Estate Development
• Developer’s Experience and Project Feasibility
• Legal and Financial Structuring
• Understanding Profit Splits in Real Estate Development. What is a Waterfall?
• How does CMHC financing work?
• Common Mistakes in Development Projects
• Industry Challenges and Trends
• Timelines and Processes for Raising Capital

Cranson Capital is a boutique investment banking firm based in Toronto, specializing in private real estate investments and private capital markets. The firm provides accredited investors with exclusive access to development opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we welcome architect Matt Bolen, who has been a pioneering force in the field of prefabrication & mass timber construction. Matt discusses his extensive experience and passion for innovative building technologies, focusing on sustainable design and prefabricated methods. We delve into the definition of sustainability, the challenges of incorporating mass timber, and the potential of prefabrication in modern construction. Additionally, Matt shares insightful thoughts about the benefits of single stair exits in mid-rise buildings and the importance of focusing on the ultimate goal of constructing efficient, community-centric buildings. Join us for an engaging conversation that spans practical approaches to overcoming conventional construction challenges and future-focused strategies for sustainable development.

• What is Sustainability in Architectural Design?
• Practical Tips for Sustainable Design
• Challenges and Opportunities in Mass Timber Construction
• Pros & Cons of Prefabrication and Modular Design
• The Importance of Commitment and Innovation
• Historical Context and Industry Examples
• The importance of Prototyping and Real-World Applications
• Required Changes to Industry Regulations

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.