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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.

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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.

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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
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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.