Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast

John Switzer, managing partner at Impact Commercial with a rich banking and investment background, joins Amanda Lam, an associate managing partner with two decades in commercial banking. They dive into the shifting tides of commercial lending as interest rates and bond yields have been volatile. Expect insights on the resurgence of retail and office spaces, where lenders are focusing their capital, and the best strategies for securing financing. Discover which asset classes are attracting smart investments and whether to opt for short or long-term fixed rates.

This week on the Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Cory Wright sits down with Raymond Wong, Vice President of Data Solutions at Altus Group, for a nationwide look at the commercial real estate landscape.With access to some of the most comprehensive data in the industry, Raymond unpacks key trends driving the Canadian market — from shifts in industrial and multifamily demand to evolving dynamics in office and retail. He also shares his outlook for the remainder of 2025, touching on the effects of interest rate changes, global trade pressures, and investor sentiment.Tune in for an insightful, data-driven discussion on where Canada’s commercial real estate market stands today.

This week host Cory Wright invites Sean Hodgins, President of Century Group, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of large-scale development. Sean shares insights from the proposed redevelopment of the Tsawwassen Town Center, including the hurdles of navigating community pushback, the realities of working within Official Community Plans, and the delicate balance between housing, amenities, and political pressures.From grocery-anchored retail and libraries to innovative healthcare space, Sean outlines how Century Group is adapting its vision while shedding light on the bigger implications for developers across Metro Vancouver. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to move a project from vision to reality, this episode is a must-listen.

After a summer hiatus, Cory Wright is back with Rod MacKay, Team Lead at William Wright’s Vancouver office, to break down what’s really happening in the commercial real estate market. Why did deal activity surge through the summer when it’s usually slow? Which asset classes are leading the rebound and which ones are still struggling to find their footing? And what do investors need to know heading into the final stretch of 2025? From pricing realities to pent-up demand, retail resilience to surprising signs of life in the office sector, this episode offers a candid, on-the-ground look at where the market stands today and what could be coming next.

What does a day in the life of a commercial property manager actually look like? This week, Cory sits down with Robin Kelley, Partner at Groupe Denux, to talk about the operations, challenges, and rewards of managing some of Canada’s most recognizable buildings. From navigating tenant relationships to handling emergencies and long-term capital planning, Robin shares what goes into keeping commercial assets running smoothly, and profitably. How do major landlords approach property management? What separates a good manager from a great one? And why is this often-overlooked side of the business more important than ever in today’s market? Whether you're an owner, investor, or industry pro, this episode is packed with insights from the heart of the operation.

What’s driving the surge of investor interest in retail? Is industrial still the safe bet it once was? In this week’s episode, David Basche, President of Astria Properties, returns to share how his firm is expanding from industrial into retail projects and why certain markets like Vancouver Island and Alberta are catching their eye.From pre-leasing challenges to future development potential, David unpacks how evolving market dynamics, construction costs, and shifting tenant demands are reshaping opportunities in commercial real estate. Is retail the new darling of CRE? What’s behind the slowdown in industrial deals? And which regions might offer the best upside for investors in 2025 and beyond? Tune in for an insider’s perspective on where smart money is headed next.

Disclaimer: This podcast was originally recorded and aired in November 2023Join Cory and Melisa in this engaging conversation with Dan Smith, the driving force behind commercial leasing at Reliance Properties. In this episode, Dan takes center stage to delve into the pulse of the current commercial real estate market.Tune in to discover Dan's insights into the potential resurgence of the office asset class. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving this anticipated comeback and the reasons behind the shift. Don't miss out on this discussion with Dan Smith! Let's go!

Think golf courses are just for birdies and bogeys? Think again. In this episode, Marianne DeCotiis of William Wright Commercial joins Cory to unpack one of the most surprising sectors of commercial real estate: golf courses. From multi-million dollar land plays to resort-style development potential, Marianne shares why these sprawling green spaces are catching serious investor attention. What makes a course financially viable? Who’s buying them, and why? And how can a clubhouse become a revenue-generating machine even in the off-season? Whether you're a golfer, a developer, or just curious about this niche market, this episode is a hole-in-one.

What happens when a hospitality pro ditches fine dining and goes all-in on sourdough? Clay Spalding, founder of Wild Flour Pizza Co., joins the show to share how he turned a pandemic pivot into one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing pizza concepts. From creating the menu to managing sky-high demand on delivery apps, Clay dishes on what sets Wild Flour apart and why crafting great pizza is only half the battle.Why is sourdough a bold (and complex) choice for high-volume pizza? How did COVID reshape customer habits? And why is finding retail space for a pizzeria more competitive than ever? Grab a slice of insight and join us for a fresh take on what it takes to build a standout food brand.

In this episode, Raffael Merola, Principal at Merola Construction, joins Cory and Adam to break down the realities behind restaurant and retail build-outs. From permitting pitfalls to HVAC nightmares, Raf shares hard-earned advice that could save months of delays and tens of thousands of dollarsHow long does it really take to open a restaurant? What are the most common and costly mistakes tenants make during the TI process? And how has the design and construction landscape shifted in the age of delivery apps and evolving customer expectations? If you’re thinking of opening a restaurant, or representing someone who is, this episode is essential listening.