Toronto Under Construction

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by Bob Blazevski (Blaze Urban), Sasha Cucuz (Greybrook Realty), and Jake Cohen (The Daniels Corporation) for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of real estate development in the GTA. From the impacts of the 2025 federal budget to the shifting economics of condo and rental projects, they share candid insights into what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. With perspectives from finance, development, and public-private partnerships, this episode unpacks the policy pressures, market trends, and industry pivots shaping housing in Toronto and beyond. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by three of Canada's top economists to break down the macroeconomic forces shaping the housing market in 2025 and beyond: Eric Lascelles (RBC Global Asset Management), James Marple (TD Economics), and Peter Norman (Altus Group). The conversation covers interest rate cuts, Canada’s economic slowdown, trade war fallout, household debt, and what lies ahead for jobs, construction, and consumer confidence. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by three of the GTA’s most influential names in real estate sales and marketing: Andy Brethour (PMA Brethour Realty), Riz Dhanji (RAD Marketing), and Debbie Cosic (In2ition Realty). The conversation covers the current downturn in the condo market, investor behaviour, affordability, and how sales strategies need to shift in a more end-user-driven market. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In episode 93 of Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers is joined by three industry insiders to unpack how financing, data, and design innovation are shaping the future of Canadian housing. Henry Chung (First National), Jason Marks (Collecdev-Markee), and Mitch Abrahams (Benvenuto Group) bring candid insights on everything from CMHC's evolving financing programs to the new frontiers of missing middle housing, and what really keeps developers up at night in today’s market. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In episode 92 of Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers is joined by two seasoned development leaders to discuss what’s really happening in Canada’s housing market and how their firms are responding to current headwinds. Geoff Matthews (Senior VP, Capital Development) and Kathy Black (Head of Real Estate Development, Fiera Real Estate) break down how land owners, capital partners, and developers are adjusting to slower absorption, shifting risk appetites, and long-term bets on housing demand. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In episode 91 of Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers is joined by three commercial real estate experts to unpack the current market turbulence, and more importantly, where developers are heading next. Matt Kingston (VP, Asset Management at H&R REIT), Jeremiah Shamess (Executive Vice President, Colliers), and Joshua Marlowe (Principal, Berkshire Axis) dig into the shifting economics of purpose-built rentals, the long road of office repositioning, and the growing appeal of industrial development as the most resilient asset class in the country. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 90 of the Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers sits down with three major developers who are helping reshape how Toronto grows: Gabriel Leung of Concord Adex, Derek Goring of Northcrest, and Anton Katipunan of RioCan. From transforming airport runways into walkable communities to building Toronto’s most iconic mixed-use developments, the trio shares hard-earned insights into urban redevelopment, transit infrastructure, heritage challenges, and the realities of retail. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 89 of Toronto Under Construction, Ben Myers is joined by three of the most candid and experienced voices in the development world: Paul Golini of Cardea, Leith Moore of Assembly, and Julie DiLorenzo of Mirabella. All three have held leadership roles at BILD and continue to advocate for better planning, faster approvals, and housing policies that actually work. This episode dives into six timely topics—from GTA application slowdowns to prefab innovation to the real cost of taxing investors. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 88 of Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers is joined by Ilana Altman (The Bentway), Brandon Donnelly (Globizen), and Rob Spanier (Spanier Group) for a lively exploration of what makes great public spaces, how Toronto is evolving under infrastructure like the Gardiner, and what it means to design cities with people at the forefront. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 87 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by Max Steiner (Elm Developments), Mark Zaky (Greenwin), and Todd Nishimura (Baker Real Estate) for a candid conversation about the current state of purpose-built rental housing. From taking over distressed sites to launching rental-first divisions and navigating public-private partnerships, the episode explores how seasoned operators are adapting to one of the most challenging development cycles in recent memory. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 86 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers welcomes three of Toronto’s most respected architects—Clifford Korman of Kirkor Architects, Richard Witt of Quadrangle Architects, and Gabriel Fain of Gabriel Fain Architects—for an in-depth conversation about how we shape the city we live in. From policy hurdles to design philosophies, the episode covers the tension between density and liveability—and what it really takes to create a city that works for everyone. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 85 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by three leading voices in real estate journalism: Danny Roth of Storeys, Ed Skira of Urban Toronto, and Garry Marr of CoStar. This episode takes a fascinating turn into the media world—tracking how real estate reporting has evolved over the last two decades, and how the rise of digital platforms, clickbait culture, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the narrative around housing. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 84 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers invites guests Adam Sheffer, Originate Developments, Ty Diamond of Diamond Kilmer, and Pouyan Safapour of Devron Developments, to navigate a series of real-world development hypotheticals. Through tough calls, creative thinking, and brutal honesty, the episode offers an inside look at the decision-making pressures builders face in Toronto’s volatile housing market. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 83 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by Realtors Roy Bhandari and Brian Persaud for a deep dive into the evolution of the pre-construction investor market in the GTA. From the early days of platinum access to the shifting profiles of today’s condo buyers, this episode tackles misconceptions, market dynamics, and the essential role investors play in getting new housing built. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 82 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by Igor Dragovic from Concert Properties and Blair Scorgie of Scorgie Planning. This episode dives into the complexities of urban planning, public engagement, housing research, and the latest policy shifts shaping the future of development in Toronto and beyond. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In episode 81 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by homebuilding industry veteran Hugh Heron, founder of Heron Homes and Heathwood Homes. With decades of experience in residential development, Hugh shares insights on navigating market downturns, pioneering new housing concepts, and the challenges facing today’s homebuilders. From his early days in Scotland to becoming a household name in Canadian homebuilding, this episode dives into Hugh’s career, industry challenges, and his forecast for the future of low-rise housing. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 80 of Toronto Under Construction, host Ben Myers is joined by Bader Elkhatib (CentreCourt), Christopher Wein (Equiton), and Kevin Stark (Trinity Group) for an in-depth discussion on the state of the GTA’s housing market. They explore new condo sales forecasts, investor sentiment, foreign investment, and rent projections in Canada’s evolving real estate landscape. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

After a dynamic year in Toronto's real estate market, Ben Myers of Bullpen Consulting dives into key 2024 market statistics, including new construction sales, rental apartment trends, resale activity, and project completions. Ben offers expert insights on the investor and end-user markets, analyzes supply and demand dynamics, and shares his perspective on strategies to improve housing affordability in the GTA. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 78 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, host Ben Myers is joined by Uzo Roussouw, Director of Land at Ballantry Homes; Edward Jegg, Research Manager at Altus; and Frank Clayton, Senior Research Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Together, they explore historical and current housing trends, government policies, development charges, and the evolving dynamics of Toronto’s housing market. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 77 of the Toronto Under Construction podcast, Ben welcomes David Klugsberg from LA Ads, Linda O’Connor from Ryan Design and Norm Li from Norm Li to explore branding, design, and marketing in Toronto’s real estate market. From adapting strategies for rentals vs. condos to leveraging AI in campaigns, the panel shares insights on tenant retention, customer loyalty, and creating impactful designs. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In Episode 76 of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by Noah Rechtsman, Doug Hochglaube, and Francesco (Franc) Margani to explore the intricacies of Toronto's real estate market. From land valuation and distressed properties to rezoning challenges and innovative financing solutions, this episode offers an in-depth look at the factors shaping Toronto’s urban landscape. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben and guest co-host Naama Blonder are joined by renowned urbanist Richard Florida to explore Toronto’s urban challenges and opportunities. They discuss the missed potential of Sidewalk Toronto, the controversy around Ontario Place and Billy Bishop Airport, and the cultural barriers to reducing car dependency. Richard shares insights on preserving Kensington Market, the creative class’s role in the city, and the affordability crisis driving young professionals away. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by Jeff Brenner from Castlepoint Numa and Kiran Mirok from Resident to discuss key issues shaping Toronto’s real estate landscape. They tackle community concerns over increased density, Toronto’s shifting zoning policies, and the enduring appeal of single-family homes amidst rising costs. The conversation also explores how developers are adapting to market slowdowns, the appeal of partnerships in complex projects, and the future of mixed-use and luxury developments. Don’t miss this in-depth look at the strategies and challenges influencing Toronto’s evolving skyline. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben and guest co-host Matt Young sit down with Sasha Cucuz, CEO of Greybrook Capital for a deep dive into real estate investment. Sasha shares Greybrook's journey, from its strategic partnerships to navigating the complexities of development equity in both the GTA and U.S. markets. They explore investor sentiment, market shifts, and how Greybrook is positioning itself for future growth. Tune in for expert insights on real estate strategy and market trends. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*

In this episode of Toronto Under Construction, Ben is joined by KC Daya from Clifton Blake, Howie Paskowitz from Starlight Investments, and Oren Turk from Pinemount Developments to discuss rental apartment development in Ontario. The panel covers the impact of interest rates, navigating construction costs, and mid-rise development strategies, with insights on the rental market, financing, and more. Tune in for expert perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in today’s development landscape. *Sponsored by: BCGi Baron Consulting Group Executive Search*