Building major housing projects in Canada is a deeply complex and often misunderstood process — one that requires more than just permits and plans. It’s about aligning the vision, values, and needs of developers, cities, and the communities they aim to serve. And at the centre of that delicate balance is Gary Pooni, President of Pooni Group, a renowned Urban Planning and Land Development consultancy based in Vancouver. With nearly 30 years of experience, Gary has played a critical role in shaping some of the most significant developments across Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Alberta, and Ontario. In this episode, we sit down with Gary to uncover the nuanced and often unseen world of urban planning in Canada why it seemingly takes an inordinate amount of time to build anything. With over 800 projects successfully guided through all stages of the development process in more than 25 Canadian municipalities, the Pooni Group has become the gold standard in bridging the gap between municipal regulations and private development. Gary shares how his team helps developers navigate the red tape of rezoning, permitting, and compliance — particularly in markets like Vancouver, where the approval process for major projects can take years and often results in a stifled housing supply and elevated prices. We ask Gary to shed light on why this process takes so long, what the biggest systemic bottlenecks are, and what practical solutions might look like. From there, we zoom out to a national lens, exploring the broader challenges that slow the pace of housing construction across Canada — and what must change if we’re serious about addressing affordability and supply. But this conversation goes far beyond bureaucracy. We explore the future of Canadian cities and what urbanization might look like by 2050. Gary shares his bold predictions about how technology — particularly AI and robotics — will shape the way we design and build communities. He also discusses how the post-pandemic landscape has fundamentally shifted the office and retail sectors, and how the concept of “experience” is becoming the cornerstone of these spaces. We also dive into demographic shifts — with millennials and downsizing boomers now dictating what types of homes are being built, what features matter most, and how planners need to adapt their strategies to meet evolving lifestyles and expectations. Finally, Gary introduces his brand-new development course — a must for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of real estate development in Canada. Whether you're a new developer, a seasoned investor, or a curious policy enthusiast, this course promises to deliver practical knowledge from one of the most experienced professionals in the field. This episode is a masterclass in how real estate development really works in Canada — from behind-the-scenes negotiations to the visionary thinking needed to build the cities of tomorrow. Don’t miss it. Join The Course Here: https://laidleracademy.com/pooni-new-era-course _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834
[email protected] Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089
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