#1 - Let's Go!
Introductory Newsletter
Let’s Go!
Welcome to the first edition of my monthly newsletter dedicated to unlocking progress on major projects in Ontario that deliver homes, infrastructure and jobs! These are the critical building blocks of our communities and our collective future.
Outside of my family and friends, my biggest passion is tackling a big goal by strategizing, breaking it into manageable pieces and persevering through execution.
For my entire career, I have been privileged to work alongside leaders and change agents in the public, private, and non-profit sectors who are doing just that. They are pushing the boulder up the mountain every day for the greater good. It’s remarkable to see what can be done against the odds with the right team and mindset.
Unfortunately, with costs escalating, unnecessary delays as the norm, and stakeholder webs tangled - complex projects are harder and harder to pencil and implement.
Anyone in the industry who has undertaken major projects will tell you - there is a heavy cloud of considerations and many obstacles along the journey to reach the end.
Notwithstanding, Ontario is primed for some rarified opportunities including: historic regional transit expansion with shovels in the ground, investments in jobs of the future, and a recognition between governments of the challenges facing the housing sector and “housing crises” – to name a few.
Let’s seize these opportunities and address these systemic challenges together.
What’s the newsletter about?
Each month, I’m excited to share fresh perspectives and insights on both age-old problems and emerging trends related to real estate, infrastructure and economic development in Ontario.
The focus will be on generating dialogue and connections between the private, public, and non-profit sectors to empower change agents and break down barriers to get stuff done.
The newsletter will include:
Unpacking of market trends and policy trends (and the intersection)
Profiling cornerstone initiatives, programs, and projects
Navigating bureaucracy and utilizing the ‘toolbox’
About Me
In July 2024, I started Building Edge Strategies as a strategic consulting firm. I have dedicated my career to advancing impactful projects that straddle the private and public sectors in the fields of real estate development, infrastructure and economic development. The focus of Building Edge will be no different. It will provide strategic advisory, government relations, and public affairs services with a focus on saving projects time, money, and managing risk so they “pencil” and get implemented for the greater good.
Before Building Edge, I was VP of Development at Infrastructure Ontario. We enabled and advanced major development projects connected to new Provincial subway stations. The Transit-Oriented Communities program has already entitled tens of millions of square feet of density across several stations (vs. the past, when transit stations were built in isolation – sterilizing development). Infrastructure Ontario is responsible for leading negotiations with private sector partners and supporting the Province’s engagement efforts while Metrolinx leads the transit planning and delivery.
Before that, I was a Minister’s Chief of Staff and Advisor to the Premier of Ontario. I was fortunate to play a role in advancing Ontario’s historic subway projects from idea to reality and securing tri-level government funding commitments plus the development and adoption of multiple legislative bundles, etc.
I was also formerly an Advisor (Policy and Council Relations) to the Mayor of Toronto and City Councillors where I learned how the sausage is made. We shepherded major Council resolutions and engagements through the machine. Also at the City, I was an Economic Development Officer where I had the opportunity to expedite development approvals for job creation projects and administer two development incentive programs to support ICI construction.
Today, I’m overwhelmed by the calibre and quantity of professionals in the industry who are driven to push the boulder up the mountain for the greater good despite the challenges. I look forward to connecting with you. I hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Building Edge Strategies is a strategic consulting firm on a mission to unlock progress on projects that deliver housing, infrastructure and jobs. It provides strategic advisory, government relations and public affairs services to private and public sector clients.
Visit www.buildingedge.ca