Working in the commercial real estate industry, you get a perspective of how large and multi-faceted this industry is, with hundreds of different jobs, roles, motivations, and ultimately types of assets that are managed, maintained, invested in, leased, and developed. For many outside of the industry, commercial real estate can seem like a "linear concept”, but it is far from that.

In the coming months, we will be entering into a global recession, unemployment will rise, liquidity will decrease and insolvency will be the ultimate looming presence. In the short-term it will be brutal, but in the medium term, it will be okay. In this blog, I’ve outlined the potential causal effects that this pandemic will have on the various, unique commercial asset types, and where the opportunities lie.

This week I wanted to jump back into my ‘Hotelie’ roots and highlight trends of the Canadian Hospitality Industry. Though not discussed as frequently, the lodging industry in Canada makes up a large part of the commercial real estate transaction volume in our country. In fact, 2016 and 2017 saw roughly $4.1 Billion and $3.5 Billion, respectively, in total transaction volume, the highest numbers in over ten years!

The commercial real estate industry continues to transform, creating new opportunities and challenges for users and service providers alike. These trends are affecting the commercial real estate sectors individually (Industrial, Retail, Office, Hospitality and Multi-Family), as well as the industry as a whole. Being knowledgeable and able to adapt to these changes will create opportunities instead of threats for those [so lucky] to be involved.

It's no secret to anyone in Edmonton, or across the Country, that the City of Champions once again has a fever that presents itself in the shade of orange.... Orange Crush that is.