Photos from the event
2024 Real Property National Workshop
From October 23-24, 2024, at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa and online, RPIC hosted its 2024 Real Property National Workshop (RPNW). This premier event featured keynote speakers, panel sessions, and breakout discussions on timely real property topics under the theme “Getting Real with Real Property.”
Download Program (PDF)Day 1
Speakers
Don Bilodeau
Jeff Westeinde
Jérémie Emond
President, RPIC | IBIC
Lezlie Locke
RCMP / RPIC
Thomas Ford
Director, Interjurisdictional Engagement, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Session Description
In this keynote, Jeff will explore how real estate can serve as a powerful catalyst for tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our country and the planet. With environmental issues, a growing housing crisis, and significant affordability concerns, we are at a critical juncture. Jeff will share insights from his journey with the Zibi project, highlighting successful outcomes that exemplify how real property can drive meaningful change. Join him as he presents a vision for leveraging real estate to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Speakers
Dale MacMillan
RPIC Assistant Deputy Minister Champion, National Research Council Canada
Diane Orange
Former ADM, retired
Jérémie Emond
President, RPIC | IBIC
Michael Wernick
Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management University of Ottawa and Senior Advisor, MNP Digital, and former Clerk of the Privy Council
Trevin Stratton
Economic Advisory Leader and Partner at Deloitte Canada and former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Session Description
The Urgency to Reskill the Workforce – What Does this Mean for the Real Property Executive? WELCOME:- Jérémie Emond, President of RPIC- Dale MacMillan, RPIC Assistant Deputy Minister ChampionFIRESIDE CHAT – How Critical is Upskilling/Professional Development to Productivity? What Role Do Executives Have in Productivity Gains?Panelists: – Michael Wernick, Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management, University of Ottawa, and Senior Strategic Advisor, MNP Digital, and Former Clerk of the Privy Council-Diane Orange, former Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), including lead of the Horizontal Fixed Asset Review, and RPIC ADM Champion Alumni- Trevin Stratton, Economic Advisory Leader and Partner at Deloitte …
Speakers
Kelly Christensen
Manager, Strategy & Pursuits, Black & McDonald Limited
Session Description
This presentation will discuss decarbonization pathways in existing buildings and ways to achieve net zero buildings through lifecycle retrofits. Practical approaches for implementing decarbonization projects will be addressed. We will discuss how energy management technologies and applications can be used to establish a pathway to net-zero through setting a carbon footprint baseline, setting data based reduction targets and conducting measurement and verification for optimizing energy utilization. We will also cover how asset management and the capital planning process for existing buildings provides “once in a lifecycle” opportunities for existing buildings to drive retrofit projects that are not replacing “like for …
Speakers
Amy Herbert
Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Agence de logement des Forces canadiennes /Ministère de la Défense nationale
Patrick Johnston
Department of National Defence
Ryan Maher
National Manager, Real Property Development, Defence Construction Canada
Session Description
In the face of a national housing shortage, innovative solutions are crucial to address this pressing societal challenge. This session provides insights into a dual-use initiative highlighted in Budget 2024 and led by the Department of National Defence (DND) that sees federal land retained and modernized for continued military requirement while also providing housing for Canadians. Initial locations being considered include Victoria, Toronto and Halifax – prime locations in urban centres with the potential to create vibrant communities alongside revitalized military spaces. The dual-use initiative is referred to as a “pathfinder” for its consideration of approaches outside of the status …
Speakers
Dean Collier
Design Manager (PSPC), PSPC
Jean-Yves Cormier
Senior Project Manager, PSPC
Jody Isenor
Senior Director, PSPC
Pierre McIntyre
Project Director, PSPC/SPAC
Session Description
This session explores the transformative journey of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre Project (ASEC) partnership, illustrating its evolution from a standard collaboration into a true example of Reconcili(action). By weaving together the narratives of the Indigenous cCommunity, the Acadian Sisters, and the Design and Construction Management Firm, it details how the project team navigated the complex dynamics of their partnership. The story of ASEC serves to offer as a replicable model and offers an honest assessment of lessons learned for other projects to benefit. Central to this narrative are the seven guiding principles: Project Design, Program/Policy (Science), People (Employment Opportunities), …
Speakers
Francois Brosseau
Senior Project Manager, Parks Canada Agency
TJ Hammer
Director, Archeology, Collections and Curatorial, Parks Canada Agency
Session Description
Parks Canada is in the process of consolidating 26 million archeological and historical artifacts under its care, presently stored in four Canadian cities, to a 8,200m2 purpose-built facility in Gatineau, Quebec. Learn how the Parks Canada Collections & Curatorial Centre came to be, how focusing on the care of the artifacts as the key raison d’être of the project served as a compass through all project phases, and has resulted in a facility intrinsically designed to care for the artifacts, as well as promote research and engagement, all in a sustainably built long term facility. Key features of the Centre includes a …
Speakers
Duanne Render
Regional Associate Leader of the Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Practice, Gensler
Fabiana Stubrich
Business Strategy, Infrastructure Services & Technology, EllisDon
Pavel Abdur-Rahman
Principal, Bluevale Capital Group
Travis Perry
EllisDon
Session Description
As office vacancy rates continue to rise, and as leases expire and high interest rates persist, building owners, developers, and even the federal government are grappling with the challenge of how to revitalize or repurpose stranded assets—particularly, Class B and C office buildings. While some older buildings can be renovated to increase their appeal, others are more suited for conversion to first-class, mixed-market housing. As seen in the recent federal budget announcement, the Canadian government is dedicating $1.1 billion to reducing its office portfolio by 50 per cent, and is prioritizing this space to be converted into non-market and student …
Speakers
Martin Lelievre
Senior Director, Real Property Services, PSPC
Rosie-Anne Thibodeau
Senior Project Manager, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch, PSPC
Session Description
Planning for the ongoing modernization and rehabilitation of the Parliamentary and Judicial Precincts has evolved substantially in recent years to meet changing client requirements. The long standing Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) has been guiding the development of the Parliamentary Precinct since 2001 and has recently been updated, following a multi-year process, outlining a plan to achieve a modern, integrated campus for the buildings and grounds of Canada’s Parliament. The Judicial Precinct is undertaking a similar exercise and is still in its early stage of development. The session will introduce Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)’s planning process along …
Speakers
David Marsh
Director, Real Estate | Directeur, Immobilier, Canada Lands Company
Jolene Mercer
Executive Director, Treaty One Nations
Session Description
As one of Winnipeg’s largest urban redevelopment sites and one of Canada’s largest urban reserves, Naawi-Oodena represents a recalibrated approach to city-building. This presentation will explore the collaboration between Treaty One Nations and Canada Lands Company, and how they are working together with the City of Winnipeg to realize their collective aspirations for the site.Anticipation for the redevelopment of the former Kapyong Barracks (re-named Naawi-Oodena) in Treaty One Territory and Winnipeg has been building for almost two decades. The Government of Canada’s sale of the property to the Canada Lands Company (CLC) in 2007, led to a legal challenge put …
Speakers
Diane Orange
Former ADM, retired
Michael Wernick
Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management University of Ottawa and Senior Advisor, MNP Digital, and former Clerk of the Privy Council
Speakers
Nick Liko
Technical Sales Engineer, Horizant Solutions Inc.
Session Description
A discussion on technologies that are influencing real property practices. The session highlights the impact and value these technologies are having for managing space, assets and portfolio optimization. We will cover where technology is being applied, challenges, adoption practices with a focus on key takeaways that you can apply today.
Speakers
Doha Chaqchaq
Project Manager, Health Canada
Yixiong Rang
Executive, project delivery, Health Canada
Session Description
This presentation will showcase the deconstruction of the Environmental Health Centre, from the strategic planning (Health Canada) to its completion (Public Services and Procurement Canada). The presentation will highlight the challenges for this important initiative (partnership with science program, implementation plan, contamination and indigenous reconciliation), and will provide great lessons learned for other departments seeking to rationalize their portfolio through similar initiatives.
Speakers
Nadine Merkley
Director, Real Property and Logistics, National Research Council Canada
Session Description
One of the key outcomes of the Horizontal Fixed Asset Review was the transformation from the perception that real property is a cost-driver and source of liability to the concept of real property as a strategic platform. This transformation leverages real property as a strategic partner to realize not only the organization’s strategic plan but to align with Government of Canada priorities. Over the past 18 months the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has been implementing the recommendations to the Fixed Asset Review to build a Real Property Policy Suite and Frameworks to move from policy to strategy. The …
Speakers
Jacob Tummon
Manager, SPAC/PSPC
Nicole MacDonald
Indigenous Inclusion Lead, Colliers Project Leaders
Session Description
This session will focus on current and developing areas of Indigenous collaboration in federal procurement, from policy to Indigenous Participation Plans (IPPs). Perspectives from inside the government at Public Services and Procurement Canada and from industry at Colliers Project Leaders will be shared.Rooted in Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, strategies to increase Indigenous participation in federal procurement in the real property space are fostering meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities, businesses, and the public and private sectors. The presenters will discuss efforts that aim to transform procurement, build supplier capacity, drive socio-economic growth, and create lasting opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.Further, this discussion …
Speakers
Dale MacMillan
RPIC Assistant Deputy Minister Champion, National Research Council Canada
Samantha Tattersall
Assistant Comptroller General of the Acquired Services and Assets Sector, Office of the Comptroller General at Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS)
Sarah Evans
Executive Director of Investment Management, Treasury Board Secretariat
Session Description
Join us for a dynamic session led by Samantha Tattersall Assistant Comptroller General, Acquired Services & Assets Sector and Sarah Evans – Executive Director, Investment Management Directorate from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, moderated by Dale McMillan Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, National Research Council and Co-Chair of RPIC’s Senior Advisory Committee. This discussion will focus on four key priorities: the role of real property in delivering government objectives, essential competencies and skillsets for the future, effective portfolio planning, and the critical importance of data-driven decision-making. Engage in a thought-provoking Q&A to explore how we can collectively …
Speakers
Lezlie Locke
RCMP / RPIC
Michael Kutcher
Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Disability & Inclusion Advocate
Thomas Ford
Director, Interjurisdictional Engagement, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Session Description
Join Michael Kutcher as he shares his powerful story of overcoming incredible odds, transforming adversity into advocacy, and reframing mindsets along the way. Born notably smaller and less responsive than his twin brother, actor Ashton Kutcher, Michael faced his first major challenge at birth. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age and heart failure by age 13, Michael’s battle for survival led to a life-saving heart transplant and a newfound perspective on the fragility of life.Today, Michael is a successful Assistant Vice President at Transamerica Retirement Solutions and a passionate advocate for inclusion and disability awareness. In this inspiring …
Day 2
Speakers
Chris Vandyk
Senior Director – Acquisitions and Business Development, Canada Lands Company (CLC)
Emily Wehbi
Director General, Federal Lands and Housing Sector
Jean Lamirande
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Policies and Programs Branch at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Jérémie Emond
President, RPIC | IBIC
Lezlie Locke
RCMP / RPIC
Linda Drainville
Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Thomas Ford
Director, Interjurisdictional Engagement, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Session Description
More details to come.
Speakers
Collinda Joseph
Manager, Accessibility and Education, Accessibility Standards Canada, Government of Canada
Sandrine Thibault
Universal Accessibility Team Leader at the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch (SPIB), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Government of Canada
Sarah McCarthy
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Rick Hansen Foundation
Session Description
Canadians struggle every day to access the places where we live, work, learn and play because of physical barriers to accessibility. Currently, 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, or 8.0 million people, have one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities – and almost 50% of adults have or have experienced a permanent or temporary physical disability or live with someone who has. 72% of persons with disabilities reported that they experienced 1 or more barriers to accessibility because of their condition at least sometimes in the past year. Disability can affect anyone at any …
Speakers
Amit Sharma
Director, Government Sector Canada Lead, People Committee Canada Lead, Turner & Townsend
Candace Larsen
Manager, Business Development, Onebowl
Katie O’Brien
Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), CBRE Canada
Rian Johnson-Bourque
Indigenous Engagement Canada Lead, Turner & Townsend
Session Description
Indigenous reconciliation in Canada is crucial for healing historical injustices, fostering social cohesion, and building a more equitable society. Call to Action 92 emphasizes the need for corporate and government entities to engage in meaningful dialogue and actions with Indigenous peoples to address the legacy of colonialism and promote reconciliation. This call to action underscores the importance of acknowledging past wrongs, respecting Indigenous rights, and working collaboratively towards shared goals. By honoring Indigenous knowledge, culture, and sovereignty, Canada can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Indigenous community. Turner & Townsend acknowledges that embracing reconciliation requires commitment, empathy, …
Speakers
Iana Ciatti
Account Manager, Horizant
Session Description
This session will highlight how the Canadian Government’s commitment to greening and sustainability goals for 2050 & beyond is driving real property management decisions today and near future. Emphasizing the integration of recognized certifications, technologies, and best ESG practices to help optimize. As environmental concerns continue to rise, the government is committed to enhancing the sustainability footprint – while supporting the mission of the departments to deliver value to Canadian Citizens its real estate portfolio through strategic use of right sized portfolios and data driven decision making. Hear from your colleagues using Leed Buildings and tactical energy data by site …
Speakers
Sébastien Yelle
Account Executive, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Session Description
Vous avez un espace d’entreposage? Vous ne savez pas quoi faire avec toutes les « affaires » que vous avez accumulées? Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les moyens d’économiser de l’argent et de mieux gérer votre espace d’entreposage? Si vous avez répondu « oui », cette séance d’information est pour vous! Services publics et approvisionnements Canada (SPAC) a entrepris un examen des espaces d’entreposage dans son inventaire et a élaboré des outils, des lignes directrices et des pratiques exemplaires pour gérer efficacement l’inventaire des espaces d’entreposage nationaux à l’appui du portefeuille de biens immobiliers du gouvernement du Canada. En …
Speakers
Justine Reynolds
Kevin Radford
Partner, National Real Estate Advisory Practice and Lead Client Service Partner for Central Agencies in the Government of Canada, Deloitte Canada
Samantha Moonsammy
Session Description
In today’s dynamic real property environment, mentorship is crucial for professional development. This timely panel will explore how mentoring bridges the gap between theoretical training and practical application. Kevin Radford, former Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at PSPC and current Partner at Deloitte, will discuss the benefits of mentoring for professional growth. Samantha Moonsammy, Section Head of Diversity and Inclusion at DND and creator of the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC), will share strategies for successful mentoring programs. Justine Reynolds, Senior Advisor to the Federal Youth Network, will provide insights from her experiences as both a …
Speakers
Iana Ciatti
Account Manager, Horizant
Session Description
Theme Commitments and Culture. Iana Ciatti, Horizant Inc explores the many ways the Canadian Federal Government can leverage real-time data to support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and transforming real property management. This session delves into how modern CRE practices can help to drive strategic decisions, enhance asset lifecycle management, and uphold government sustainability mandates & more through transparency, auditing, reporting and compliance. Collaboration across HR, IT, Real Property, and Finance departments toward common goals is refining portfolio management and operational strategies – taking them to the next level. In this session, attendees will hear about several initiatives from …
Speakers
Touria Chraibi
Architecte designer, RNCan
Session Description
Cette session mettra en lumière le processus d’élaboration de projets visant à améliorer l’accessibilité et l’ergonomie des laboratoires au Centre de Foresterie des Laurentides (CFL), un exemple concret de l’initiative Sciences Inclusives et Laboratoires Accessibles (SILA) de RNCan. Nous vous guiderons à travers les différentes étapes et stratégies adoptées pour transformer ce laboratoire en un espace plus inclusif et accessible. Bien que le projet au CFL soit encore en phase initiale, il démontre déjà l’importance des réflexions stratégiques et des planifications rigoureuses effectuées en amont, avant même la phase de conception. Nous aborderons l’importance d’adopter une approche stratégique pour comprendre …
Speakers
Aaditya Patel
Sustainability Consultant, Stantec
GHINA ANNAN
Principal, Decarbonization Business Lead, Stantec
Kashyap Desai
Senior Engineer, LabsCanada, PSPC
Session Description
The urgency to transform both existing building stock and future development towards a zero-carbon balance and potential having a net positive impact on the environment is clearly understood from the frequency of extreme weather events occurring across the globe. One of the key challenges faced by the buildings sector is the decision paralysis in taking radical action towards mitigating impacts of climate change and understanding the impacts of decision made now on our future. Applying a whole life carbon approach coupled with life cycle cost evaluation and benefits mappings can help in guiding project teams in making a business case …
Speakers
Channing McRae
Project Manager, Parks Canada Agency
Chris Russell
Vice President, Mechanical & Energy, EastPoint
Sandy MacInnis
Senior Electrical Engineer, EastPoint
Session Description
Sable Island National Park Reserve was established in 2013 as Canada’s 43rd National Park. This isolated, 31 km2 crescent-shaped island is 290 km southeast of Halifax, NS and a haven for wild horses, grey seals, and unique ecosystems. Its remoteness presents operational and environmental challenges, as all power generation for buildings has relied on inefficient diesel generators. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, as shown through lifecycle cost analysis, is highly economical for Parks Canada given the high cost and risks of transporting fuel to the island.Enter the Sable Island Microgrid Development Project, a game-changer for the island and a beacon …
Speakers
Marie Louise Gidaro
Head of Architecture, Global Affairs Canada
Sam Cox
Architect, Global Affairs Canada
Session Description
Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples provides guidance to advance the rights, perspectives, and prosperity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. The action plan is grounded in six overarching goals, and 24 actions. With Canada as a signatory of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, GAC is uniquely positioned to advance reconciliation with indigenous peoples both in Canada and indigenous peoples around the world. Through it’s core mandate and raison d’être, GAC advances reconciliation on several fronts. From a real property perspective, and specifically design, architectural expression and …
Speakers
FRANK LAWRENCE
National Channel Manager Operational Technology, Fortinet Inc.
Xavier Dupont
PreSales Security Expert, Channel OT, Fortinet
Session Description
As the last G7 nation and one of the few G20 nations without a firm regulatory framework around cybersecurity, Canada must act to protect the Nation’s critical infrastructure assets. These national assets by definition could include Federal Real Properties across Canada that possess Critical Infrastructure to Canadians, the trick here is to shed light on the Federal Real Property landscape and apply the current IT security practice and define those same processes for the Operational Technology. The primary focus of Bill C-26 is to add teeth to the governance and compliance of cybersecurity, especially in the much-needed Operational Technology (OT) …
Speakers
Alberto Amaya
Acting Project Director, PSPC
Melina Craig
Project Director, PSPC/SPIB
Session Description
As part of delivering the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) for the Parliamentary Precinct, the Centre Block Rehabilitation is the largest, most complex project to rehabilitate a heritage building ever in Canada. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is using innovative approaches and technologies to deliver the project. When the Centre Block reopens, it will be ready to meet the needs of a 21st-century Parliament for years to come. This session will be used to provide a general update on the headway made so far, the challenges faced and the targeted completion date on the following: 1- Centre Block …
Speakers
Anne-Marie Coutu
Manager, Departmental Greening, National Resources Canada
Nerys Parry
Practice Lead, Business and Portfolio Strategy, Tiree
Session Description
The Greening Government Strategy (GGS) has long required that departments understand the risks to their assets, services and operations. With the revised GGS, this requirement has been reinforced, with the need to review adaptation plans every five years and the integration of CRiVA results at the departmental level. In addition, the passing of the Canada Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act has required all departments to publicly report on their management of financial risks associated with climate change. In 2023, in anticipation of several of these changes, NRCan embarked on a portfolio-level Real property portfolio CRiVA leveraging guidance from the Greening …
Speakers
Mark Dolan
National Sales Manager, QEA Tech
Raisa Nekhaeva
Building Science Specialist, QEA Tech
Session Description
Accounting for approximately 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing buildings is essential in meeting Canada’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Building envelopes specifically are key in the decarbonization process of the built environment as they account for upwards of 40% of energy savings within buildings. New technologies such as precise drone imaging, innovative image processing, and AI systems present an effective solution, allowing for energy leakages within building envelopes to be captured and analyzed seamlessly. These technologies can be leveraged to pinpoint issues within and quantify energy loss of building envelopes, providing the in-depth data needed to …
Speakers
Demian Martin
Senior Project Leader, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Trisha Rosenbaum
National Strategic Planning Manager, Portfolio Planning, Real Property Division, NRCan
Session Description
This session will build on previous presentations that have introduced federal real property professionals to the Strategic Campus Asset Management Plan (SCAMP) process, currently undergoing refinement within Laboratories Canada (LabsCanada).Over the past two years, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has piloted the SCAMP process at two science campuses – the Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC) in Victoria, BC, and the Bells Corners Complex (BCC) in Ottawa, ON.Through a panel discussion, facilitated by NRCan and LabsCanada, NRCan representatives involved in the BCC SCAMP process along with LabsCanada will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned, drawing from their unique perspectives as science program/sector …
Speakers
Kelly Gillis
Deputy Minister, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Lezlie Locke
RCMP / RPIC
Thomas Ford
Director, Interjurisdictional Engagement, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Session Description
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) makes significant investments in housing and public infrastructure, addresses homelessness needs, builds public-private-partnerships, and delivers programs that improve Canadians’ quality of life by making Canadian communities more resilient, accessible and inclusive, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Join HICC’s Deputy Minister, Kelly Gillis, who will give short opening remarks on the work of HICC, the real property community in the context of building complete communities, and the importance of professional development in a changing world. Following her remarks, DM Gillis will take questions from the audience.
