Committee Highlights: Key Insights from March 2025
REALPAC committee meetings are where ideas are exchanged, expertise is shared, and industry direction is shaped. Below, you’ll find brief highlights from March discussions.
These summaries capture key takeaways but can’t replace the in-depth discussions, Q&A, and networking opportunities that come with participating live. Committee members are invited to join us at future meetings to share your voice and contribute directly to shaping outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence Committee
The committee discussed the integration and management of AI within REALPAC member companies, including the challenges of risk assessment, policy implementation, and training. The participants shared their experiences with AI, highlighting the importance of privacy, human oversight, and the need for ongoing efforts to educate teams about AI. The meeting also touched on the broader concept of “BYOAI” (Bring Your Own AI) and the use of various AI tools in workflows.
Decarbonization Working Group
The group discussed a first draft “framework” of REALPAC’s Low Carbon Playbooks – comprehensive playbooks, by asset class, targeted for asset/investment managers – in addition to the methodology Corporate Knights uses for their sustainability ratings.
People & Culture Committee
We were pleased to host an in-person REALPAC People & Culture Committee Meet & Greet at Peakhill Capital on March 5th. A sincere thank you to Peakhill Capital for generously providing the space. It was a pleasure to connect with committee members based primarily in Toronto, as well as from Calgary, Ottawa, Kingston, and London, Ontario. The opportunity to share our professional journeys and experiences over a delicious lunch made for a truly engaging and enjoyable afternoon. Since its inception in 2004, this committee has been fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration across the Canadian commercial real estate industry. This gathering was yet another great example of that in action.
REALPAC/MSCI Property Fund Index Committee
A range of topics were covered at this month’s REALPAC/MSCI Property Fund Index Committee meeting including data centres, property valuations and index composition. Discussions centred around increasing transparency in property valuations, potential changes to appraisal practices, and the criteria for inclusion in the Global Core Diversified Property Fund Index. The committee also explored ideas for improving index representation.
Retail Owner Committee
In the recent meeting, participants engaged in a presentation focused on navigating urban security challenges, highlighting key security precautions and protections essential for maintaining a successful and safe retail environment. Following the presentation, a roundtable discussion provided an opportunity for attendees to exchange insights and perspectives on current industry issues. The discussion addressed the potential impact of new U.S. tariff policies, exploring how these changes could affect operations, costs, and strategic planning within the sector. In addition, REALPAC provided an update on the stormwater levy and commercial parking levy developments in the cities of Toronto and Gatineau, outlining potential implications for commercial property owners and operators.
