Aaron Whalen is an innovative architect with over a decade of experience specializing in housing design and architecture. After earning his degree from Toronto Metropolitan University Aaron began designing custom homes in the Muskoka region before moving to British Columbia, where he contributed his expertise to Dialog Design and Bluegreen Architecture. In 2023, he founded his own studio, SNDBOX, where he focuses on creating innovative and affordable housing solutions tailored to the Okanagan community.

Through his career, Aaron has embraced the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in creative work. He believes exceptional architecture emerges from thoughtful questioning, dedication, and the willingness to discover unexpected solutions. As the founder of SNDBOX, Aaron brings this mindset to life by crafting designs that balance innovation with practicality.

Outside of his professional work, Aaron is passionate about his personal hobbies, such as roasting coffee in his shed and exploring the backcountry trail. His dedication to his craft and community shines through in every project, as he continues to inspire and deliver meaningful housing solutions.

Alexander Morsink is the Co-Founder and CEO of Equivesto, a Canadian online private investment platform. Equivesto is licensed as an Exempt Market Dealer in all 13 provinces and territories, and has helped private companies raise over $110MM on its platform since launching in 2020, with over $50M raised in 2024 alone. Equivesto also acts as an Exempt Market Dealer supporting the addy Invest real estate investment platform, and plays an active role in helping make private real estate investing accessible to all Canadians.

Alexander has been directly involved in helping shape the private capital raising landscape in Canada, both in providing feedback to the Ontario Securities Commission regarding the creation of the unified Canadian equity crowdfunding rules in 2022 (NI 45-110) and also through his role on the OSC’s Registrant Advisory Committee.

Alexander has made a significant impact through his leadership and mentoring roles, including mentoring at Founder Institute Toronto and San Francisco, The Forge Accelerator at McMaster University, and The Forum’s Scotiabank Women Initiative. Alexander is a Board Member and active Angel Investor with the Niagara Angel Network.

Previous to founding Equivesto, Alexander worked for over 5 years at Scotiabank in both Corporate Banking (GRM Financial Institutions) and Commercial Banking (Commercial Credit Risk). Alexander holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen’s University.

Alkarim Devani is co-founder of mddl and RNDSQR, where his passion for design and innovation drives his vision of redefining what it means to be a developer. Alkarim’s work building RNDSQR has garnered national and international recognition. In addition, Alkarim is a pursuing his Doctorate at the University of Calgary and is also an active member of the community and development industry.

He regularly contributes his time to numerous events throughout the country and currently serves as a board member for the Calgary Housing Company. Alkarim is currently in the next stage of his career with mddl, where the organization is a finalist in CMHC’s round five housing supply challenge and he is using his in-depth experience with middle housing to help empower the impact of gentle density housing across Canada.

Ben Singer is a commercial real estate lawyer with 8 years of experience in acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and a focus on condominium and subdivision development. He earned his JD from the University of Western Ontario and is licensed to practice law in Ontario.

He has played a pivotal role in guiding clients through complex real estate transactions and development projects, of all sizes ranging from 500+ lot phased subdivisions to 4 unit “Missing Middle” condominiums, leveraging his legal expertise to streamline processes and ensure compliance. With a background in Political Science and Philosophy, Ben brings a unique analytical perspective to his practice, making him a trusted advisor in the real estate sector.

Ben offers legal advisory services, mentorship, and guidance in real estate transactions and development. His expertise helps clients navigate regulatory requirements and achieve their goals in the commercial real estate landscape.

Bilal Maarouf is a licensed Professional Engineer specializing in energy efficiency and sustainable building design. With over a decade of experience, he is a trusted expert in energy code compliance and funding facilitation, collaborating with private sector organizations, non-profits, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to advance climate action.

Bilal has secured funding for numerous residential and non-residential projects across Canada by blending storytelling with engineering consulting. He excels at helping project developers and building owners meet funding requirements with minimal capital cost premiums. His team consistently achieves ambitious GHG reduction targets through custom built analytics tools and a streamlined consulting design/ret process. Bilal has partnered with leading companies such as Dream Properties, Cadillac Fairview, One Properties, and Astra Group to reduce both operational and embodied carbon footprints. He has also supported various green building certifications, ensuring compliance with local, regional, and international standards.

Bill Woodhead is a seasoned corporate commercial, construction, and energy lawyer with extensive expertise in public-private partnerships (P3s) and construction contracts. With a practice that spans a diverse range of industries, Bill has made significant contributions to major infrastructure projects, including rail and light rail developments, commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects, as well as power plant and industrial EPC contracts.

Bill’s work is centered on providing strategic legal counsel for complex projects. His areas of specialization include the preparation and negotiation of procurement documents, design-build agreements, and construction contracts for various assets. He also advises on mergers and acquisitions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and precision to every transaction. With a background as a project and account manager in the software industry before transitioning to law, Bill brings a unique perspective to his practice. He combines his technical expertise with a pragmatic approach to deliver tailored solutions for his clients.

Bobby Fijan is a Real Estate Developer and Co-Founder of a PropTech company. With a strong background in both real estate development and technology, Bobby has made significant strides in bridging the gap between these two industries. He is known for his leadership and innovative approach to creating sustainable and thriving real estate projects.

He has contributed to the success of Cross Properties, where he spent time helping shape the company's growth and development strategies. His work emphasizes creating spaces that promote flourishing communities and incorporate cutting-edge technology to improve property management and user experience.

Bobby offers mentorship and provides insights into real estate development, PropTech integration, and innovative solutions for creating sustainable, community-oriented spaces. Bobby’s expertise helps clients navigate the complexities of the real estate and tech sectors to achieve impactful and forward-thinking developments.

Carleen Su is a seasoned real estate investor and the founder of TruCapital, with over 16 years of experience in Western Canada’s real estate market. With a background in corporate finance, Carleen holds the title of Certified Real Estate Investment Advisor (REIA) and has successfully transacted over $20M in real estate.

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Carleen specializes in helping busy professionals grow their wealth through strategic real estate investments. She has a strong track record of successful residential and development projects, including over $10M in ongoing residential townhouse developments in Calgary and Edmonton. Through her guidance, clients can achieve financial growth without the hassle of hands-on management.

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She offers personalized investment strategies that help clients diversify their portfolios, generate passive income, and build long-term financial security. Carleen handles all aspects of asset management, making real estate investing simple and stress-free for her clients.

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Chelsey Jersak is a dynamic leader in city-building, urban planning, and innovative infill solutions. As the founder of Situate and co-founder of Wello, Chelsey helps developers and real estate entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of land use, zoning, and urban redevelopment. Chelsey brings close to two decades of experience in shaping vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods through incremental change.

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Her work is centered around turning ideas into impactful, real-world solutions—helping clients bring new life to established neighborhoods, bridge gaps between development and community needs, and overcome challenges in zoning and regulatory frameworks. As a recognized thought leader, Chelsey was named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40, reflecting her influence and contributions to the field of urban planning and development.

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Chelsey’s expertise extends beyond individual projects to focus on the broader urban ecosystem. She is the President of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) and has served on multiple boards and committees, advocating for policy change and innovative housing solutions. Her approach emphasizes incremental development as a powerful driver for long-term urban transformation, tackling everything from community pushback to complex regulatory barriers.

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Chris Pollen is the Founder of Boxfort Homes, with a diverse background in senior leadership roles across a broad spectrum of development projects. His expertise spans the entire development process, from acquisition to sales and closing.

Chris has managed the development of over 1200 town homes and 500 condos, totalling more than $400 million in value. His experience includes design, municipal approvals, value engineering, financing, and sales. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chris serves as a commissioner on the Calgary Planning Commission, the city’s highest development approval authority outside of the Calgary City Council. He has also been an active volunteer in addressing the challenges within Calgary’s redevelopment industry.

Chris brings knowledge and experience in real estate development, particularly in residential projects. He has a proven track record of managing complex projects and navigating municipal processes.

Claudius du Plooy is an experienced commercial lawyer specializing in acquisitions, financing, and securities in relation to corporate commercial law. He is the sole partner of Du Plooy Law, a firm focused on strong client relationships.

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Recognized for his ability to think creatively and critically, Claudius delivers practical business advice and helps clients create innovative and workable solutions. Du Plooy Law helps clients navigate legal challenges with clear, effective solutions, ensuring they feel informed and confident in their decisions.

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Claudius offers legal guidance in corporate law, acquisitions, banking, and more, delivering tailored, practical solutions that align with clients' needs and goals.

Cooper Le is a Senior Manager at 4 Elements Integrated Design LTD, overseeing production and operations. Based in Calgary, Alberta, he brings over 20 years of experience in architectural design, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices.

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Cooper is a certified Master Energy Advisor and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C, Homes), with expertise in EnerGuide, EnergyStar, and CHBA NetZero systems. He has significantly contributed to advancing sustainability and durability in residential construction, holding multiple credentials in energy efficiency and  assurance.

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As an experienced energy advisor and sustainability consultant, Cooper provides expert guidance in energy-efficient building design, multiple certification programs, and advanced building science. His services include energy modeling, quality assurance, and mentorship in sustainable construction practices.

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Dale Degagne is a military veteran and a real estate veteran. He is also a co-founder of a development company in Victoria, BC. With a degree in business management, a Certified Financial Planning Certificate, and training in development and project management, he combines hands-on experience with a strategic approach to building.

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Dale focuses on attainable "missing middle" housing. His goal is to make homeownership more accessible, faster, and affordable, while building smarter, more sustainable communities. A real estate investor since 20, Dale is deeply committed to creating lasting change and addressing the housing crisis.

When citizen developers connect with Dale, he will share his experiences working with the city of Victoria within the Missing Middle Housing Initiative zoning supplement, as well as hurdles and challenge he’s faced with financing, design, and other aspects of the development process. Citizen developers who embark on this journey should consider that this process and market is constantly evolving and learning at all levels should be expected.

Daniel Foch is the Chief Real Estate Officer at Valery and the host of Canada’s #1 real estate podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Daniel has built a reputation as a leading expert in market analysis and strategy. He co-founded The Habistat, an onboard data science platform for TRREB and Proptx, which has enhanced transparency in the real estate industry by leveraging real-time housing market data to support informed decision-making for key stakeholders.

Daniel’s contributions extend across a broad spectrum of the industry, having advised key players including all levels of government and some of Canada’s largest developers. His insights into market trends and his ability to distill complex data into actionable strategies have established him as a trusted voice in Canadian real estate.

Driven by a commitment to transparency and innovation, Daniel empowers industry professionals and investors alike with data-driven insights to navigate the evolving housing market landscape.

Darlene Jehn brings over 12 years of experience in urban planning and land development, having worked in various capacities for municipalities, private consulting firms, and developers. As the former Vice President of Development for a real estate corporation, Darlene successfully led and managed a real estate portfolio valued at over $450 million, encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial projects. For the past 8 years, she has been a successful investor in residential and commercial real estate. Darlene holds a Bachelor degree in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo and an Master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford. She is a certified Project Management Professional, a Registered Professional Planner and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Darlene has previously served as an elected Board Member for the Bow Valley Builder and Developers’ Association, the Town of Canmore Subdivision and Development Board, and the Town of Canmore Planning Commission.

Dave Onishenko is the Founder and Principal of Clarity, a professional urban planner and development manager with over 15 years of experience in the Edmonton region and Western Canada. He holds a Master’s degree in Planning from the University of Waterloo and is a registered member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

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Dave is renowned for his ability to connect people and ideas, finding innovative solutions to overcome barriers in urban planning and development. His active involvement in various committees and organizations related to planning and real estate development underscores his leadership and dedication to advancing the field.

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As an Expert-in-Residence (EIR), Dave provides mentorship, consultations, and advisory services in urban planning and development. His expertise lies in fostering collaboration, identifying creative solutions, and guiding professionals and organizations to achieve impactful results in their projects.

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‍Ervin Leung is an experienced real estate investor with over seven years of experience in developing and managing a personal portfolio of multifamily properties across the West Coast of Canada. In addition to his real estate ventures, he brings valuable entrepreneurial experience to the table.

Ervin has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market through his hands-on experience in property development and management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Operations Management from SFU and is further advancing his expertise through the Postgraduate Certificate in Real Property Valuation program at UBC Sauder.

Ervin provides mentorship, consultations, and advisory services with a focus on real estate investing. His transformative experiences in real estate have sparked a passion for helping others navigate the industry. He offers guidance on how to unlock the potential of real estate investments, helping individuals achieve financial success and extend these opportunities to others.

Evan Woolley has built a career focused on civic engagement, strategic planning, and urban affairs. With experience spanning government, private sector, and community organizations, they have contributed meaningfully to Calgary’s growth and sustainability.

Evan has held pivotal roles, such as Ward Councilor, Program Coordinator for Public Art and Community Relations Advisor at the City of Calgary, where they led initiatives like the imagineCALGARY Partnership and the Calgary Food Committee. He has also been involved in shaping municipal policy on the provincial level and managed public affairs for one of Calgary’s largest energy companies. His extensive volunteer work, including on the Mayor’s Civic Engagement Committee and as a Board Member of the Cliff Bungalow - Mission Community Association, highlights his commitment to civic and environmental progress.

Leveraging over a decade of expertise, Evan provides insights into civic engagement strategies, stakeholder relations, and sustainability initiatives. He excels in strategic communication, community engagement, and program development, offering mentorship, advisory services, and workshops to organizations and individuals aiming to strengthen their impact in urban and community development.

Frank Crawford is an energy efficiency consultant, specializing in designing and constructing high-performance, all-electric, net zero on site energy, and low embodied carbon buildings. He applies Passive House and Permaculture practices and principles. Frank isa civil engineer with over 15 years of experience in commercial construction project management and a passion for advancing energy-efficient building practices. A pioneer in sustainable design, Frank designed and now lives in one of Calgary's first Passive Houses, exemplifying his commitment to high-performance buildings and environmental stewardship.

As an Energy Efficiency and Passive House consultant, Frank advises on retrofits and new builds, bringing deep expertise and practical strategies to help clients achieve their sustainability goals. His contributions include serving as a founding board member of Passive House Alberta, where he continues to support the organization's mission to promote Passive House standards across the province.

Frank’s hands-on experience and dedication to sustainable construction make him a trusted advisor for those looking to navigate the challenges of high-performance building projects. Inspired by the potential of energy-efficient design to transform communities, Frank is committed to creating innovative solutions that empower others to build a more sustainable future.

Geoff is a professional Urban Designer and Master Planning and Urban Design Strategic Lead (Associate) at B&A Planning and Design in Calgary, with 18 years of experience. His career includes public sector leadership as the first Director of Design for Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, and CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, where he led the Downtown Master Plan. Geoff also founded a Calgary-based urban design firm, delivering over 80 projects across North America, and co-authored more than 40 form-based codes and SmartCodes as a partner at Placemakers LLC.

Geoff holds a Master in Environmental Design (Urban Design) from the University of Calgary, is a Knight Fellow in Community Building from the University of Miami, and is accredited by the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNUa). He has lectured at the University of Calgary and Andrés Duany’s CityBuilding Exchange.

Geoff offers mentorship, workshops, and consultations on urban design, focusing on creating walkable and mixed-use communities.

Gilles Lesage is a Home Inspector and Registered Energy Advisor with over 20 years of experience. He runs Total Home Solutions in Kelowna, BC, where he focuses on home inspections and energy efficiency.

Since becoming a certified energy advisor in 2005, Gilles has expanded his expertise to include new home construction and multi-unit residential buildings. After moving to Kelowna in 2011, he became actively involved in provincial energy efficiency programs and BC’s building code for new homes. Gilles has also been teaching and mentoring new home inspectors and energy advisors since 2013, helping develop future professionals in the field.

Gilles offers mentorship and guidance in home inspections and energy efficiency. He helps clients and professionals understand building systems, improve energy performance, and navigate complex challenges in the industry.

Giuliana Carbone is a seasoned Realtor®, Real Estate Developer, Interior Designer, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her expertise spans residential and commercial development, with a focus on creating innovative, high-quality spaces that balance design, functionality, and sustainability. She is currently leading multiple projects, including the development of mid-century modern townhomes, a 192-unit net-zero multifamily community, and a unique artist studio initiative providing affordable creative spaces.

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Beyond real estate, Giuliana has a deep-rooted passion for health, healing and horses. She owns multiple Pilates studio's, and is the Director of Love Reins Ranch. Driven, creative, and entrepreneurial, Giuliana thrives at the intersection of business, design, and wellness, continuously pushing boundaries to turn bold visions into reality.

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Regions: Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, OK Falls, Osoyoos, Oliver

‍Jamela Van Steinburg is the owner and operator of VLS Developments and VLS Construction. With over 10 years of experience, she has completed more than 40 infill development projects in the Okanagan, ranging from carriage homes to a 28-unit, five-story condo building.

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She has built a reputation for her expertise in all aspects of real estate development and construction. She is skilled in navigating city regulations, negotiating variances, and planning on-and off-site servicing. Her multifamily design approach emphasizes comfortable, private, and sound-mitigated living spaces. Jamela is also proficient in energy code planning, construction management in tight urban spaces, and optimizing designs for either rental or sale profitability. She can manage schedules, cut costs, and plan for dividing or rezoning properties to reduce risks and ensure the project's success.

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Jamela offers mentorship and guidance in infill development and construction. She helps clients create effective business plans, optimize funding, and streamline project timelines. Her expertise ensures clients are prepared for every step of the process, from design and construction to regulatory approvals and maximizing profitability.

Janna Levitt is the co-founder of LGA Architectural Partners and a leading architect with expertise in cultural and environmental design. She has led many major projects across Ontario as Partner in Charge

She has contributed to significant projects like the McEwen School of Architecture, University of Waterloo School of Architecture, and Evergreen Brick Works. She integrates cultural and environmental elements into her designs and is actively involved in architectural education and national design discussions.

Janna offers mentorship, advice, and workshops on urban and cultural architecture. She helps clients create spaces that connect people and culture while guiding innovative design practices.

‍Jaydan Tait is the President and CEO of Attainable Homes Calgary (AHC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions for middle-income Calgarians. With a focus on addressing the city's supply-constrained housing market, AHC develops a range of housing types, from for-sale townhouses to rental apartments, ensuring that hardworking individuals with steady jobs can access quality, affordable homes.

With over two decades of experience in the development industry, Jaydan has led land acquisitions, project design, and the delivery of multifamily and mixed-use developments across Calgary. A registered professional planner, he holds a master’s degree in Planning from the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary. In addition to his professional achievements, Jaydan teaches a course on Development and Planning at the Haskayne School of Business, sharing his expertise with the next generation of industry leaders.

Through his leadership, mentorship, and teaching, Jaydan offers valuable insights into urban planning, housing development, and strategies to tackle affordability challenges, making a meaningful impact on Calgary's housing landscape.

Jesse Potrie a registered Architect (AAA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary, Jesse brings extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, working on projects with budgets up to $100 million.

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Driven by a passion for enhancing the built environment, Jesse has contributed to projects of all scales, from major developments to grassroots community initiatives. As a founder of the Coalhurst Parks and Recreation Society, he led efforts to secure $200,000 in funding for a local spray park, demonstrating his commitment to community-driven impact. He now serves on the board of director for the Lethbridge Construction Association.

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As a town councillor, Jesse applies a deep understanding of municipal governance, including bylaws, policy, and political strategy. His ability to navigate these processes allows him to negotiate effectively, advocate for strong outcomes, and position projects for success.

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With expertise in architecture, urban planning, and community development, Jesse provides consultations, mentorship, and advisory services, offering creative and sustainable solutions for the built environment.

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Jimmy Castonguay is a seasoned expert in commercial real estate financing with over a decade of experience. He currently works at GreenBirch Capital, helping clients navigate complex financial solutions for property development and investment.

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He has worked with a wide range of clients, from small operators to large institutional investors, across markets in Kitchener, Toronto, and Vancouver. He has extensive experience securing financing for property acquisitions, building improvements, land development, and new construction. His deep knowledge of CMHC programs allows him to tailor Term and Construction Loan solutions to meet each client’s unique needs.

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Jimmy offers mentorship and expert advice on real estate financing. He helps builders, developers, and investors understand their financing options and structure deals that align with their goals, drawing on his years of experience and proven expertise.

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