IMMO 2020: The biggest event in rental real estate continues today and tomorrow
The pandemic has brought significant changes to Quebec’s rental housing sector. The impacts are numerous: sharply rising construction costs, an unusually frenzied real estate market, and major shifts in lifestyle habits. What does this mean for the future development of Montreal and its downtown core? Leading experts will provide unprecedented insight during the 8th edition of IMMO, CORPIQ’s annual event.
Designed to help participants better understand the socioeconomic issues affecting housing and identify opportunities within a rapidly evolving ecosystem, the event brings together a distinguished panel of experts, each offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
We felt it was important to make key information accessible so that rental property owners can better understand the significant changes taking place in the rental market and the impacts of the pandemic. For this edition of IMMO, we have assembled a record number of experts to shed light on the unprecedented situation we are experiencing,” said Benoit Ste-Marie, Executive Director of CORPIQ.
This fully digital edition takes place on November 17, 18, and 19. Participants will also be able to watch all content at their own pace in the weeks that follow, from the comfort of their homes.
Day 1: Construction costs and 40 years of housing regulation
On the opening day, Hans Brouillette, CORPIQ’s Director of Public Affairs, sat down with Sergio Callocchia, Director of Cost Consulting and Project Management at Altus Group, and Me Éric Thibaudeau, Partner at Langlois Lawyers, both recognized experts in the construction industry.
Together, they examined the explosion in construction and renovation costs affecting both new residential developments and the aging housing stock. They explained that long before the pandemic, structural factors—including regulatory constraints and a growing volume of projects—were already contributing to significant price increases.
The first day also featured a historic conversation with four individuals who helped shape the history of the Régie du logement, which celebrated its 40th anniversary that year. Claude Chapdelaine, economist and founding president of the Régie du logement; Louise Thibault, president from 1987 to 1993; Luc Harvey, president from 2008 to 2015; and Pierre Gagnon, administrative judge from 1980 to 2016, shared their experiences and perspectives on key social and legal issues.
A comprehensive economic outlook
The second day focused on Montreal’s urban development challenges through presentations by three leading urban planning experts: Richard Bergeron, urban planner and former member of Montreal’s Executive Committee; Jean-Philippe Meloche, Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal’s School of Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture; and Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill University and an internationally recognized authority in the field.
These presentations were followed by two live keynote sessions on the economy and its impact on real estate. Matthieu Arseneau, Deputy Chief Economist and Managing Director at National Bank, and Hélène Bégin, Senior Economist at Desjardins Group, shared their analysis of the pandemic’s economic consequences and their outlook for the future.
Day 3: Investing in the future of housing
The final day of IMMO brought together both real estate investment experts and developers to discuss what is currently driving their investment decisions.
Moderated by Benoit Ste-Marie, the panel featured Jean-Marc Bélanger, Vice-President of Operations, Multi-Residential Division, at Cogir Real Estate; Marilou Hudon-Huot, Project Director at the Angus Development Corporation; and Yann Lapointe, Co-President of Pur Immobilia Inc.
The panelists shared their perspectives on the future of real estate, the challenges they face, and the innovations they are implementing in rental housing and condominium development. They also discussed the impact of COVID-19 and how some of its effects may create opportunities within an evolving housing market.
IMMO concluded with an interview featuring two successful real estate investors and authors: Yvan Cournoyer, President of the Quebec Real Estate Investors Club, and Martin Provencher, a consultant and accomplished real estate developer.
They shared their views on various real estate investment sectors and painted an overall positive picture of the future of the multi-residential market, citing strong demand for rental housing and continued access to investment capital. Both believe the pandemic will have lasting effects on housing preferences and lifestyle choices.
IMMO partners
This event was made possible thanks to the valuable support of CORPIQ’s partners: Hydro-Québec, Kangalou, Desjardins, Duro Toit, Multi-Prêts Hypothèques, BuildingLink, NVira, QTMG Bailiffs, Smart Reno, Snaile, Valusol, Wifiplex, and ABC Pest Control.
More information about IMMO is available at immo.corpiq.com.
