How do apartment developers secure financing for projects worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars?

In this episode of the RMS Real Estate Development Podcast, Curtis Way sits down with Jessica Harland, Senior Vice President with CBRE Capital, to break down the financing process behind modern multifamily developments.

Drawing on her experience as both a lender and a former CMHC professional, Jessica walks through the programs, requirements, risks, and realities developers face when securing construction financing for apartment projects.

The conversation explores how CMHC financing programs have transformed rental housing development in Canada, why Alberta remains one of the country's strongest markets for purpose-built rentals, and what developers need to understand before submitting an application.

Topics Include:

• Understanding CMHC financing programs for apartment development
• CMHC MLI Select versus conventional financing
• Affordable housing, energy efficiency and accessibility incentives
• How much equity developers really need to contribute
• The importance of a strong development pro forma
• Cost consultants, appraisals and due diligence requirements
• Working effectively with lenders and mortgage brokers
• Construction financing approvals and timelines
• Bonding requirements and alternatives such as letters of credit
• Corporate guarantees, personal guarantees and recourse requirements
• Interest rate assumptions and takeout financing strategies
• Managing construction delays and cost overruns
• Common mistakes developers make during the financing process
• Why project management and documentation matter as much as financing

Jessica also explains why having the right financing team is critical, especially for newer developers entering the multifamily space. From application preparation to final loan conversion, the episode highlights how seemingly small decisions can have significant impacts on project success.

Whether you're building your first apartment project or expanding an existing portfolio, this episode offers a practical look at how financing decisions influence every stage of development.

One key takeaway from the discussion: successful financing starts long before the loan application. It begins with a well-prepared pro forma, experienced advisors, and a clear understanding of the risks and requirements involved in bringing a project to life.

To learn more about the RMS Group, please visit: https://rms-group.ca/

This series was produced by Road 55 in Edmonton, Alberta – Learn more at: road55.ca

What are apartment investors looking for today, and how do different markets across Western Canada compare?

In this episode, Curtis Way of the RMS Group is joined by Brad Gingerich, Senior Managing Director with Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), one of Western Canada's leading multifamily brokerage teams.

Brad shares insights from decades of experience helping buyers, sellers, investors, and institutions acquire and dispose of apartment properties across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

The conversation explores how different markets are performing, what drives investor demand, and why Alberta continues to attract attention from developers and multifamily investors.

Topics include:

• Apartment market conditions across Western Canada
• The impact of rent controls in Manitoba and other provinces
• Cap rates and investor expectations in today's market
• Why Saskatchewan remains a unique investment opportunity
• Migration trends and how population growth impacts housing demand
• The evolution of apartment design and tenant expectations
• Condo-quality rentals and the rise of lifestyle amenities
• Why developers are building larger projects than ever before
• Challenges facing new developers entering the market
• The importance of scale, financing, and long-term planning
• How apartment ownership creates wealth over time
• What investors are looking for in today's multifamily market

Brad also discusses how tenant expectations have changed dramatically over the last decade, from in-suite laundry and smart-home technology to fitness facilities, co-working spaces, social lounges, and condo-quality finishes.

Whether you're an investor, developer, property owner, or someone considering your first multifamily project, this episode provides valuable insight into the realities of apartment investing and development across Western Canada.

One theme emerges throughout the discussion: successful multifamily investing is about understanding people, understanding markets, and creating housing that tenants genuinely want to call home.

To learn more about the RMS Group, please visit: https://rms-group.ca/

This series was produced by Road 55 in Edmonton, Alberta – Learn more at: road55.ca

What is really happening in Western Canada's real estate market?

In this episode of the RMS Real Estate Development Podcast, Curtis Way sits down with Dave Young, Executive Vice President, Capital Markets at CBRE, to discuss the current state of commercial real estate across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

The conversation explores the economic trends, demographic shifts, investment activity, and market fundamentals that are shaping the future of real estate development and investment throughout Western Canada.

Topics include:

• Alberta's continued population and job growth
• Why private sector employment matters to real estate performance
• Migration trends and the Alberta Advantage
• Industrial, multifamily, office, and retail market conditions
• How municipal taxes and policies impact development decisions
• The current state of investment activity across Western Canada
• Why investors are increasingly focused on cash flow over appreciation
• Market conditions in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia
• Capital flows, institutional investors, REITs, and family offices
• Cap rates, valuations, and investment opportunities across asset classes
• The future outlook for Alberta's economy and commercial real estate market

Dave shares why he believes Alberta remains one of the strongest real estate markets in Canada and explains why many investors are increasingly looking west for stability, growth, and long-term opportunity.

Whether you're a developer, investor, lender, property owner, or simply interested in the future of Western Canada's economy, this episode provides valuable insight into the trends driving today's market.

One message comes through clearly: strong population growth, private sector job creation, and affordability continue to make Western Canada one of the most attractive regions in the country for real estate investment.

To learn more about the RMS Group, please visit: https://rms-group.ca/

This series was produced by Road 55 in Edmonton, Alberta – Learn more at: road55.ca