Commercial Real Estate Podcast

Commercial Real Estate Podcast


Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis with Collaboration and Support: Insights from Randy Gladman of Colliers

July 16, 2024

In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam interview Randy Gladman, Senior Vice President, National Lead, and Development Advisory at Colliers. Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in real estate development. We cover the need for more affordable housing in Toronto and Vancouver, the difficulties developers face in getting projects approved, and the negative perception of developers. Discover how collaboration between developers and the Government can help address the affordability crisis and meet the rising demand for affordable housing.


Topics covered include:



  • Development Challenges in Toronto and Vancouver
  • The gap between Supply and Demand of Affordable Housing
  • Difficulties in Getting Projects Approved
  • The Need for Greater Collaboration between Developers and Governments
  • Tackling the Negative Perception of Developers
  • The Role of Developers in Building Cities
  • Addressing the Affordability Crisis with Collaboration and Support
  • The Impact of NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard) on Development
  • Effect of Elections on Development Policies

More about our guest…


Randy has more than 17 years of experience in commercial real estate development, leading projects from initial acquisition through the design, approval, site servicing, construction, and disposition processes. In every project he undertakes, Randy focuses on ensuring project objectives are met in conformity with the client’s strategic goals, thereby building a successful client relationship throughout the project lifecycle. Throughout his career, Randy has assembled and managed development design and approval teams of external consultants, including civil engineers, planners, architects, surveyors, and lawyers. 


To ensure projects proceed to construction, he is skilled in pursuing required entitlements, including official plan amendments, rezoning, site plan approvals, minor variances, and building permits. Additionally, Randy has earned a reputation in the industry for fostering strong relationships with municipal staff, community stakeholders, and politicians to expedite project approvals.


Randy is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the International Council of Shopping Centres, and the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association. He has also authored articles about architecture, urban development, and the future of transportation. He earned his MBA at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management in 2006, where he first discovered his passion for land development.


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