Canada’s Economy Outperforms in 2010

2011 Outlook is for Slower but Continued Growth

The Canadian economy, led by exports and a strong commodity cycle, performed well through 2010. Anchored by a stable banking sector, the Canadian economy out-performed most other economies in the developed world. GDP growth is expected to be 3% for 2010. But the overall economy faces headwinds going forward. In particular, a weak U.S. dollar has driven the Canadian dollar towards parity, slowing our trade with our largest trading partner. And an already slow recovery in the U.S. will keep a lid on Canadian growth prospects for 2011. The result is a slower growth of GDP, now forecast at 2.3% for 2011.

The Canadian economy has gained back all the jobs lost during 2008 and 2009, but the unemployment rate remains steady at 8%. There is modest employment growth forecast for 2011 but also considerable slack in the economy. While the Canadian real estate recovery is not exactly v-shaped, as we enter 2011 the supply-demand characteristics of this sector appear balanced in most markets. Liquidity has normalized. REITS and other publically traded real estate investors raised substantial amounts of equity capital in 2010. While banks and investors are cautious, there is increased investment and construction activity occurring.

The ownership of commercial real estate in Canada, especially the best located real estate, is concentrated in pension funds, REITS and large domestic corporate investors. The best assets remain in relatively strong financial hands with conservative leverage employed. These pools of capital are looking to the U.S., Europe and Asia to satisfy the demand for high quality real estate. With the Canadian dollar close to par with the U.S., there is increasing interest by these investors in U.S. real estate assets.

Land prices firmed throughout 2010 in most markets across the country. Generally, cap rates compressed and interest rates declined slightly. Transaction volumes are no longer constrained by lack of financing but will remain slow due to low supply of good quality product. There is little evidence of distressed real estate in Canada.

Greg McPhie
NAI Commercial, Managing Partner, B.C.

BMR Le Groupe acquires the building housing its headquarter in Boucherville.

Paul-Eric Poitras, senior associate at NAI Commercial is proud to announce the sale of Ampère in Boucherville to BMR Le Groupe. The 160,750 sq. ft building built in 1977 and renovated in 1996 sits on a 387,420 sq. ft. lot and was sold for $7,500,000 which represents $46.87 per sq. ft. This commercial and industrial property has 28 foot-high ceilings as well as an excellent view of highway 20. Paul-Eric Poitras represented both parties in this transaction. This sale represents the largest industrial transaction on the South Shore in 2010 so far.

25,000 sq ft Building Lease Renewal for Le Groupe Master SEC

NAI Commercial is helping Le Groupe Master SEC with the renewal of a lease in Saint-Laurent. Paul-Eric Poitras and Alain Coté were hired for the renewal of the 25,000 square feet building on Lebeau Street in Ville Saint-Laurent. They have negotiated a long-term agreement with Rosdev to the satisfaction of both parties. The space is currently being used for administrative offices, a warehouse and a store. The space will also be renovated.

Subleased for Havi Logistics' First Class Distribution Facility in Richmond, BC

Cole Maedel & Aleem Thaver of NAI Commercial represented sub-landlord Havi Logistics to sub-leased 46,946 sf of first class distribution facility at 21771 Fraserwood Way, Richmond, B.C.
to H-Cold Storage. Transaction Value: $2.95 Million.

Sub-Leased 38,000 sf First Class Distribution Facility in Calgary, Alberta

Stuart Myron and Daniel Goldstrom NAI Commercial Calgary represented Havi Logistics sub-lease 38,000 sf first class refrigerated distribution facility at 11195 - 42nd St SE, Calgary to Transcold Distribution. Transaction Value: $1.855 Million

$12 Million Court Ordered Sale Multi-Residential Development Site in Surrey for HSBC Bank Canada

NAI Commercial is pleased to announce the Court Ordered Sale of the property at 13718-100th Avenue in Surrey, B.C., for HSBC Bank Canada. The property totals 2.49 acres – zoned multi-residential for a total of 662,000 square feet of buildable space – with an asking price of $12.9 million. The Buyer was Concord Pacific, currently completing the neighbouring Infinity Towers.

The transaction was done by Senior Vice President & Managing Broker Gary Haukeland and J-D Murray of our Vancouver Office. For more information, contact Gary Haukeland and J-D Murray at (604) 683-7535 or Greg McPhie, Managing Partner – B.C. at (604) 691-6643.

Intermark Transport Inc. is installing their facilities in La Prairie, Quebec

Intermark Transport Inc. has been looking to move to a new larger location for a while. With the help of NAI Commercial, Intermark Transport Inc. was able to acquire a class “A”, industrial building, located at 800 Saint-Jose in LaPrairie. This 30,000 square foot building, sitting on over 300,000 square feet of land, will serve as a hub for Intermark’s business across Canada.