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People & Companies News for Week Ending December 6, 2024
- Windmill Developments has announced three leadership appointments that aim to showcase the company’s dedication to sustainability and social impact. Jenny McMinn has been named a partner and will be responsible for communications and impact. She previously served as managing director at Windmill’s sustainability advisory arm, Urban Equation. With more than 15 years of experience in green building and community development across North America, McMinn will focus on broadening Ottawa-based Windmill’s sustainability initiatives to include social sustainability. Her role will involve popularizing the One Planet Living framework in North America, identifying new partnerships, and attracting socially conscious investors. Scott Pickles has been appointed managing director of Urban Equation, bringing over 20 years of expertise in architecture, development, and sustainability. A former development Manager at Windmill, Pickles has also held senior leadership roles at Avison Young and the City of Calgary. In his new position, he will expand Urban Equation’s sustainable advisory services, helping clients, including pension funds, developers, and landowners, achieve impactful and measurable outcomes. Graeme Hussey joins Windmill as director of affordable housing, a new role that highlights the company’s approach to tackling housing challenges. One of Canada’s leading experts in affordable housing, Hussey previously served as president of Cahdco, an Ottawa-based non-profit housing developer. With 15 years of experience in affordable housing projects, he will focus on creating innovative, cost-effective solutions to increase housing accessibility. This appointment underscores Windmill’s commitment to addressing both environmental and social sustainability within its development projects, said the company.
- Greg Salmon has been promoted to president and CEO of Western Surety Company; effective January 1, 2025. Salmon has nearly 15 years of surety experience with Western, culminating in a senior vice-president position. Regina-based Western is a federally chartered insurance company and is the only company in Canada that specializes solely in writing surety bonds for the construction industry, as well as commercial surety bonds, throughout Canada. Salmon will succeed Scott Donald, who has been appointed as vice-chair of the company’s board and will will remain involved in the maintenance and transition of key business relationships.
- Proptech startup Hyyve is seeking Canadian residential real estate experts for the company’s new advisory board. Members will have a chance to influence the future of Canadian real estate, collaborate with seasoned entrepreneurs, gain advisory shares in the company and enjoy insider access to future funding rounds. Hyyve is also seeking agents as the company starts up in Toronto and seeks to expand into other markets. The company operates what it describes as Canada’s first real estate agent bidding platform, designed to empower homeowners and highlight the indispensable role of real estate agents. The platform facilitates upfront payments for listings. Hyyve says the technology ensures that agents and homeowners benefit from a streamlined, results-driven process. To inquire about joining the advisory board or becoming an agent, contact: Hyyve CEO Patrick Armstrong at [email protected].
- Equiton Developments has appointed Christopher Wein as chief operating officer. Wein brings more than 25 years of experience in the real estate development industry to Toronto-based Equiton. His experience spans innovative technologies, sustainable building practices, and project leadership across North America. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to fostering growth, Wein’s leadership aligns with Equiton’s values of delivering exceptional projects and achieving long-term success for investors, said the company. Wein has played senior leadership roles with such other firms as Lanterra and Great Gulf Homes, serving as president of both firms. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wein is an active community leader, serving as Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society and as a board member for Elevate, Canada’s largest tech and innovation festival, among other impactful roles.
- The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) has appointed three new interim board members for EnerQuality as the company enters a growth phase. The interim board includes Gord Cooke, president of Building Knowledge; Brian Johnston, former CEO of CreateTO; and Peter Saturno, president of Midhaven Homes. Following OHBA’s acquisition of full ownership of EnerQuality in September 2024, the board will provide guidance on strategic direction, define future board requirements, and oversee the search for a new CEO. The incoming CEO will focus on expanding EnerQuality’s role as Ontario’s leading provider of professional training and education for the residential construction industry, alongside its energy certification services, said OHBA. EnerQuality, Canada’s foremost certifier of energy-efficient homes, will continue its successful energy labelling programs, which include ENERGY STAR for new homes and multi-family projects, Net Zero and Net Zero Ready, EnerGuide, and R-2000 certifications. The company, originally founded by OHBA and the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance in 1998, is being positioned to lead OHBA’s external education initiatives and provide essential training to its members and the broader industry. With these new appointments and strategic initiatives, EnerQuality aims to strengthen its impact on Ontario’s residential construction sector while advancing energy efficiency and sustainability standards, said the OHBA.
- Neil Fawcett has been appointed head of faculty and chair for the Real Estate Institute of Canada’s academic advisory committee. After serving as a director, president, and past-president of the national board over the past four years, Fawcett will now oversee instructor training, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. As chair of the academic advisory committee, he will lead efforts to enhance REIC’s curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the real estate profession. Looking ahead to 2025, Fawcett aims to support REIC’s mission of promoting professionalism and ethical practices by encouraging industry professionals to pursue accreditations, designations, and training with the institute. He announced his appointment in a LinkedIn post.
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