Our CTQ partners, Byron Douglas, Phil Mitchell and Steve Tobler, recently attended UDI Okanagan‘s “Getting to YES! Financing Development in Today’s Market” event in Kelowna.
The gathering brought together leaders from the real estate development, finance and construction industries. Together, they explored one of the sector’s most pressing questions: How can we move great development projects forward in today’s challenging economic environment?
Understanding Today’s Real Estate Development Challenges
The real estate development landscape continues to evolve. As lending conditions change and economic uncertainty persists, developers face increasingly complex decisions. Meanwhile, shifting housing demands add further challenges to moving projects from concept to construction.
Hosted by the Urban Development Institute (UDI) Okanagan, the event featured an expert panel moderated by The Kelowna Real Estate Podcast.
Discussions covered several important topics shaping the future of real estate development, including:
- Multifamily development financing and the challenges of securing funding.
- CMHC policies and their influence on housing development.
- Economic trends and lending conditions affecting project feasibility.
- Municipal incentives and opportunities to support new development.
- Industry collaboration and practical approaches to moving projects forward.
These conversations are especially relevant across the Okanagan. As communities grow, they must balance housing needs, infrastructure demands and sustainable development.
Why Industry Collaboration Matters
For CTQ, attending industry events means more than staying informed about emerging trends. Equally important is understanding the bigger picture and building relationships that help projects succeed.
As a multidisciplinary consultancy specializing in civil engineering and landscape architecture, we know successful development involves much more than technical design.
Each project brings together developers, financial institutions, municipalities, consultants and communities. Together, these stakeholders play an essential role in turning a vision into a successful development.
By staying connected with industry leaders, we gain valuable insight into the challenges our clients face. In turn, this understanding helps us contribute practical, collaborative solutions that support their goals.
Building Connections Beyond the Panel
Following the panel discussion, attendees gathered for a networking reception. This created opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and make new connections.
For Byron, Phil and Steve, the evening offered a chance to engage with fellow professionals who share a commitment to the Okanagan’s future. As Steve reflected after the event:
“It’s always valuable to hear different perspectives on development, housing and the challenges shaping our industry — and to connect with people who are helping move projects and communities forward.”
With a strong turnout and plenty of engaging conversations, the event demonstrated the value of bringing different perspectives together. More importantly, it reinforced how collaboration can help address shared challenges and uncover new opportunities.
At CTQ, we believe these connections make a difference. After all, valuable ideas often emerge through open conversations, shared experiences and a willingness to consider different viewpoints.
Helping Move Development Forward
At CTQ Consultants, we bring civil engineering and landscape architecture together from the earliest stages of project planning. This integrated approach encourages collaboration and helps create more coordinated design solutions.
As a result, our clients benefit from a team that considers multiple project requirements from the outset. These include complex site conditions, infrastructure needs, municipal processes and landscape design. Throughout the process, we keep the broader project vision in focus.
Successful development also requires a careful balance between financial feasibility, technical requirements, environmental responsibility and community needs.
While financing decisions fall outside our direct scope, we recognize their influence on development projects. Understanding these economic realities helps us respond more effectively to our clients’ priorities.
Ultimately, our goal is to deliver thoughtful, efficient design solutions that support projects from initial concept through to completion.
Looking Ahead: Getting to YES Together
A big thank you to UDI Okanagan, the event organizers, panellists and everyone who contributed to these valuable industry conversations.
Events like “Getting to YES!” highlight what can happen when people share knowledge, exchange ideas and work together. They also remind us that overcoming challenges often begins with meaningful conversations.
We’re proud to be part of an industry that continues to explore opportunities for responsible development. Through collaboration and fresh thinking, we can help create stronger, more resilient communities throughout the Okanagan and beyond.
Because at CTQ Consultants, we believe great projects begin with great relationships.
