Who should be leading Canada's response to the housing crisis?
In this episode of the RMS Real Estate Development Podcast, Curtis Way is joined by Derek Lobo, Founder of Rock Advisors and Founder of the National Apartment Council of Canada (NAC). Together, they discuss why Canada's private apartment developers are essential to solving the country's growing housing shortage and why the industry needs a stronger voice in shaping public policy.
Drawing on decades of experience advising apartment developers across Canada, Derek shares why he created the National Apartment Council and how the organization is working to advocate for practical solutions that encourage rental housing development.
The conversation explores the disconnect between government policy and the realities of apartment development, while highlighting how thoughtful legislation can unlock private investment and accelerate the construction of much-needed rental housing.
Topics include:
- Why private developers build approximately 90% of Canada's rental housing
- The creation and mission of the National Apartment Council (NAC)
- Why Canada's apartment industry needs stronger representation
- Lessons from the U.S. National Multifamily Housing Council
- The role of private capital in addressing Canada's housing shortage
- How tax policy can encourage new apartment construction
- The proposed return of the MURB (Multiple Unit Residential Building) program
- Why long-term apartment ownership differs from condominium development
- The importance of CMHC financing and collaboration with government
- Regional differences in housing markets across Canada
- Why developers need a seat at the table when housing policy is created
- Intergenerational succession planning for family-owned development companies
- Long-term solutions for increasing Canada's rental housing supply
Derek also explains why Canada's housing challenges cannot be solved through a single policy or government program alone. Instead, he argues that sustainable solutions require collaboration between governments, developers, lenders, investors, and industry organizations that understand the complexities of apartment development.
One of the most compelling takeaways from the conversation is that Canada's private apartment developers have quietly provided the vast majority of the country's rental housing for decades. By creating policies that encourage investment, reduce unnecessary barriers, and support long-term development, Canada has an opportunity to dramatically increase housing supply while strengthening communities across the country.
Whether you're a developer, investor, policymaker, lender, or simply interested in the future of housing in Canada, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the country's most important economic and social challenges.
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:
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