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Upgrades to the commercial districts of Toronto, Ontario are always welcomed by retailers and CRE investors alike. And this time, it’s the Golden Mile district mixed-use redevelopment that’s set to undergo massive changes. This redevelopment project is expected to attract more visitors and more foot traffic. With everything going according to plan, Golden Mile’s multi-tower project is on the path to becoming the hottest part of town.

Plenty of Green Spaces

While the multi-tower mixed-use redevelopment project initially suggested a total of 3,500 m² for parks and open spaces, the area’s been increased to astonishing 5,694 m².

This comes as great news for retailers who are expecting an increase in foot traffic. After the coronavirus pandemic’s been put under control, consumers are expected to flock to parks and open spaces and enjoy greater freedom once again, which will inevitably lead to more interest in brick-and-mortar shops, cafes and restaurants nearby, and subsequently more spending.

What This Means for Canadian CRE Investors

With the proposed redevelopment project in Toronto, everyone’s showing greater interest in the Golden Mile district. From potential new renters in the area to business owners looking for new office space and excited retailers who are looking to increase their sales – everyone is excited to see this project succeed.

Now is a good time to invest in retail CRE in Ontario and receive a higher return on investment.

BioWare has big news! The video game development company that established its HQ in Edmonton, Alberta in 1994, has recently moved shop to the downtown Epcor Tower location. The company has risen through the ranks over the years to establish itself as a globally recognized name in the industry.

This recent move into their new downtown Edmonton headquarters, in a way, showcases Bioware’s focus on their employees, having grown from three to 300. This expansion is a welcome change as planting one’s roots in one of Canada’s major regions can only bode well for big investments in commercial real estate down the road.

New HQ, New Opportunites

In the new Epcor Tower, BioWare occupies 75,000 square feet on three floors. This affords them more room to flourish and grow, and even expand on their infrastructure. The company has upgraded to hundreds of gaming stations, arcades, recording studios and motion capture studios.

Because of this expansion, BioWare has achieved positive momentum in the CRE sector. This also gives them access to a more adept workforce and scale their operations to staggering proportions.

There was some speculation that BioWare was planning to move its headquarters outside Edmonton, but these have long since been dismissed. Considering that it is the mastermind behind some of the most legendary franchises; Dragon Age, Baldur’s Gate, Jade Empire and Mass Effect, it’s no wonder that the company has decided to stay put in the city where it all began.

Generous Tax Credits in Edmonton

Casey Hudson, Manager at BioWare, has stated that the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit in Edmonton rendered the move tremendously easier.

This is a 25% refundable tax relief incentive that really proves Edmonton and Alberta’s dedication to drawing in and retaining corporations. With BioWare, the credit covered a portion of the building costs, allowing the firm to turn its attention to further expansions. The new move, reports Casey Hudson, has enhanced the work ethic greatly.

Conclusion

BioWare’s HQ shift has proven to be efficient and strategic in positioning the firm to acquire that vital competitive edge. The 25% refundable tax credit is nothing to sniff at, and has allowed the company to go cherry-picking from a wider talent pool, not to mention newer investment avenues.

This move heralds a new day for the CRE market as a whole as it has complemented the fast-changing downtown landscape.

Learn more right here:

https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/new-bioware-headquarters-in-downtown-edmonton

Tag: CRE investments

Toronto Mixed-Use, Multi-Tower Redevelopment