Toronto Hosts Forum for Built Environment Sector Focusing on Supply Chains and Technology

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A recent forum in Toronto brought together Irish and Canadian companies to discuss trends in the built environment sector, highlighting supply chain resilience and investment opportunities.

On October 15, a significant forum dedicated to the built environment sector took place at the Toronto headquarters of Multiplex Construction. This event was organized in collaboration with the Toronto Ireland Development Alliance (TIDA) and was part of a comprehensive two-day business program in Toronto that welcomed over 20 Irish companies engaged in supply chain and technology sectors. The morning session began with networking and registration, leading to opening remarks delivered by Clare Fitzgibbon, the consul general of Ireland in Toronto, alongside Mark Nolan, director at Multiplex Construction, and Patrick Tobin, Senior Vice President at Enterprise Ireland.
One of the highlight discussions during the forum featured Niall Collins, Executive Vice President of Choice Properties REIT, who engaged in a dialogue with Tobin. They delved into the topic of 'Building Canada’s Next Generation of Communities,' examining the evolving needs of occupiers, investors, and developers regarding the future of the built environment.
A panel discussion titled 'What Owners and Contractors Need from Global Supply Partners' brought together influential leaders from across Canada’s construction and development sectors. Notable participants included Paul Sheridan from Plan Group, Scott Williams from Multiplex, Niall Finnegan from Finnegan Marshall, Dermot Sweeney from Sweeny & Co., and Brendan Conway from Greywood Developments, who moderated the session. This discussion revolved around key themes such as procurement trends, the resilience of supply chains, the necessity for innovation, and the increasing importance of dependable international partners in executing large-scale infrastructure and construction projects.
The forum also featured an eagerly awaited session titled 'Capital Flows Shaping Canada’s Built Environment,' which scrutinized investment trends and financing priorities within the sector. The panel included notable figures like Caitriona Geoghegan from National Bank of Canada, John Lyne from CDPQ, Karl Brady from Greybrook Realty Partners, and Caroline Madden from CIBC. Moderated by Clare Horan, Senior Vice President of Credit Risk at Scotiabank, the discussion focused on how investors, lenders, and developers are adjusting to shifting market conditions while continuing to support significant real estate and infrastructure initiatives across Canada.
Concluding the forum was a discussion themed 'Ireland’s Built Environment: Capabilities, Outlook and Opportunities Under CETA.' This session highlighted the expertise and global competitiveness of Irish companies, featuring speakers such as Eddie Lee from Malone Group, David Maguire from BNRG Renewables, Peter Vanderplaat from Aubren, and Jonathan McMillan, who manages the Industrial division at Enterprise Ireland. Aidan McKenna, regional director for the Americas at Enterprise Ireland, moderated this discussion, which explored how Irish firms are utilizing CETA to enhance their footprint in Canada and contribute to major infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.
The forum drew approximately 140 attendees, showcasing a robust interest in fostering collaboration between Irish and Canadian entities within the built environment sector. A pivotal aspect of the program was the arrangement of 42 one-on-one business meetings between Irish and Canadian companies, facilitating direct engagement with potential customers, partners, and industry leaders.
The event wrapped up with closing remarks from Paul Boylan, chairman of TIDA, who emphasized the necessity of reinforcing connections between the Irish business community in Canada and Ireland. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, praising the caliber of speakers, the quality of discussions, and the opportunities for meaningful business interactions.
The program culminated in a reception at Earls Restaurant, attended by over 100 guests, where David Piccini, Ontario’s minister of infrastructure, spoke about the province’s ambitious infrastructure agenda and the potential for industry collaboration. Piccini underscored Ontario’s substantial investments in transportation, housing, healthcare, and public infrastructure, highlighting the roles of innovation, partnership, and strategic planning in supporting the province's future growth. The reception served as an excellent opportunity to further solidify the connections made throughout the program, bringing together business leaders, government representatives, Irish diaspora members, and key stakeholders from Canada’s built environment sector. Participating Canadian organizations included Aird & Berlis, AMICA, Arenco, Austin Birch, Avison Young, and many others. Meanwhile, Irish companies such as Aubren, BNRG Renewable, Bucholz McEvoy Architects, and Kingspan were also present, showcasing the international collaboration in the construction and development sectors.

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