The Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies works collaboratively with industry leaders and faculty from business and beyond to advance thought leadership for the real estate industry.
The Future of Real Estate
The Future of Real Estate Series, hosted by the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies, brings together industry leaders, academics, students, and community partners to explore the forces shaping tomorrow’s real estate landscape. Each event highlights a timely topic—from emerging market trends and investment strategies to housing policy, planning innovation, and the future of our built environment. The series blends practitioner insight with academic perspectives, creating space for robust dialogue and shared learning. By convening voices from across sectors, it fosters a collaborative community committed to informed, forward-looking real estate practices. Whether academically oriented or industry-driven, each session aims to spark fresh ideas and strengthen connections across the real estate ecosystem.
We are grateful to the Alberta Real Estate Foundation for their continued support, which makes it possible for us to bring discussions like this to both the community and our students.
Recent topics
The Future of Master-Planned Communities
June 2026
One theme that emerged throughout this conversation was that great communities are not built around homes; they are built around people. From evolving buyer expectations surrounding homes and neighbourhoods to designing spaces that foster connection and livability, our panel explored the three forces shaping the future of communities (environmental, household, and community), and what it takes to create places that stand the test of time.
The Next Generation Perspectives on Regulation and Affordability
April 2026
The 1st Future of Real Estate breakfast series Student Edition, brought together students, industry professionals, and municipal voices for a unique opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of leaders and engage in meaningful dialogue on the practical challenges and opportunities shaping Calgary’s evolving built environment. Featuring Mayor Jeromy Farkas, the discussion sparked meaningful dialogue on the realities of Calgary’s regulation and affordability, and the role the next generation will play in driving solutions.
Without open, trusted and transparent collaboration between industry and academia, our economy will not be able to meet its potential. It is on us as business leaders to stay vested and committed to continuous learning.
Dr. Sandip Lalli
Former President and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Panelists consensus
Panelists agreed that, regardless of the future of remote work, there is a strong demand for greater autonomy and flexibility in work schedules.
- Goodbrand, P. Holloway, T. (2019 Oct. 16). Spruceland Properties Inc.: Social Enterprise through Real Estate Development (Case Nr.9B19M100). London, ON, Canada, Ivey Publishing.
- Goodbrand P, Lalli S, Brazell C. (2018 Oct. 15). Keystone Excavating Limited: Preserving a Legacy (Case Nr. 9B18M158). London, ON, Canada, Ivey Publishing.
- Goodbrand, P., Gondek, J., Brazell, C. (2018, May 8). Knightsbridge Custom Homebuilders Ltd.: Commitment to Core Values (Case Nr. 9B18M083). London, ON, Canada. Ivey Publishing.
- Goodbrand P, Ambrose D, Gondek J. (2018 Mar. 14). City of Calgary: Financing Infrastructure. (Case Nr. 9B18M041). London, ON, Canada, Ivey Publishing.
Urban Issues and Real Estate
- Post-Secondary on the Prairies - Planning Implications of the Emergence of the City Centre Satellite Campus
- Unauthorized secondary Suites and Renters: A Life Course Perspective
- Relatives or Rentals? Secondary Suites through a Multigenerational Family Lens
- On the Role and Future of Calgary's Community Associations
Housing Affordability Collaborative Research Program