Congratulations to the NAIOP GTA 23rd Annual REX Award Winners

Antonia “Toni” Rossi
Corporate Director,
Dexterra & Allied Properties REIT

Toni Rossi is a trailblazer in commercial real estate, with over 30 years of transformative leadership across both public and private sectors. As President of Real Estate and Chief ESG Officer at Infrastructure Ontario, she oversaw one of Canada’s largest real estate portfolios, driving modernization and embedding ESG principles into government operations. Early in her career, she broke barriers as the first female General Manager of Toronto’s TD Centre at Cadillac Fairview and held senior roles at Oxford Properties.

Toni’s influence extends beyond executive roles—she’s a passionate advocate for industry advancement, mentorship, and diversity. She served as Chair of REALPAC, a first for a woman, and held key positions with the Urban Land Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Habitat for Humanity. Her legacy is defined not only by her professional achievements but by her enduring impact on the industry and the leaders she continues to inspire.

Adrian Rocca
Founder and CEO
Fitzrovia

Adrian Rocca is a dedicated philanthropist and community leader known for his commitment to creating positive social impact. Beyond his role as Founder and CEO of Fitzrovia, Canada’s largest rental housing developer, Adrian actively supports initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. He serves on several foundation boards and leads major fundraising efforts for critical causes, including cancer research. Through Fitzrovia, he integrates social purpose into business, launching initiatives that promote inclusivity and enhance quality of life. Adrian’s philanthropic leadership reflects a broader mission to build stronger, more supportive communities across Toronto and beyond.

Jenny Daly
Vice President, Investments
Oxford Properties

Jenny Daly is an exceptional NAIOP Toronto volunteer whose leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment have significantly advanced the organization’s mission. As a key member of the Sponsorship Committee, she has led successful senior leadership engagement initiatives and supported record sponsor outreach results through her strategic approach and collaborative spirit. Jenny also plays a vital role on the Converge Committee, helping to shape and promote Canadian content on a national stage. Her tireless efforts, initiative, and ability to bring people together make her an invaluable asset to NAIOP and a highly deserving candidate for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Robert Brazzell
Managing Director, Ontario Property Tax Services
Colliers

Robert “Bob” Brazzell is a long-standing and dedicated NAIOP Toronto volunteer, with over 20 years of expertise in real estate taxation. Since joining the Government Relations Committee in 2018, Bob has been a driving force behind key advocacy efforts, representing NAIOP at stakeholder meetings, preparing detailed policy briefs, and influencing impactful tax reforms. His work has helped advance issues such as the Small Business Property Tax Subclass and reassessment processes. Bob’s thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and tireless dedication ensure the commercial real estate industry’s voice is heard. NAIOP members and the commercial real estate industry as a whole are fortunate to have Bob as our advocate and champion to ensure we are treated fairly in all matters relating to property tax in the province. 

Office Development of the Year

Project: 160 Front Street West
Team: Cadillac Fairview, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, B+H Architects, PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

160 Front Street West is a distinctive new office development near Union Station. With its unique asymmetrical shape, crafted from glass and steel, the tower stands as a modern marvel and timeless addition to the iconic Toronto skyline. ​

Industrial Development of the Year

Project: MDA Space Global Headquarters & Space Robotics Centre of Excellence
Team: Kaneff Group

The MDA Campus, located in Brampton, Ontario, spans an impressive 570,000 square feet and features three state-of-the-art office buildings: the MDA Global Space Headquarters and the MDA North Office, along with the cutting-edge Space Robotics Centre of Excellence. As the long-time landowner, Kaneff Group played a pivotal role in the zoning, development, and construction of the MDA Campus and continues to lease the buildings and property to MDA Space. This premier commercial real estate asset combines industrial and office space, with a total project investment of $80 million, encompassing land costs, development costs, construction soft costs, and construction hard costs.​

Multi-Residential Development of the Year

Project: 115 Larchmount
Team: Hullmark, Superkul, First National, RBC

115 Larchmount is a mixed-use rental building east of downtown Toronto. It replaces a former 7-Eleven with modern design, brick cladding, and a lively retail street edge. The boutique building has 47 rental units with unique floorplans offering choice and community. ​

Office Investment Deal of the Year

Project: UHN – 522 University Avenue
Team: University Health Network, iA Financial Group, Canderel, Colliers International

The sale of 522 University was one of the few large office building sales in the GTA in 2024. The sale was the perfect transition from user to user. The building had not been traded independently in over 100 years, instead acquired as insurance companies that owned the site evolved into the IA multi-national parent. The sale to UHN passes the asset to a global leader in healthcare. ​

Industrial Investment Deal of the Year

Project: Canadian Tire Brampton Distribution Centre
Team: Colliers National Investment Services, Canadian Tire Real Estate Limited (CTREL) & Prologis Canada

The sale of Canadian Tire’s Brampton Distribution Centre was by far the most significant industrial investment transaction of 2024 in the GGH. This trophy property was a rare offering providing over 1.6M square feet on 90.2 acres in central Brampton, Ontario that garnered interest from occupiers, investors and developers. ​

Multi-Family Investment Deal of the Year

Project: The Hangar District at YZD
Team: Northcrest Developments, Hines, CBRE Limited

The Hangar District will be the first neighbourhood at YZD, the 370-acre former Downsview Airport. This first phase will create 2,850 new homes, including rental apartments and affordable options; over 7,000 new jobs in retrofitted hangars and new commercial spaces; and amenities including shops, daycares and vibrant public spaces. ​

Office Lease of the Year

Project: Flex Office Conversion at 10 Carlson Court
Team: Crown Realty Partners, Colliers International Canada

Once deemed ‘unleasable,’ the 29,131 SF former gym & restaurant at 10 Carlson Court sat vacant for 15 years. Crown repositioned it & in 2024, Gay Lea Foods, a cooperative representing Canada’s dairy farmers, relocated from their owned Mississauga building & signed a 15-year lease, signaling resilience in an overlooked suburban market. ​

Industrial Lease of the Year

Project: Chocolate Factory – Granite Telephone City Logistics Centre
Team: Granite REIT, Jones Lang LaSalle

Granite REIT developed a state-of-the-art, built-to-suit distribution/manufacturing facility for a global food manufacturer. In collaboration with Jones Lang LaSalle, an approximate 19-year lease was achieved with market-leading rents and escalations. ​

Retail Lease of the Year

Project: Equinox King West at West House
Team: Hines, Equinox, CBRE Limited, Urban Reform Realty

West House secured a flagship lease with Equinox, one of the world’s premier luxury fitness brands, in a landmark transaction that redefines retail leasing in King West, transforms underutilized office space into a best-in-class health club and enhances property value while offering exclusive benefits to West House residents. ​

Hilary Salter
Associate, Acquisitions at LaSalle Investment Management

Hilary is an upwardly mobile industry leader who has made significant contributions well beyond her role and career stage. She has played a key role in executing major acquisitions and dispositions across Canada for LaSalle, spanning industrial, office, multifamily, and retail portfolios. 

Highly respected within her company and the wider industry, she builds genuine, meaningful relationships and has been actively involved with the NAIOP Toronto Developing Leaders Committee for several years, supporting various committee initiatives including the 2024 Development Challenge which she successfully co-chaired last year.

Humble, driven, and hardworking, her dedication and impact within our NAIOP Chapter exemplify the future of the industry. We look forward to her continued leadership for years to come!