As Canada prepares for the 2025 federal election, BOMA Edmonton and North is advocating on behalf of our members for policies that support a resilient, vibrant, and sustainable commercial real estate sector. Our advocacy highlights seven key priorities where federal leadership and collaboration can make a lasting impact on our buildings, businesses, and communities.
Vacancy rates in Canada’s office sector are remain high —17.3% nationally in Q1 2025, and even higher in some downtown cores. Remote and hybrid work patterns have disrupted traditional office use, but they also present opportunities to rethink our urban office inventory. The federal government must support the adaptation of commercial buildings by supporting retrofits, conversions, and innovation.
BOMA Edmonton and North urges the federal government to commit to working with owners to modernize and reimagine their spaces, including flexible work environments, co-working hubs, and conversions to housing, mixed-use, or institutional facilities. These investments will not only revitalize vacant assets but also sustain jobs, improve energy performance, and keep Canada’s downtowns thriving.
With housing affordability ranked as a top concern among Canadians, creative solutions are needed—particularly those that make use of existing infrastructure. Mixed-use development, which integrates residential units into commercial zones, represents a smart growth approach that improves land use, supports transit, and revitalizes underused areas. According to CMHC, Canada needs 3.5 million more housing units by 2030 to restore affordability.
BOMA Edmonton and North encourages the federal government to adopt policies that incentivize office-to-residential conversions, reduce red tape, and offer grants or tax credits for mixed-use retrofits. Aligning federal housing investments with commercial building renewal will unlock new supply faster, support climate goals, and increase urban vibrancy.
Cumbersome permitting processes and inconsistent municipal zoning rules are delaying commercial developments across Canada, which can erode investor confidence. Canada must modernize its approach to real estate investment with streamlined regulatory processes and targeted fiscal measures. Deloitte’s 2024 report on commercial real estate identifies regulatory delay as one of the top three barriers to investment in Canada.
BOMA Edmonton and North recommends the creation of a federal-municipal fast-track development framework and the expansion of tax measures like accelerated capital cost allowance for green and innovation-driven building projects. Attracting capital to Canada’s commercial real estate markets depends on creating a business-friendly, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment.
Canada’s commercial real estate sector depends on a stable economic environment and predictable trade policies. The imposition of U.S. tariffs on key goods and the broader volatility in global markets threaten investment, job creation, consumer spending, and growth. Some in the sector could weather the storm, but overall commercial real estate needs a federal government committed to de-risking our trade relationships, defending Canada’s access to global markets, and reinforcing domestic investment stability.
BOMA Edmonton and North calls on the federal government strengthen economic resilience, including diversified trade strategies, enhanced support for critical infrastructure, and fiscal measures that provide confidence to investors and consumers. Federal strategies that support commercial assets owners in uncertain times and derisk our markets from geopolitical shocks are essential for our built environment to remain competitive and productive in the short- and long-term.
Public safety is essential for thriving commercial areas. The current bail system is not working for Canadian cities. A 2023 national Leger survey showed that 79% of Canadians agree there are too many repeat violent offenders being offered bail, and 78% agree the justice system is too lenient when it comes to those found guilty of committing a violent crime.
Repeat offenders are creating unsafe conditions near office buildings, retail spaces, and public infrastructure. Rising incidents of crime and vandalism are contributing to downtown flight and increasing security costs for property owners and tenants. BOMA’s Downtown Safety and Vibrancy Surveys of building owners, managers, and tenants conducted by several BOMA locals in Canada showed that security and repair costs in some Canadian cities have increased 176% and 120% respectively for building owners and 35% in both areas for tenants or businesses since March 2020.
BOMA Edmonton and North urges the federal government to adopt meaningful bail reform policies that better protect communities and properties while balancing fairness and justice. This includes strengthening enforcement, improving data sharing between law enforcement and municipalities, and funding community safety programs that benefit businesses, workers, and the public realm.
Public safety is essential for thriving commercial areas. The current bail system is not working for Canadian cities. A 2023 national Leger survey showed that 79% of Canadians agree there are too many repeat violent offenders being offered bail, and 78% agree the justice system is too lenient when it comes to those found guilty of committing a violent crime.
The mental health and addictions crisis is no longer just a health issue—it is a real estate issue. Inadequate federal leadership has left property owners to absorb rising costs for security, cleanup, and tenant retention in affected areas. A 2024 Canadian Federation of Independent Business report revealed that 7 in 10 businesses in urban centres see mental health and addictions as barriers to success and safety. The costs are rising and the status quo is unsustainable.
BOMA’s Downtown Safety and Vibrancy Surveys of building owners, managers, and tenants conducted by several BOMA locals in Canada showed that security and repair costs in some Canadian cities have increased 176% and 120% respectively for building owners and 35% in both areas for tenants or businesses since March 2020.
BOMA Edmonton and North is calling for a coordinated National Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan that includes sustained federal funding for treatment and other supportive services, supportive housing, and partnerships with all levels of governments and property owners. Tangible results—not just reports and rhetoric—are needed to restore safe, vibrant public and private spaces in our cities. Canada’s federal leadership must meet this moment with urgency and compassion.
Commercial real estate is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making green buildings a frontline solution in Canada’s emissions reduction ambitions. Building owners want to lead—but need help overcoming the high upfront costs of sustainable upgrades. Canada’s federal government must accelerate this transition by expanding and improving financial tools, such as the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative, and tax incentives for green investments.
BOMA Edmonton and North calls on the federal government to continue to mandate green building leasing certifications and support owners with their deep retrofits, electrification, and smart building technologies in existing properties. These measures will reduce emissions, enhance competitiveness, and improve tenant wellbeing—delivering lasting value for Canada’s economy and environment.
