Sarah Cowan, Author at Greenrock Real Estate Advisors

Greenrock Announces Change in Leadership, Appoints New CEO

Sarah Cowan on October 4, 2021

TORONTO, October 4, 2021 –Greenrock and the Green Group of Companies are thrilled to announce today the appointment of Barbara Rodgers as Chief Executive Officer.

Barbara is a strategic and results-oriented leader who brings to Greenrock over 20 years of progressive leadership and operational management experience with many of Canada’s leading real estate owners and developers, including her role as President and co-founder of Arcturus Realty Corporation. Prior to accepting this new role, Barbara was appointed as an Independent Director on the Greenrock Board of Directors earlier this year.

“I am excited and honoured to join the Greenrock team. Greenrock’s commitment to an exceptional service culture, investment in its community, and social responsibility resonated deeply with me, and I look forward to working with this talented team to enhance our success in the future,” says Barbara.

Greenrock Executive Chairman Barry Green looks forward to continuing oversight of Greenrock’s Board of Directors, working closely with Barbara and the rest of the Executive Team.

“I am confident Barbara will do a great job leading our team to new heights. She is an excellent leader and brings a great deal of knowledge to the table,” says Barry.

Barry wrote in a letter addressed to staff that he is proud of Greenrock’s many business achievements and how the team has come together to support one another. This year, Greenrock was awarded Rental Housing Provider of the Year by the Canadian Federation of Apartments Associations (CFAA) and the BOMA Toronto Earth Award for Postmedia Place.

XXX

About Greenrock: As a third-generation family business dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience, Greenrock provides expert asset and property management services, property repositioning, sustainability, development, investment management, and Family Office Services.

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Communications & Social Media Manager, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Green Sanderson Family Foundation Announces Donation Matching Program, Contributes $1 Million to COVID Relief

Sarah Cowan on August 3, 2021

TORONTO, August 3, 2021 – Greenrock’s COVID-19 Relief Fund has now surpassed $4 Million courtesy of a new matching program by the Green Sanderson Family Foundation (GSFF). The foundation announced today it will pledge $1 Million to pandemic relief, of which $600,000 will be matched dollar for dollar with giving to charities previously funded through Greenrock’s IMPACT Committee and the Greenrock Charitable Trust.

Donna Green, MSM, the founder of Stella’s Place and a well-known philanthropist in Toronto, felt inspired to contribute to Greenrock’s COVID-19 Relief Fund as many of the charities aligned closely with her personal values.

“Community-based charities continue to be in great need and it’s an honour to be able to support so many important recipients during these difficult times while also partnering with Greenrock’s IMPACT charitable programming,” explains Donna. “Together, we are really making a difference in our communities.”

Greenrock recently donated a further $ 1 Million to over 50 Canadian charities as part of its latest COVID-19 Relief Fund tranche. Several months of careful deliberation and planning were spent to create a strong balance of charities – both local and national – all with the intent of making the strongest community impact.

As part of the GSFF matching program, donations to the following charities were matched dollar-for-dollar with contributions from the Greenrock Charitable Trust:

Black Health Alliance, Caribbean African Canadian Social Services, Ontario Native Women’s Association, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, Delta Family Resource Centre, Anishnawbe Health Foundation, SickKids Foundation, Variety Village, Child Development Institute, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, The Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club, Daily Bread Food Bank, Food Banks Canada, Building Roots, Black Creek Community Farm, Second Harvest, Fort York Food Bank, Sherbourne Health, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Sunnybrook Foundation, Sinai Health Foundation, Casey House, Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line, QMUNITY, The 519, Stella’s Place, Haven Toronto, SPRINT Senior Care, Sunshine Centres for Seniors, Albion Neighborhood Services, The Neighbourhood Group/St. Stephen’s Community House, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, Sistering, Out of the Cold Foundation, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, Covenant House Toronto, Interval House, The Redwood, Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Dress for Success Toronto

In addition to the matching program with Greenrock, Donna selected several other local charities to receive contributions through GSFF, including the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund through Community Foundations of Canada, SKETCH Working Arts, Sheena’s Place, North York Women’s Centre, Art Starts, Regent Park School of Music, Native Earth Performing Arts, and Young Voices Toronto.

Greenrock’s COVID-19 Relief Fund Soars to $3.5 Million

Sarah Cowan on June 7, 2021

TORONTO, June 7^th, 2021 – Greenrock, which was recently named Property Manager of the Year by the Canadian Federation of Apartments Association, is not slowing down the momentum of its pandemic support measures… Greenrock announced today it will donate a further $1 Million to 55 Canadian charities.

“It is a privilege for us at Greenrock to work with so many charities making an incredible impact on the front line of our country’s COVID relief efforts, especially during this tense third-wave. We look forward to seeing the positive results of these donations in the coming months for both our residents and community members,” says Barry Green, Greenrock CEO.

Greenrock will award the funding to the following charities in the respective categories:

Food: Building Roots/Growing Neighborhoods Foundation, The Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club, Daily Bread Food Bank, Food Banks Canada, Black Creek Community Farm, Second Harvest, Fort York Food Bank, St James Town Community Co-op through CanadaHelps.

Shelter/Security: Albion Neighborhood Services, St. Stephen’s Community House, YMCA of Greater Toronto, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, Sistering, Out of the Cold Foundation, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, Covenant House Toronto, Haven Toronto

Healthcare: Sherbourne Health, University Health Network, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, SickKids Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Sunnybrook Foundation, Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, Humber River Hospital Foundation, North York General Foundation (Front Line Worker Support), Sinai Health Foundation

Senior Support: SPRINT Senior Care, Sunshine Centres for Seniors, The Neighbourhood Group

Women Support: Interval House, The Redwood, Women’s College Hospital, Women United (United Way Greater Toronto), Dress for Success Toronto

Child/Youth Support: Variety Village, Child Development Institute, Kids Help Phone, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) Support: Black Health Alliance, Caribbean African Canadian Social Services, Ontario Native Women’s Association, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, Delta Family Resource Centre, Anishnawbe Health Foundation

LGBTQ2S+ Support: Casey House, Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line, QMUNITY, The 519

Mental Health: CAMH, Stella’s Place

Arts and Culture: Art City in St. James Town

To date, Greenrock’s COVID-19 Relief Fund encompasses $2.3 Million in charitable contributions and $1.2 million in direct resident support. All Greenrock-managed suites received $600 of grocery gift cards to help towards their household expenses and a last month’s rent (LMR) program was created for residents to use their LMR as a credit towards upcoming rent payments.

The Greenrock IMPACT Committee continues to meet on a weekly basis to plan upcoming support measures for residents and community members. Greenrock extends its thanks to the IMPACT Committee for their hard work and to the trustees of the Greenrock Charitable Trust for their support in making these initiatives possible.

XXX

About Greenrock IMPACT: The mission of Greenrock IMPACT is to build stronger, healthier, and environmentally sustainable communities while celebrating cultural diversity and promoting human rights across Canada through a variety of annual initiatives, volunteer programs, and donations. During the pandemic, Greenrock IMPACT has focused its efforts on COVID-19 relief initiatives.

About Greenrock: As a third-generation family business dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience, Greenrock provides expert asset and property management services, property repositioning, sustainability, development, investment management, and Family Office Services. For more information, please visit our website.

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Communications & Social Media Manager, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock IMPACT Teams Up with Autism Ontario to Host Virtual Art Classes

Sarah Cowan on May 17, 2021

photo of hand painting with water colour

TORONTO, May 17^th, 2021– With more families cooped up at home and community centres closed during Ontario’s latest stay-at-home order, many autistic adults are struggling with a shortage of activities to stay stimulated and make new connections. Greenrock IMPACT is extending its support by sponsoring a six-week virtual art program with Autism Ontario for adults (18+) on the spectrum.

Greenrock IMPACT is excited to embark on this new partnership with Autism Ontario as one of several awareness-building initiatives for this year. Autism Ontario is a charitable organization that provides resources and support for thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across the province.

The art program will run Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 26^th to June 2^nd, and offer participants a chance to socialize with peers their age and discover a wide range of artmaking styles from the comfort of their own home.

Each class will include a hands-on virtual activity with step-by-step instructions. If you are interested in participating, please register on Autism Ontario’ website.

During April, Greenrock celebrated Autism Awareness Month by educating staff and residents about the cause and participating in Autism Ontario’s virtual raise the flag ceremony.

###

About Greenrock IMPACT: The mission of Greenrock IMPACT is to build stronger, healthier, and environmentally sustainable communities while celebrating cultural diversity and promoting human rights across Canada through a variety of annual initiatives, volunteer programs, and donations. During the pandemic, Greenrock IMPACT has focused its efforts on COVID-19 relief initiatives.

About Autism Ontario: Autism Ontario has an over 47-year history of representing thousands of families and people on the autism spectrum across Ontario. We are the only organization that has elected volunteer parent representation through our 25 Chapters in key regions across Ontario. We advocate with and on behalf of all people on the autism spectrum and their families – at all ages and stages of life, reflecting a wide range of expression and abilities.

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Manager of Communications and Social Media, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock Superintendent Wins CFAA Resident Manager of the Year Award

Sarah Cowan on May 5, 2021

TORONTO, May 5^th, 2021 – Alex Falcon is a well-known face to many residents at Greenrock’s Davisville Village Community and is a fantastic example of the impact a strong work ethic and a positive attitude can have. Alex has been working with Greenrock as a superintendent at 45 Balliol St. in Toronto for the past five years and was announced as the winner of the Canadian Federation of Apartment Association’s Resident Manager of the Year Award at the virtual ceremony on Wednesday, May 5^th.

Alex went above and beyond his job duties this past year by stepping up to take care of the building while a fellow superintendent was ill. Taking on the role of his main caregiver and friend, Alex brought his colleague to appointments all while working overtime to ensure residents needs were met. Around this same time, another Greenrock team member went on short-term leave and Alex juggled the duties of three superintendents with an impressive amount of gusto.

“We are so pleased to have Alex on our team and hope to have him with us for many years to come,” says Greenrock COO Justin Taylor. “A work ethic like his is a rare gem in this industry.”

There have been many occasions where Alex has gone out his way to help a resident while off duty. If he is out walking his dog and he sees a resident struggling with their key fob or looking for directions, he will stop what he is doing to help.

Alex has done a spectacular job at maintaining the property throughout the pandemic and thanks to his efforts, there were no outbreaks in the building.

On top of Alex’s win, Greenrock was also announced as the winner of the CFAA Rental Housing Provider of the Year Award at the virtual broadcast in recognition of its outstanding response to the pandemic.

XXX

About Greenrock: Greenrock is a third-generation family business that owns and manages multi-unit residential and commercial properties across the GTA. For more information, please visit our website.

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Communications & Social Media Manager, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock Awarded 2021 CFAA Rental Housing Provider of the Year

Sarah Cowan on May 5, 2021

TORONTO, May 5^th, 2021 – Greenrock was announced as the winner of the 2021 CFAA Rental Housing Provider of the Year Award for its remarkable and multi-faceted approach to supporting residents and community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greenrock won the award within the under 15,000 units category, alongside Drewlo Lifestyle Apartments. The announcement was made at the sixth annual Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations’ Rental Housing Awards program, which was broadcasted virtually on Tuesday, May 4^th, 2021.

“It’s an incredible honour for Greenrock to be recognized as the CFAA Rental Housing Provider of the Year. Our team thanks everyone who made this award possible, including our valued residents for continuing to make Greenrock their home during the pandemic,” says Barry Green, CEO of Greenrock.

Greenrock owns and manages two prominent residential communities in the heart of Toronto, including Davisville Village just steps from Davisville Station and Village Green near Church and Wellesley. Greenrock created a unique COVID-19 Relief Fund at the start of the pandemic, which has since grown to $3.5 million and includes the following support measures:

Donations to over 40 Canadian charities addressing food security, mental health, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ2S communities, senior care, shelters and outreach support, and women’s health
All Greenrock-managed suites each received a total of $600 in grocery gift cards to help with household expenses between April and December 2020
A last month’s rent program whereby residents can use their last month’s rent as a credit towards upcoming rent payments
Significant discounts and interest-free payment plans for residents who are experiencing financial challenges and have outstanding arrears

Greenrock continues to show compassion towards those living within its buildings and takes a supportive approach by offering the above measures and working with residents individually to address financial challenges.

In response to the third wave of the virus, Greenrock’s charitable arm, Greenrock IMPACT, is in the process of researching and carefully vetting charities that are slated to receive the remaining $1 Million of funding. The next wave of donations will be announced in the coming weeks.

XXX

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Communications & Social Media Manager, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock puts the Green in Earth Day 2021

Sarah Cowan on April 22, 2021

Trees in front of Greenrock's Village Green apartments

Not unlike most companies, Greenrock has directed its focus and efforts this year toward adapting its operations to life in a global pandemic. On Earth Day 2021, Greenrock celebrates a key commitment that has remained consistent since its inception— its pledge to create sustainable buildings for people to live and work. Here are four testaments of how Greenrock works to achieve this promise:

Transforming Toronto Properties

Postmedia Place at 365 Bloor St. East in Toronto is one of Greenrock’s most significant building transformations. Several improvements have been made to the building, including retrofitting all suites with energy-saving LED lighting. Since the completion of its repositioning in 2018, the energy performance of Postmedia Place has improved dramatically. Most recently, Postmedia Place achieved Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Star Certification and is noted to be 92% more efficient than other similar buildings across the country. Postmedia was also awarded the BOMA Toronto CREST Award in 2020 for its environmental sustainability.

Following the Data

Working closely alongside a trusted third-party energy management consultant, Greenrock tracks monthly energy and water usage, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste management. Postmedia Place currently holds the BOMA BEST® Platinum certification, the highest level that can be achieved by a company for superior environmental leadership. Greenrock is setting benchmarks and goals that will shape environmental performance for the next decade.

Embracing the Digital World

By developing online portals for residents and tenants, Greenrock has streamlined its communication streams with a heightened priority of reducing paper and waste. In Greenrock’s annual Resident Satisfaction Survey last year, 66% of respondents identified our portal updates as their top-rated form of building communication and 82% of Postmedia Place tenants who responded to last year’s client survey were satisfied with our tenant portal. In the wake of the pandemic, Greenrock created a COVID-19 Resources web page to keep residents up to date on the latest pandemic news and supports.

Making Room for New Ideas

Greenrock’s charitable arm, Greenrock IMPACT, recently formed an internal environmental committee to brainstorm creative new ideas and ways to support and promote environmental awareness as a company. The committee meets weekly to discuss and plan green initiatives.

To learn more about Greenrock’s environmental sustainability practices at Postmedia Place, visit www.postmediaplace.com/sustainability.

Greenrock Sells Wingreen Community, Makes Room for Future Growth

Sarah Cowan on April 7, 2021

TORONTO, April 7, 2021 -– Greenrock announced today that it successfully closed on the sale of Wingreen Court, Don Mills.

Located at Lawrence and Don Mills, the properties include 2-11 Wingreen Court and were purchased by Northbridge Capital Acquisitions. The transaction closed in March 2021.

“Built in 1955 and managed by our company ever since, Wingreen Court was an important legacy asset for us. The building was built during the first wave of low-rise construction across Don Mills, fostered by our founder Al Green,” says Barry Green, Greenrock Chief Executive Officer.

Al Green, with his partners, built over 10,000 Toronto apartment units over the next 3 decades.

“After careful consideration, we decided that transacting this asset would best allow us to focus on other Greenrock assets including our Davisville Village and Village Green communities,” explains Barry.

Barry and the Greenrock team thanks everyone who made the closing of this sale possible.

XXX

About Greenrock: Greenrock is a third-generation family business that owns and manages multi-unit residential and commercial properties across the GTA. For more information, please visit our website.

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Communications & Social Media Manager, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock Partners with ONE City to Provide Scholarships for BIPOC Students

Sarah Cowan on March 18, 2021

TORONTO, March 18, 2021– Greenrock IMPACT is embarking on an exciting new partnership with ONE City Scholarship Fund, an initiative created by Toronto teachers to provide support and mentorship to hard-working students in their post-secondary studies.

A $26,500 donation was made to One City Scholarship Fund through the Greenrock Charitable Trust as part of Greenrock IMPACT’s Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour (BIPOC) education funding for the year.

The donation will provide 10 scholarships for BIPOC students, with each student receiving a total of $2,500 in the first two years of their studies.

“Seeing our funds in action, with real people making real change, is such a pleasure for us to see at Greenrock. We are very grateful for the teachers and volunteers at ONE City Fund who are on the ground, implementing this program,” says Barry Green, CEO of Greenrock.

Students who receive ONE City scholarships have excelled in their studies despite considerable obstacles created by lack of financial resources, marginalization, low expectations, and stigma.

“The ONE City recipients remind me to never underestimate Toronto’s youth. With a little support, financial and social, these young people will flourish and as a result, so will our city. We’re very grateful that Greenrock is partnering with us to invest in awesome young people poised to play important roles in our future,” says Will Wallace, founder of ONE City Scholarship Fund and teacher at Downsview Secondary School.

ONE City Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for the upcoming school year until March 28^th, 2021. Applicants must be a full-time student at a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) high school who will attend college or university in the year following graduation.

To learn more about the scholarship and how to apply, visit One City Scholarship Fund’s website.

###

For Media Enquiries: Please email Greenrock’s Manager of Communications and Social Media, Sarah Cowan, at scowan@greenrockreal.ca

Greenrock Real Estate Advisors Donates Further $20,000 to Toronto Charities During COVID-19

Sarah Cowan on December 23, 2020

Person handing a food hamper to an elderly person

Shortly after announcing the winners of its annual resident donation program, Greenrock is donating $10,000 each to Daily Bread Food Bank and SPRINT Senior Care.

Among many Canadian cities, Toronto is one of the communities hit hardest by the pandemic. With the number of cases rising daily, Greenrock is committed to giving back to charitable organizations that directly support residents, neighbors, and community members in this great time of need.

The Daily Bread Food Bank is one of Canada’s largest food banks and supplies food to nearly 200 food programs across Toronto with a fleet of five trucks. Greenrock donated $150,000 to Daily Bread Food Bank earlier this year as part of its COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has now exceeded $2 Million. With food insecurity on the rise due to job loss and financial constraints during the pandemic, the volunteers at Daily Bread Food Bank are working tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season.

SPRINT Senior Care is a not-for-profit community support service agency in Toronto that Greenrock has supported throughout the years, offering a wide range of practical and low-cost services to seniors and their caregivers.

Since the early onset of the pandemic, SPRINT Senior Care established a COVID-19 Community Response Team with a variety of initiatives to address the impacts of the pandemic, such as a grocery delivery program, meals on wheels, and wellness checks. The organization was a runner up in the 2020 Greenrock IMPACT Resident Donation program, which donated $100,000 to five local charities voted by residents in December.

Greenrock is optimistic that 2021 will be a brighter year for Canada, especially with the arrival of the new COVID-19 vaccine.