Supporting Success: Highlights from Our Annual Fall Sales Meeting

 

Supporting Success: Highlights from Our Annual Fall Sales Meeting

Last month, our full Residence and Conference Centre (RCC) sales team came together for our annual fall meeting—a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and prepare for the future. Spanning locations across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, our team is united by a shared dedication to delivering exceptional service.

This two-day event underscored the importance of fostering collaboration and celebrating the people who make our successes possible. The meeting was a mix of productive discussions, collaborative group work, and moments of recognition. We reviewed the past season’s achievements, identified opportunities for growth, and set priorities for the road ahead. The event culminated in a celebratory boat ride along the scenic Kingston, Ontario Harbour—an ideal setting to relax, recharge, and build stronger connections within our team.

A highlight of the gathering was the opportunity to honor both incoming and outgoing team members. After an incredible 19 years of service, we bid farewell to Harley Freedman from our Toronto and King locations. Harley’s dedication to the RCC brand has been invaluable, and while we are sad to see him go, we are grateful for his contributions and wish him well in retirement! 

Our team’s strength lies not just in its professional achievements but in its remarkable longevity. Many of our sales team members have been with us for over a decade—a testament to the supportive environment we strive to maintain. Retention of strong team members is a challenge for many organizations, but it is a challenge we are fortunate to face less often.

As a geographically diverse team, the ability to meet in person is a rare and valuable opportunity. Events like this annual meeting remind us of the importance of recognizing our team’s efforts and fostering their growth. Supporting the “inner game” of each team member—by acknowledging their contributions, encouraging their development, and fostering collaboration—remains a cornerstone of our approach to leadership.

As we move forward into the 2025 conference season (May - August), the lessons and connections from this year’s meeting will guide us in achieving our goals. Together, we are stronger, more aligned, and better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.


Residence Life Training

 

The recent Residence Life Training, conducted by our Residence Life Team from August 12-23, was a pivotal event in preparing Resident Advisors (RAs) and Residence Life Management Team (RLMT) members to support students across Canada. With 330 RAs and 50 RLMT members in attendance, the training aimed to equip them with essential skills to address the evolving needs of the student population. This year’s program featured expert speakers, external partnerships, and sessions designed to tackle the critical issues of mental health, inclusivity, and student safety.

A key component of the training was the involvement of external partners specializing in mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These collaborations ensured RAs gained practical knowledge to support their peers in today’s diverse and complex campus environments.

The LivingWorks START program was a central part of the training. This suicide alertness course trains participants to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk, an increasingly important skill given the rising mental health challenges among students. RAs left the training equipped to offer support and intervene in times of crisis.

The Inquiring Mind, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, focused on promoting mental health and reducing stigma in educational settings. It encouraged RAs to foster open discussions about mental well-being, a critical aspect of supporting students who may struggle with mental health issues.

Another significant program was Creating Consent Culture on Campus by Possibility Seeds, which addressed gender-based violence and consent. This course provided RAs with the tools to navigate difficult conversations and support students in creating a safe, respectful campus environment.

The training also covered DEI through the Foundations of DEI program from the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI). RAs explored how to create inclusive communities on individual, team, and organizational levels, which is essential for supporting the increasingly diverse student populations across Canada. Additionally, the See Different Program was introduced, which the RAs will engage with throughout the fall to earn their certification in "Principles of EDI."

In addition to the training programs delivered, the event featured impactful keynote speakers. Tina Varugheseopened the conference with a session on cross-cultural communication, a vital skill for RAs working in diverse student environments. Her talk emphasized the need for understanding cultural differences to better serve residents.

Craig Whitton delivered the closing keynote, offering insights on leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges RAs face. His message encouraged attendees to approach their roles with empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Neeshali Piekutowski led interactive sessions on Effective Boundary Setting, Active Listening, and Assertiveness. These topics are critical for RAs, as they often balance complex relationships with their peers while maintaining a position of leadership.

Beyond the external partnerships, the event included over 20 internal sessions facilitated by our RLMT members. These covered a wide range of topics vital to residence management, including Student Support, Residence Learning Models, Emergency Procedures, and Restorative Justice. These sessions were designed to provide RAs with the knowledge and practical skills needed for day-to-day operations and for managing crises in residence.

Livestream sessions were also incorporated into the conference, allowing for broader participation and making the content accessible to those who could not attend in person. This hybrid approach ensured flexibility for attendees.

The training also highlighted the importance of Indigenous perspectives. Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer and speaker, opened and closed the conference with ceremonies that emphasized connection, reflection, and respect for Indigenous cultures. These ceremonies provided a meaningful cultural context, aligning with the broader goal of fostering inclusive and respectful communities within residences.

The 2024 Residence Life Training was a crucial step in preparing RAs and RLMT members for the academic year. With a focus on mental health, inclusivity, and leadership, the training provided participants with the tools necessary to support students in a dynamic and evolving campus environment. This event ensured that Campus Living Centres remains at the forefront of student support, continuing to foster enriching, inclusive, and safe residence communities across Canada.


Celebrating Excellence on and off the Track: Ahmad Sangau (Sangau) Represents Canada in the Multisport Duathlon World Championships 2024

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of one of our own, George Brown College, Sales & Conference Manager, Sangau, who recently competed in the 2024 Multisport Duathlon World Championships in Townsville, Australia. Not only is Sangau a key member of our Residence & Conference Centres – Canada sales team, bringing dedication and an infectious smile to the workplace, but he is also an accomplished athlete who embodies perseverance and passion on the track.

Competing against some of the best duathletes in the world, Sangau finished an impressive 57th out of 319 participants and 11th in his age group. His race, the Sprint Duathlon, consisted of a 5km run, a 20km bike ride, and a 2.5km run, with finishing times of:

  • 5km Run: 16:55 minutes
  • 20km Bike: 32:45 minutes
  • 2.5km Run: 8:54 minutes

When reflecting on the experience, Sangau shared, “It was an honor to represent Canada at the Multisport Duathlon World Championships. The experience of lining up with some of the best duathletes in the world was unforgettable. While I’m satisfied with my results, there’s always room for improvement, and I look forward to the next challenge."

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Sangau also qualified for next year’s championships in Spain after competing in the Canadian National Championships in Montreal, where he finished 5th overall and 3rd in his age group.

A significant part of his journey has been fueled by the support from his team at work, “from the bottom of my heart, I’m incredibly grateful for your support toward achieving my athletic goals," said Sangau. "Your belief in me, not only on the track but also at work, has inspired me to set new goals and continuously strive for excellence."

We believe in the power of teamwork and support, both in the office and beyond. Sangau’s story is a testament to the impact of dedication, community, and the pursuit of goals, whether in the professional or athletic arena.

Congratulations, Sangau, on your incredible performance! We are proud to have you on our team and excited to see what the future holds for you in both your athletic and professional endeavors.


A Smooth Transition: Preparing Students for Campus Living

 

A Smooth Transition: Preparing Students for Campus Living

September, the gateway to a new academic year, is a time of excitement and anticipation for students moving into residences across the country. For those working behind the scenes in student housing and campus operations, the journey to ensure a seamless move-in begins long before the leaves start to turn. It’s a process filled with planning, collaboration, and communication—all aimed at welcoming students into their new home away from home.

Moving into student housing is a significant milestone in one’s life, with a team of over 330 Residence Advisors and 55 within our Residence Life Management Team, we provide not only academic support but also foster a sense of community and belonging. From social activities to resource identification, our staff is here to help students navigate any challenges they may encounter.

Within housing, the ultimate goal is to ensure that every student has a positive experience and feels welcomed into their new residence community. When our team’s hard work pays off, and students feel comfortable, it's essential to celebrate these successes. Recognizing the dedication and effort of our staff reinforces the sense of community that we strive to create. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our staff for their dedication and unwavering support. Your efforts are the foundation of our students' successful transition into campus life. As we welcome a new cohort of students into our buildings, we remain dedicated to ensuring that their time with us is among the best years of their lives.


2024 Annual Leadership & Training Conference

2024 Annual Leadership & Training Conference

On Monday, June 10th, 2024, we brought our on-campus Residence Life & Operations team together for our annual Leadership & Training Conference (LTC). Over 80 of our team members gathered at George Brown College Residence for a week of professional development and socializing, to prepare for the upcoming academic year.

The Conference opened with an Indigenous Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address by Asha Frost, an Indigenous Healer, who helped create a healing experience for our delegates, providing a container that was inclusive, warm, and inviting. Our team had the opportunity to learn and hear from their colleagues on topics including our Residence Life Learning Model, supporting Residents Council, developing intervention styles and techniques, and preparing for Resident Advisor Training in the Fall.

The Conference also featured a number of external presenters including Sarah Kinlin – coaching the team on providing feedback to improve accountability, Sam Kilgour – explaining the history of student advocacy and how is fits into the student experience, and Lara Hof – educating our team on the new and emerging trends within the field of Student Conduct.

The Residence Life Team will once again gather in mid-August to facilitate Residence Advisor training before our students move in.

For more information on the LTC or our Residence Life Program, please contact Luke Jeffery, Director of Residence Life – Leadership, Training, & Development, at ljeffery@campuslivingcentres.com.


Campus Living Centres named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member

Toronto, ON—May 14, 2024— Campus Living Centres

was recognized for its industry-leading performance and sustained growth by receiving the prestigious 2024 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award for the tenth year in a row, fourth as a Platinum Club Member.

Celebrating over 30 years, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities, and innovation, governance and financial performance.

Michael Paul, Senior Vice President, Operations, Campus Living Centres said, "We firmly believe that our business thrives on innovation, and we are dedicated to crafting residence services that match the unique objectives of each of our partners. We are incredibly proud of our team, as they serve as the cornerstone of our success in the student housing industry."

 Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing innovative and world-class businesses. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent evaluation process.

Applicants are evaluated by an independent panel of judges with representation from program sponsors and special guests.

"In the ever-evolving realm of student housing, government policy changes as it relates to the post-secondary sector, we are focused on remaining agile to be able to adapt quickly to the changing market” remarked Brian Freeman, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development, Campus Living Centres. He further emphasized, “With a steadfast commitment to driving sustainable growth, we are excited to capitalize on emerging opportunities, and solidify our presence as a leader in the Canadian student housing landscape.”

The 2024 cohort of Best Managed companies share common themes such as having a people centric culture, targeting effective ESG strategies, and accelerating operational digitization.

Exploring new avenues for the advancement of tomorrow, this year’s Best Managed winners displayed courage, resourcefulness, and creativity,” said Derrick Dempster, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “We’re extremely proud to highlight the impressive achievements of companies such as Campus Living Centres in a rapidly evolving business world. Their exceptional accomplishments leave you feeling inspired, celebrated, and connected.”

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

Canada’s Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for private Canadian owned and managed companies. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner, one of the new winners selected each year; 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner, award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review; 3) Gold Standard winner, after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years; 4) Platinum Club member, winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more. Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, and TMX Group.

For more information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

About Campus Living Centres

Campus Living Centres was founded in 1989 with the purpose of assisting universities and colleges with the planning, design, financing and management of student residences and conference facilities. More recently, we have collaborated with institutional grade, private developers to manage their off-campus, purpose-built student housing assets.

With over 35,000 student beds that we either own and/or manage, we are the largest operator of student housing developments in Canada. Our integrated service delivery model is one that preserves and values the unique identity of our partner institutions, enhances the student experience, and improves the financial performance of residence operations.

For more information, visit campuslivingcentres.com or contact:

For more information, please contact:
Clarence Chong
Vice President, Strategy & Development
Campus Living Centres
P: 416-620-0635 x8160
E: cchong@campuslivingcentres.com


Campus Living Centres named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member

Toronto, ON—May 10, 2023— Campus Living Centres was recognized for its industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award for the ninth year in a row, third as a Platinum Club Member.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities, and innovation, governance and financial performance.

“To receive this designation for the ninth year in a row is a testament to our people, and the culture they have built for our organization,” said Brian Freeman, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development. He continues, “Our team is what gives us an edge in the student housing industry, and continues to propel our impressive growth.”

Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing innovative and world-class businesses. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent evaluation process.

Applicants are evaluated by an independent panel of judges with representation from program sponsors and special guests.

Michael Paul, Senior Vice President, Operations said, “The foundation of our business is providing innovative and evolving residence services and programming that embody the unique objectives of each of our partners. The last few years have required us to reimagine how we deliver those services so we can continue to provide our students and clients with a high level of care and service.”

The 2023 cohort of Best Managed companies share common themes such as having a people- centric culture, targeting effective ESG strategies, and accelerating operational digitization.

To become a Best Managed Platinum Club winner is a huge accomplishment,” said Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “Companies such as Campus Living Centres who attain this high standard of excellence demonstrate consistent resilience, versatility, and strategic acuity. Year after year, they thrive in a competitive, rapidly changing market. This year’s winners should take pride in attaining this prestigious award in recognition of their significant and ongoing contributions to Canada’s business landscape.”

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

Canada’s Best Managed Companies program continues to be the mark of excellence for privately-owned Canadian companies. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner (award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years); 4) Platinum Club member (winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more). Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce and TMX Group.

For more information, please contact:

bestmanagedcompanies@deloitte.ca

www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca

 

About Campus Living Centres

Campus Living Centres was founded in 1989 with the purpose of assisting colleges and universities with the planning, design, financing and management of student residences and conference facilities. More recently, we have collaborated with institutional grade, private development partners to manage off-campus, purpose- built student housing.

With over 30,000 student beds that we either own and/or manage, we are the largest operator of student housing developments in Canada. Our integrated service delivery model is one that preserves and values the unique identity of our partner institutions, enhances the student experience, and improves the financial performance of residence operations.

For more information, please contact:
Clarence Chong
Vice President, Strategy & Development
Campus Living Centres
P: 416-620-0635 x8160
E: cchong@campuslivingcentres.com


Campus Living Centres Launches Inaugural Leadership & Training Conference

On June 9-10, 2022, the Campus Living Centres Residence Life Team launched our first ever Leadership & Training Conference (LTC), hosted by George Brown College Residence.

The LTC is an annual, 2-day event, connecting over 40 housing professionals from across Campus Living Centres’ portfolio. The LTC is a learning opportunity designed to encourage staff development on a multitude of subject matters, and is open to any CLC staff member interested in expanding their knowledgebase. By offering a variety of session topics, keynotes, and training workshops; attendees will have an opportunity to further refine their skills and learn of new and emerging trends within the field of Residence Life. The LTC is part of a larger initiative created by the Residence Life Department to invest in the development of the Student Affairs leaders of tomorrow.

Our keynote presenter, Chris Bailey provided the team with practical and tactical advice for becoming more productive, challenging them to think about productivity in the workplace and beyond. In addition to the keynote, conference attendees also heard from Janet Morrison, President & Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College, who spoke to the strategy of leveraging leadership approaches to foster change and mobilize a higher performing team. Conference attendees also participated in a workshop facilitated by Cory Coletta, Manager, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Seneca College, focusing on identifying and understanding equity, diversity, and inclusion to identify strategies for dismantling systems of oppression and power.

For more information about the LTC, please contact:

Luke Jeffery
Director, Residence Life: Leadership, Training & Development,
Campus Living Centres
ljeffery@campuslivingcentres.com.


Campus Living Centres named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member

Toronto, ON—May 10, 2022— Campus Living Centres was recognized for overall business performance and sustained growth with the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation for the eighth year in a row, and second as a Platinum Club Member. The 2022 Best Managed program award winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $50 million demonstrating leadership in the areas of strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and financials to achieve sustainable growth. Now in its 29th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies remains one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world‐class business practices. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.

“Our business was faced with unprecedented challenges as we navigated our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued to have students live in our communities, and out of necessity, we had to reimagine our traditional marketing and leasing practices, social programming, and the manner in which we delivered student support services. Finding a way to continue to deliver an exceptional student experience, and at the same time meeting or exceeding client expectations in an unpredictable environment was a challenge, but our teams delivered portfolio-wide.” said Brian Freeman, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development, Campus Living Centres. He added, “Our team’s ability to maintain our high service standard levels, both to our students and clients, is what allowed us to grow our management portfolio by 23% in 2021, with total student beds under management now at 30,000 students”.

“The 2022 Best Managed winners exemplify innovation, adaptability, and resilience in the face of uncertainty,” said Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co‐Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “Over the past year, these forward‐forging companies have pivoted to successfully respond to challenges and capitalize on new opportunities, leveraging industry‐leading competencies to maximize their investments and drive sustainable growth.”

Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2022 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) putting their people and culture at the forefront, focusing on their ESG strategies and doubling down on accelerated digitization.

“The Best Managed designation is one that can only be accomplished with an incredible team,” said Michael Paul, Senior Vice President, Operations, Campus Living Centres. He continues, “We are so proud of our team’s commitment to our students, partners, and each other, and we are honoured to accept this on their behalf.”

“The pandemic has changed the way businesses operate and these winners have responded by transforming and pivoting their companies so that they are leading the way forward for the future,” said Dino Medves, Senior Vice President and Head, CIBC Commercial Banking.

2022 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at galas across the country. The Best Managed virtual symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders.

The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce, and TMX Group.

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Canada’s Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $50 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner (award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4‐6 consecutive years); 4) Platinum Club member (winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more). Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce and TMX Group. For more information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

For more information, please contact:
bestmanagedcompanies@deloitte.ca
www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca

About Campus Living Centres

Campus Living Centres was founded in 1989 with the purpose of assisting universities and colleges with the planning, design, financing and management of student residences and conference facilities. More recently, we have collaborated with institutional grade, private development partners to manage off-campus, purpose-built student housing. As the largest operator of student housing in Canada, Campus Living Centres has a portfolio of approximately 30,000 beds, which includes a combination of both managed and/or owned student housing developments, and commercial real estate. We are partnered with 27 Canadian post-secondary institutions, and have successfully completed 18 P-3 student housing projects to date.

Contact information:

Clarence Chong
Senior Director, Marketing & Client Relations
416-620-8160 ext. 8160
cchong@campuslivingcentres.com
campuslivingcentres.com

 


Campus Living Centres named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member

Toronto, ON – May 5, 2021 – Campus Living Centres was recognized for overall business performance and sustained growth with the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation for the seventh year in a row, and its first as a Platinum Club member. The 2021 Best Managed program award winners are amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $25 million demonstrating leadership in the areas of strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and financials to achieve sustainable growth.

Now in its 28th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies remains one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.

“Growing the business and continuing to exceed client expectations in the midst of a pandemic has been challenging, to say the least,” said Brian Freeman, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development, Campus Living Centres. “While the focus was on keeping students safe and implementing rigorous protocols around COVID-19, we’ve worked closely with our institutional partners, both public and private, to consider what business could look like, post-COVID.”

Understanding that ‘business as usual’ will not resemble what it did pre-pandemic in the short-term, Campus Living Centres created virtual training modules, enhanced resources around student mental health, and collaborated closely with clients to ensure a safe service delivery model. While 2020 posed unique challenges and obstacles, student beds under the management portfolio increased by 25%. Brian adds, “This is a tribute to our team of dedicated and committed individuals who continue to go above and beyond in taking care of our clients and students, under exceptionally challenging circumstances.”

“To become a Best Managed Platinum Club winner is nothing short of remarkable. Their continued adaptability in an era of uncertainty sets the standard for how to overcome new barriers and demonstrate resilience at the highest levels,” said Peter Brown, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “This year’s Platinum Club winners are the Canadian cornerstone for outstanding business in 2021.”

Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2021 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) enabling a remote workforce, making employee health a top priority, acting with an increased sense of purpose and social responsibility, and a significantly heightened focus on cash flow.

In a service driven business, managing student and staff anxiety, particularly at the onset of the pandemic, was overwhelming at times. In an effort to overcome those fears and anxieties, the Campus Living Centres’ senior team quickly pivoted towards developing and implementing COVID safety protocols. Working with the various public health units across the country, a comprehensive manual was developed that would become a living, breathing playbook for how to handle a potential outbreak within a building. “We’re so incredibly proud of all of our employees, as they navigated through a very challenging year. We accept this award on behalf of our 600 employees, as at the end of the day, they make it all possible”, said Michael Paul, Senior Vice President, Operations, Campus Living Centres.

“CIBC is especially proud to celebrate and recognize the winners of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in what has been a very challenging year”, said Dino Medves, Senior Vice President and Head, CIBC Commercial Banking. “These companies had to make tough decisions, adapt quickly to a new environment and most importantly, continue to innovate and invest for the future.

2021 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at a virtual gala. The Best Managed virtual symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders.

The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, and TMX Group.

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Canada’s Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $25 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices.

The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner (award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years); 4) Platinum Club member (winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more). Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, and TMX Group.

For more information, please contact:
bestmanagedcompanies@deloitte.ca
www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca

 About Campus Living Centres

Campus Living Centres was founded in 1989 with the purpose of assisting colleges and universities and with the planning, design, financing, and management of student housing and conference facilities. As the largest operator of student housing in Canada, Campus Living Centres has a portfolio of approximately 30,000 beds, which includes a combination of both managed and/or owned student housing developments, and commercial real estate. We are partnered with 27 Canadian post-secondary institutions, and have successfully completed 18 P-3 student housing projects to date.

Contact information:
Clarence Chong
Director, Marketing & Sales
416-620-0635 ext. 8160
cchong@campuslivingcentres.com
campuslivingcentres.com