For People to Flourish: Creating Supportive Spaces

Work, Live
and Thrive

We understand that our buildings are more than just spaces — they shape the daily experiences and well-being of those who work, shop, and live within them. It’s why we strive to create healthy, comfortable, and efficient environments that actively support the needs of our employees, tenants, communities, and partners.

At the core of our approach is an inclusive, empowering workplace where our diverse workforce can excel. By embedding equity into our people processes and fostering a culture that values engagement and well-being, we cultivate a purpose-driven team that consistently delivers meaningful results for our stakeholders.

Our commitment goes beyond our employees to the people and businesses that call our properties home. We aim to create secure, sustainable environments that enhance the tenant experience and drive long-term success.

Employee
Engagement
and Well-being

We strive for a highly engaged, values-led team to ensure we consistently deliver strong results for our stakeholders.

In 2024, we conducted a People Survey and an Employee Benefits & Development Survey to evaluate team engagement, measure progress, gather feedback, and inform new initiatives. Based on the insights gained, we prioritized:

  • Launching a strategic initiative to strengthen our culture and values
  • Enhancing our performance development framework and leadership programs
  • Reviewing and optimizing employee benefits
  • Investing in technology enablement across the business

KingSett’s Employee Professional Development Program strives to ensure that all individuals reach their full potential. The program includes:

  • A fully tailored Emerging Leadership Development Program (for Managers and below), utilizing a detailed psychology assessment to determine individualized strengths and potential for development
  • A multi-day Advanced Leadership Development Program for senior leaders (Director level and above)
  • A one-week top tier business school course (of their choosing) for up to four executives per year
  • A variety of workshops and team development programs
  • Coaching hours to be used by employees as needed
  • Funding for professional designations
  • A tuition reimbursement program for the successful completion of continuing education courses
  • A summer internship program to help develop the skills of young and emerging professionals
  • Financial modelling training for employees across the business to refresh their core technical skills
  • Lunch & Learn speaker series covering a variety of topics to support employees personally and professionally

Our Employee Health and Well-being Program focuses on several strategies to support employees:

  • Full company funding of health and dental coverage for employees and their families
  • Additional Health Care Spending Account for all employees used to cover any expenses not covered by the corporate health plan
  • Fully subsidized medical exam at a corporate wellness health clinic every two years and every year for those over 50
  • 100% top-up of base salary for parental leave for 12 months (women) and 38 weeks (men)
  • Work from anywhere Fridays
  • Half-day office closure on Fridays leading into the summer long weekends
  • Two weeks off over the Winter holiday break to spend with family, friends and loved ones
  • Fresh fruit and other healthy snacks for employees throughout the work week
  • Adjustable height desks, chairs and monitor arms at all workstations

Through our new Performance Development program we focus on:

  • Firm-wide communication via townhalls and CEO Newsletters to ensure all employees feel informed, included and aligned with the company’s goals
  • A common definition of high performance and KingSett’s Leadership Competencies
  • Annual goal setting aligned to KingSett’s strategic priorities including feedback gathering
  • Twice-yearly calibration meetings to ensure performance and compensation is benchmarked equitably across employee peer groups

95%

engagement survey response rate

85%

of employees say they’re proud to work at KingSett

80%

of employees would recommend KingSett as a great place to work

BOMA Toronto Emerging Leader Award

Heather Sadura, Manager, Analysis & Resilience at KingSett, was recognized by BOMA Toronto with the 2024 Individual Award of Excellence in the Emerging Leader category. This recognition highlights Heather’s leadership in advancing sustainability and ethical practices within the industry. Heather has been instrumental in the integration of ESG principles throughout KingSett’s operations, helping embed sustainability into decision-making processes and supporting performance improvements throughout the company’s asset portfolio.

Living our values

As part of our ongoing effort to foster a positive and inclusive workplace, KingSett engaged with consultants to help us better understand our employees’ experiences and perspectives. Through employee interviews and building off the 2024 People Engagement Survey, more ways to fully reflect our values in daily interactions were identified. The resulting Values in Action policy set out clear steps to strengthen collaboration, respect and engagement. It has led to more targeted leadership development, connection-building initiatives and ongoing improvements to our people processes.

Kingsett Shines at Hyrox Toronto

In October, KingSett was proudly represented at Canada’s inaugural HYROX event, held at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. HYROX is an innovative global fitness competition that combines functional exercises — such as rowing, sled pushes, and burpees — with 1 km runs between each workout. Designed to challenge both strength and endurance, it’s a true test of all-around fitness. Five KingSett relay teams participated in the heats, bringing energy, determination, and impressive performances to the course. With teammates lining the route to offer support and encouragement, the KingSett spirit was on full display.

Living our values

As part of our ongoing effort to foster a positive and inclusive workplace, KingSett engaged with consultants to help us better understand our employees’ experiences and perspectives. Through employee interviews and building off the 2024 People Engagement Survey, more ways to fully reflect our values in daily interactions were identified. The resulting Values in Action policy set out clear steps to strengthen collaboration, respect and engagement. It has led to more targeted leadership development, connection-building initiatives and ongoing improvements to our people processes.

BOMA Toronto Emerging Leader Award

Heather Sadura, Manager, Analysis & Resilience at KingSett, was recognized by BOMA Toronto with the 2024 Individual Award of Excellence in the Emerging Leader category. This recognition highlights Heather’s leadership in advancing sustainability and ethical practices within the industry. Heather has been instrumental in the integration of ESG principles throughout KingSett’s operations, helping embed sustainability into decision-making processes and supporting performance improvements throughout the company’s asset portfolio.

Kingsett Shines at Hyrox Toronto

In October, KingSett was proudly represented at Canada’s inaugural HYROX event, held at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. HYROX is an innovative global fitness competition that combines functional exercises — such as rowing, sled pushes, and burpees — with 1 km runs between each workout. Designed to challenge both strength and endurance, it’s a true test of all-around fitness. Five KingSett relay teams participated in the heats, bringing energy, determination, and impressive performances to the course. With teammates lining the route to offer support and encouragement, the KingSett spirit was on full display.

Tenant
Engagement
and Well-being

We are dedicated to delivering comfortable, secure and environmentally beneficial living and working environments that cater to the needs of our tenants.

By understanding the concerns, needs and goals of our tenants and occupants, KingSett and its property management partners are able to develop tailored, property-specific programs that drive success. We actively incorporate tenant feedback into the development of our property amenities and offerings.

The tenant engagement programs at our properties are supported by the property management teams and includes various tools for communication and involvement, such as:

  • Tenant engagement surveys
  • Tenant communication apps
  • Tenant-focused events
  • Social media/online platforms
  • Tenant engagement meetings
  • Tenant feedback

100%

of KingSett properties have sustainability-specific clauses in their standard lease agreement

100%

of CREIF properties have undertaken a tenant satisfaction survey in the last three years and have a communications program with tenants

Next Steps

DEVELOP property-level engagement strategies based on feedback from satisfaction survey

Promoting Wellness at Scotia Plaza

Scotia Plaza, in partnership with UrbanCore, launched a series of complimentary wellness and yoga classes to support tenant wellbeing and encourage healthy routines in the workplace. Offered every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, the 50-minute sessions are available both in person and virtually, providing flexibility for busy schedules. The initiative has been met with steady engagement and positive feedback, highlighting the growing demand for accessible wellness options in the workplace.

Burlington Centre Charity Space

During the holiday season, Burlington Centre supports the community by providing space for charitable partners to raise funds in support of local programs. In 2024, supported initiatives included the Salvation Army Toy Mountain, Salvation Army Kettles, and the Joseph Brant Gift Wrap. Year-round, the Centre also offers its HUB space free of charge to charities and non-profits, creating opportunities to raise awareness and engage with the community on important issues, including mental health

Elevating the Tenant Experience

KingSett has partnered with Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) Hospitality to operate a brand new 20,000 sf amenity space on the 68th floor of Scotia Plaza. The space features a 10,000sf event venue and a tenant-only lounge with café and bar. With panoramic views, flexible event configurations and exclusive catering by O&B, all electrically powered, this versatile space reflects our commitment to creating extraordinary, experience-driven environments for tenants and their guests.

For Strong and Thriving Communities

Creating Lasting Impact

As owners and managers of commercial real estate, we recognize that our buildings serve more than just their physical function — they are integral to the dynamic fabric of the communities they inhabit. With a deep commitment to the areas where we operate, we strive to enhance and strengthen these communities by creating spaces that foster growth, well-being and opportunity. Our approach goes beyond ownership; we work to empower local neighborhoods and contribute to their prosperity. Through this dedication, we aim to create meaningful, lasting social and economic benefits for our employees, tenants, investors, and the broader society.

Community Impact and Engagement

Our employees actively engage in various charitable events and local initiatives that build trust and contribute value to all. We empower our property teams to get involved in the communities they serve, fostering strong connections. By organizing events, offering public services, and building relationships with local residents, we create vibrant spaces where people want to be.

91%

of CREIF properties have a community engagement program

Raised over

$530,000

by KingSett for the United Way Campaign of Giving since 2015

KingSett aims to be a good neighbour and partner in the communities in which we operate. We understand that we are more effective when incorporating diverse ideas and input from our communities and partners.

In our new developments, throughout the project planning and development process, we collaborate closely with city staff to ensure our projects comply with relevant ordinances, regulations, and guidelines. When appropriate, we also engage with community members to better understand their needs and explore ways to support and address them.

As part of our strategy’s core objectives, we partner with charities across our portfolio to enhance the social support and community building of our developments and existing assets. In the past these efforts have included raising over $4 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, partnerships through our Affordable Housing Fund and recognition of achievenemnt by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons for adaoption of the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification.

Welcoming Residents to Birchmount Green

Welcoming Residents to Birchmount Green

Birchmount Green is a 220-unit, 100 per cent affordable housing building at 1236 Birchmount Rd. in Scarborough. The property offers rent-geared-to-income housing, as well as affordable and supportive housing, in partnership with local not-for-profit agencies: Fred Victor, Community Living Toronto, Loft Community Services, The Redwood Family Shelter, and Woodgreen Community Services. Following the opening of the building, KingSett welcomed new residents with a community barbecue, hosted in collaboration with Community Living Toronto and our partners at Mahogany Management. The KingSett team volunteered their time to help create a warm, welcoming and fun atmosphere for everyone involved.

Investing in Community

Investing in Community

At KingSett, making a positive impact in the community is a shared value that drives our culture. During our annual Volunteer Week, more than 100 team members came together to support a range of local initiatives across the Greater Toronto Area at community organizations including Daily Bread Food Bank, Horizons for Youth Toronto, Fred Victor and Toronto Humane Society. From preparing meals and planting gardens to lending a helping hand, our people showed their commitment to giving back — one meaningful act at a time.

donations

Paying It (Fashion) Forward

From January 30 to February 16, Scotia Plaza hosted a women’s clothing drive to collect gently used business attire in support of Dress for Success, which empowers women on their journey to economic independence. A dedicated drop-off location was set up in the Scotia Plaza concourse to make participation easy and accessible for tenants and visitors. KingSett team members also volunteered their time to help facilitate the event throughout its duration.

Case Study: Creating Spaces for All

KingSett honoured for commitment to accessibility

Each year, the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons recognizes organizations that have gone the extra mile to support people with disabilities. KingSett was honoured to receive of the 2024 Corporate Award in recognition of our commitment to creating accessible buildings and communities for all. This commitment includes the certification of over 7M sf of our properties and over 500 rental apartments under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Program (RHFAC).

We believe third-party building certifications such as RHFAC are a credible and consistent way to assess, validate, and communicate the environmental performance and management of our buildings through trusted, verifiable standards. KingSett has adopted the RHFAC standard in our portfolio for many years, helping us identify both areas of strength and opportunities to improve accessibility. By acting on these recommendations, we’re able to create spaces that everyone can enjoy — fostering greater inclusivity in the communities we serve and improving accessibility for all people who come to a KingSett property.

Industry
Participation

At KingSett, we actively engage with industry associations across Canada to drive value for our tenants, properties, and communities. These associations provide us with vital insights into the latest industry trends and legislative developments at both the federal and provincial levels. As members, we gain access to policy working groups and a seat at the table where decisions are made that impact our business, industry and stakeholders.

These associations offer a platform for sharing best practices and exchanging information with peers, which is invaluable when addressing industry-wide challenges such as recruitment and the safety and well-being of our customers.

KingSett actively participates in the following industry associations:

  • CAGBC (Board of Directors and Chapter Member)
  • CREED (Council member)
  • BOMA Toronto (Board of Directors and Member)
  • BOMA Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Advisory (Council member)
  • Toronto District 2030 (committee member)
  • Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (Board of Directors)
  • REALPAC (Board of Directors and Member)
  • REALPAC ESG Committee (Member)
  • REALPAC Innovation Committee (Member)
  • ICSC (Member)
  • Urban Land Institute (Member)
  • Sustainable Investment Committee (Participant)
  • GRESB Real Estate (Participant)
  • NAIOP (Member)
  • Toronto CREW (Board of Directors and Member)
  • BILD GTA (Member)
  • Bloor Yonge Business Improvement Area (Board of Directors)
  • Bloor Yorkville (Planning and Urban Development Committee Member)
  • Toronto District 2030 (Member)
  • Toronto Green Will Initiative (Member)
  • Junior Achievement of Central Ontario (Board of Governors)