Today, organizations that focus on supporting the community and promoting inclusivity play a vital role in shaping a better future. A great example of this is the inspiring partnership between First Capital and Project Canoe, aimed at empowering youth and building a more inclusive society.

Introduction to Project Canoe

Project Canoe is dedicated to providing therapeutic and outdoor programs to youth across Ontario. By embracing the healing power of nature and adventure, Project Canoe creates meaningful experiences that truly make a difference in the lives of the youth they work with. Their mission aligns perfectly with First Capital’s commitment to community engagement and making a positive impact.

First Capital’s ED&I Council

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) efforts are centred around fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture. Since 2020, our ED&I Council has been focusing on four pillars: Foundation, Recognition and Celebration, Education, and Community. We’ve recently refreshed the ED&I branding to “Everyone Belongs,” reflecting a commitment to supporting a more inclusive workplace. Our programs actively engage employees, tenants, vendors, and community stakeholders to help boost equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in the neighbourhoods where First Capital operates.

The First Capital x Project Canoe partnership

The partnership between First Capital and Project Canoe is a testament to the shared values that both organizations hold. Here’s how we are actively supporting Project Canoe:

1. Space Donation

We donated unused storage space at Kingston Square, Scarborough, for Project Canoe to store equipment and gear. This has allowed Project Canoe to deliver their programs more efficiently and connect deeper with the local Scarbrough community.

2. ED&I Council Involvement

Members of First Capital’s ED&I Council have been actively supporting Project Canoe’s mission, and are focused on growing these partnerships through community engagement.

3. Volunteer Opportunities

At First Capital we are encouraging our employees to volunteer with Project Canoe, leveraging the company’s Volunteer Day initiative to provide further support to the organization.

4. Tenant Engagement

We are exploring innovative ways to engage its tenants in supporting Project Canoe, such as through donations and other efforts to help their programs continue to grow.

Through this partnership, Project Canoe’s ability to positively impact the lives of youth in Ontario has grown tremendously. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to driving positive change and fostering inclusivity in the communities we serve. As the partnership between First Capital and Project Canoe continues to grow, it serves as a great reminder of how organizations can come together to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.

For more information on our ED&I Council, click here

To learn more about Project Canoe, click the links below:

Website

Instagram

In 2022, we introduced our Best & Brightest Awards Program (or “Besties” for short) that celebrates our employees who demonstrate and embody our five core values: Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence, Accountability, and Passion. Each of the five winners receive $2,500 worth of FCR units, an official certificate, and 5 additional vacation days. All employees were given the opportunity to nominate their colleagues and the winners were chosen by our carefully appointed selection committee. The five winners were announced at our Celebrating Our People Townhall that took place in late November. 

Why We Do It 

Here at FCR, we don’t let hard work go unnoticed and the goal is to improve upon and grow our efforts in recognizing our best and brightest people. We invest in those who are passionate about what they do, are always willing to put their best foot forward, and are dedicated to working together to drive innovation and achieve success.  

Our five values govern everything we do, guide our actions, and inspire us to be our best and brightest. As a leader in Canada’s commercial real estate industry, we strive for excellence in all aspects of our business, and it starts with our people. Challenging, exciting, dynamic, and rewarding; FCR’s workplace offers enriching opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to our neighbourhoods.   

2023 Best & Brightest Awards Winners 

We’re delighted to share the winners for last year’s Best & Brightest Awards: 

Collaboration 

We believe in having one team with one cohesive purpose that works toward achieving a common goal. We know that our best work is done with the help of our peers, and we recognize those who champion collaboration within their own team and across the business. Our Besties Collaboration Award went to Noah Parker, Director of Marketing & Communications. 

“Noah makes FCR as a whole an incredible place to work with his bright, charismatic personality. He has been instrumental in a number of successful projects, helping us work together to achieve our common goals. From developing a new leads pipeline in leasing, to contributing to the success of our recent Softball event, his dedication to his work and the Foundation sets a high standard for all in collaboration with him.”

Innovation 

We give our staff the freedom to challenge the status quo and drive innovation in the workplace. They are given the opportunity to create positive change and we celebrate those who are always looking for new ways to modernize and progress our business forward. The Besties Innovation Award went to Thao Tran, Senior Data & Automation Analyst.  

“Thao is a valued part of the I.T. team with her constant innovation and data integration ideas to simplify the process for the FCR Business Leads. She specializes in bot automation to improve efficiencies of running the monthly reports that can now be done by automation. She has a great attitude and is always willing to listen and learn the process flow before implementing.” 

Excellence 

We encourage our people to strive for excellence and we value those who are the absolute best at what they do. We’re proud of the quality of our people, especially ones who exhibit greatness and merit in their role and area of expertise. The Besties Excellence Award went to Madeleine Bradshaw, Development Manager.  

“Maddie is such a hard worker and is constantly going above and beyond for all sorts of requests. She is quick to respond to all inquiries and is always happy to help even when she’s busy. With a smile, she always delivers what she promises, and she promises to deliver much more than what she is responsible for to help others out.” 

Accountability

Part of being an excellent team member means your peers can count on you and trust that you’ll deliver what you promised. We highly regard those who hold themselves accountable and are responsible for meeting deadlines, hitting targets, and achieving goals they committed to. The Besties Accountability Award went to Andrew Chau, Senior Property Manager. 

“Andrew is dedicated, hardworking and dependable in every situation. He is always ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done! Andrew has adapted to the many changes in the Edmonton office and has demonstrated his leadership skills within his role by providing guidance and knowledge to the entire Edmonton Team. He IS the best at what he does. Whether it’s assisting Construction, Leasing, or supporting his team, he is always available and provides guidance or suggestion.” 

Passion

We celebrate those who are passionate about their role and love what they do. These individuals lead with enthusiasm, have strong motivation, and go above and beyond the standard. A passionate employee is one who genuinely cares and is positively dedicated to their work. The Besties Passion Award went to Crystal Hodgson, Property Tax Senior Manager.  

“Crystal has been an instrumental member of the foundation, leading our volunteer day sub-committee with a true passion for helping others. She has made it her mission to ensure that FCR teammates get out and use their volunteer days – not only to make a difference in our neighbourhoods – but also to meet our corporate accountabilities. She puts in extra hours to research and communicate multiple opportunities for teams and individuals to participate in. Her enthusiasm and team spirit is contagious!” 

We’d like to congratulate all five Best & Brightest Awards recipients on this well-deserved achievement. Their hard work and commitment to showcase our values has not gone unnoticed and we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to do so. We’re extremely proud of our team – congratulations to our “Besties”!  

Looking to join our dynamic and rewarding team? Explore careers at First Capital here. 

Since the first cohort joined us in 2017, we’ve had many talented young professionals come through our Summer Intern Program, kick off their careers, and ultimately make their mark in the Canadian Real Estate industry. We’re looking for the next generation of Real Estate professionals to revolutionize and push our industry forward. Do you have what it takes?  

About FCR’s Unique Intern Program 

Our Intern Program gives young professionals access to enriching opportunities to start and accelerate their careers. Through this program, First Capital Interns gain real, meaningful work experience through hands-on activities, working alongside our leaders on exciting projects and strategies. In addition to day-to-day assignments, Interns have access to a series of learning and networking events, mentorship sessions from our leaders, and an end-of-term Capstone Project. Our goal is to provide all program graduates with a solid understanding of our business, the Canadian Real Estate (CRE) industry, and a wealth of valuable connections. 

The program spans from May to August and we offer positions in many departments including Asset Strategy, Real Estate Services, Development, Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, People & Culture, Finance & Accounting, Legal, and many more across our offices in Canada. There’s truly something for everyone! 

A Recap of our 2023 Summer Intern Program 

Our 2023 program, which consisted of 18 interns, featured role-specific projects, weekly Learning and Mentorship Sessions, Intern Socials, Networking Events, and the end-of-term Capstone Project. 

The Capstone Project Presentation  

Our Interns also take part in the Capstone Project that ties all the foundational elements of the internship program — practical work experience, collaboration, research, and innovative problem-solving. Interns from across their disciplines work together and look for ways to drive creativity and innovation within our portfolio of mixed-use real estate. This project spans the entirety of the program and is presented to our Executive Leadership Team at the end of the four-month term. Talk about real work experience! 

Testimonials From Past Interns (and Interns turned Employees!)  

What’s it like to intern at First Capital? Check out some testimonials below and get a glimpse into what your experience could be like: 

“I joined First Capital as a summer law intern in 2023. During this time, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real estate and leasing law while developing an understanding of the CRE industry. I also had the benefit of working under exceptional mentors who made a point to prioritize my education and growth as a legal professional. I have come to appreciate First Capital’s welcoming culture and have developed lifelong personal and professional relationships with my peers. First Capital’s summer intern program is a valuable springboard to any student’s career, and I cannot endorse it enough.” 

– Brody Zuckerman, Summer Law Student (2023) 

“FCR promotes the growth of every employee, regardless of position. As a young professional, being challenged and tasked with higher-level responsibilities is a unique way to learn that most internships don’t provide. While I learned how to tackle real-life problems in the CRE industry, I also learned the value of surrounding oneself with professional and personal mentors who want to see you succeed. Thank you to everyone who imparted wisdom and patience over the past 16 weeks, it goes a long way for us!” 

– Mafe Angeles, Marketing and Communications Intern (2023)

“In the Summer of 2023, I began my internship with First Capital as a Property Management Intern. FCR’s intern program was exactly what I was looking for, and the skills I gained in correspondence/project management and ESG analysis are all going to be indispensable as I go on to complete my studies. In operations, I wasn’t just an intern; I was a future property manager, and my mentors did everything they could to get me ready for when I find myself working alongside them. The feeling of genuine teamwork is something you can’t find in many workplaces, but everything First Capital did has really made me feel like I’m a part of a family.” 

– Nathan Baggs, Property Management Intern (2023) 

“This summer I had an amazing time working as a property accounting intern at FCR. I really value that my managers have given me guidance and support, which allows me to develop both personally and professionally. Aside from acquiring a wealth of practical knowledge within my own field, I’ve had the invaluable opportunity to delve into various other departments, fostering connections with professionals across the company and gaining a holistic understanding of its operations. I am truly grateful for such a great experience to contribute, learn, and evolve within FCR’s dynamic and nurturing environment.” 

– Angela Wang, Property Accounting Intern (2023)

Over eight years ago, I began my professional journey as an intern at First Capital. This role served as a solid foundation from which to build my career by immersing me in a wide range of projects at a company renowned for its best-in-class portfolio and platform. The invaluable experiences I gained and the guidance of my mentors within the company allowed me to transition seamlessly into a full-time position following my graduation, and I have continued to grow with the company ever since. I would encourage any aspiring professional to explore an internship at First Capital REIT!” 

– Jeff Farbman, Vice President of Investments at First Capital 

“In the summer of 2022, I began working at First Capital as a marketing intern, and it has been a fulfilling experience ever since. The warm and welcoming work environment provided an excellent introduction to the professional world, allowing me to develop new skills and grow in more ways than I could have imagined. During my internship, I honed a diverse skill set, including collaboration, communication, and organization, and was able to apply much of what I had studied during my academic experience.  

After being offered a full-time position in 2023 and getting more involved in the company, I had the opportunity to refine my graphic design skills and work collaboratively across various departments. The exceptional work culture at FCR, coupled with my incredible mentors, has been a valuable asset that has guided and supported me throughout my journey here. I look forward to an exciting future here at FCR. 

– Kristian Murphy, Junior Graphic Designer at First Capital 

Why First Capital?  

At First Capital, we offer a dynamic and diverse environment that allows for all our employees to grow and be successful. We invest in those who are passionate about what they do, are always willing to put their best foot forward, and are dedicated to working together to drive innovation and achieve success.  

We’re passionate about empowering the next generation of professionals in the real estate industry, and we aim to continue growing and implementing our yearly intern program to achieve this goal. Challenging, exciting, dynamic, and rewarding; FCR’s workplace offers enriching opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to our neighbourhoods.   

Need help with your resume? Check out our blog on resume trends, tips, and tricks you should be thinking about here.  

Keep updated on all FCR job opportunities by subscribing to our Recruitment Newsletter here.  

For the fourth time in five years, we are honoured to have been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada and The Globe and Mail. This prestigious award recognizes organizations who demonstrate excellence and best practices in the workplace for employee support and success. Each year, applicants are evaluated on leadership in employee culture, benefits & total rewards, communication, training & education, and community involvement. 

Across our portfolio, our people are our most valued asset – they are at the core of everything we do. Their efforts, passion and willingness to help out each other, our tenants and those in our communities shape the FCR culture. 

 We invest in our team. Examples of the programs we’ve created to better the opportunities for our staff include: tuition subsidies to further employee’s education, an exceptional and well recognized summer internship program, substantial mental and physical health benefits, as well as flexible work schedules and extensive wellness packages to fit the diverse needs of our employees.  

Through the work of our Equity Diversity and Inclusion Council, we are creating a safe and respectful work environment that embraces different perspectives and lived experiences, as we strive to inspire everyone to become their best selves. As a Canadian company, we understand the importance of ED&I in the workplace as it reflects the diverse communities in which we operate. We’re continuing to evolve, educate ourselves and build on our understanding of ED&I and do better.  

Our FCR Thriving Neighbourhoods Foundation has also made huge strides since its launch in 2020. We are proud to report, with the conclusion of our 2023 fundraising season, over $900,000 in funds raised for charities across Canada. Through our various events, including our signature CRE softball tournament, charitable programming, and volunteerism, we’ve supported great charities like Kids Help Phone, Second Harvest, Food Banks across Canada, and many more!  

Being recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is a testament to the excellence, commitment and talent among our 350+ employees nationwide. Our employees are at the core of our success, and we wouldn’t be where or who we are today without them. 

THANK YOU FCR TEAM! 

To learn more about this recognition click here