Foundation introduces Governor Doug Leighton

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The Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) is pleased to formally announce that Doug Leighton has joined our Board of Governors for a three year term.

Prior to becoming involved with AREF, Doug was aware of the positive effects of AREF’s counterpart in BC: “I served on the Planning Institute of BC and we co-sponsored a successful bi-annual ‘Land Summit’ with the Real Estate Foundation of BC.”

As a result, when he arrived in Alberta, Doug was quick to become involved with AREF. He is pleased to join AREF’s Board of Governors as his personal and professional interests are highly aligned with the Foundation’s values and objectives.

Doug is one of the three Public Appointments sitting on the Board of Governors and  hopes to contribute his experience in the private and public sectors. He has a strong background in housing, urban design and sustainable development as well as connections with the land development and housing industries.

“I think that communication and collaboration between all the players involved in real estate, land and housing is critical,” Doug says. “I feel privileged to join the AREF Board and to help advance its mandate to the benefit of Albertans.”

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Doug is Vice President, Sustainability for Brookfield Residential Properties, a leading North American homebuilding and land development company. A proponent of good planning and urban design, he has more than 30 years international experience as a professional planner and architect in the public and private sectors.

A graduate of the University of Calgary (BA Geography and Masters Environmental Design), Doug initially worked as an architect and planner in Calgary and Vancouver. He moved to the public sector as Senior Planner for the Resort Municipality of Whistler. He was founding Director of Planning and Development for the Town of Banff, where he led the Downtown Enhancement Project and helped establish the Banff Housing and Heritage Corporations.

In 1997 Doug moved to New Zealand and became principal of a leading consultancy. He helped develop the NZ Urban Design Protocol and advised clients as diverse as Housing New Zealand, Waterfront Auckland and Shania Twain.

Doug returned to Canada in 2008 to represent Carma Developers (now Brookfield Residential) on Vancouver Island; and finally ‘came home’ to Calgary in 2012.

Doug has served as a Director of the Alberta, New Zealand and British Columbia Planning Institutes. He currently serves on the Board of ULI Calgary and was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation in November, 2015.

Foundation introduces Chair Charlie Ponde

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As of January 1st 2016, Charlie Ponde became the Alberta Real Estate Foundation’s 13th Chair of the Board of Governors.

Charlie was appointed to Alberta Real Estate Foundation Board of Governors in 2012 by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA). Prior to joining the Board, Charlie had always followed and observed past Governors and the actions of Alberta Real Estate Foundation. “I admired the way AREF was quietly making an impact by funding numerous projects in the province,” Charlie said, “I always wanted to get involved and be part of the work AREF was doing.”

Charlie Ponde was born in India and completed his university education in the city of Mumbai. Charlie immigrated to Canada 48 years ago. After working in the dental field, Charlie entered the real estate profession in 1992, to fulfil a passion for buying and selling real estate and for working with people. Charlie has been an active and full-time member of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton ever since.

Charlie was elected and served as the President of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton in 2009 and now is a Life Member of the Association. He served on numerous committees relating to real estate including AREX Claims Committee, the Edmonton Realtors’ Charitable Foundation (Governor and President), the Arbitration and Professional Standards Committee, the Technology Committee and the Government and Political Action Committee.

An active member of the community, Charlie has been involved with the Affordable Housing Committee, Sign of Hope Campaign – Catholic Social Services, The Christmas Bureau, Realty Watch and the Neighborhood Watch Programs, St. Albert Lottery Board, St. Albert’s City Plan 2000 Advisory Committee (Municipal Development Plan), the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association and is a Director with CARP, a seniors national advocacy organization.

Charlie’s first priority in taking on the role of Chair is to ensure there is effective communication between the Board of Governors, staff and AREF’s stakeholders. “I may be the Chair but I feel it is a team effort. In order for AREF to be effective, the Board and staff must be on the same page, working to enhance the Real Estate industry and make a difference in Alberta together.”

The Foundation would like to express their deepest gratitude to Gary Willson who will be stepping into the role as Past-Chair. His leadership and experience in planning, industry and community engagement has enhance the Foundations profile and helped increase its reach throughout the province through collaboration with industry and communities.

Charlie will serve a two year term as Chair of the Board. His experience in the industry, insight on community initiatives and remarkable networking skills will bring much value to the Foundation.