About SkyDev:
Experience You Can Trust
“SkyDev is a fully integrated asset acquisition, management, development, and investment entity with a mission to build developments that create meaningful value for the communities we invest in. Our team’s extensive knowledge and expertise goes into each project, creating vibrant communities of business spaces and places to call home.”
Gregory Jones,
President, SkyDev
Our Team
Greg Jones
President
Carrie Lamarche
Vice President
Lorraine Roberts
Senior Development Manager
Sarah Reeve
Development Manager
Brandon Almeida
Development Manager
Apeksha Jain
Finance Manager
Emily Hallgrimson
Development Investment Manager Greg Jones
PresidentGreg is responsible for leading the SkyDev team in bringing sustainable and impactful new real estate development to fruition for Skyline Group of Companies, building great places for Canadians to live, work, and shop.
Joining Skyline with more than 15 years of apartment, retail, and commercial real estate development experience, Greg has worked with several real estate development firms delivering new buildings across Canada and the United States, including Cadillac Fairview, First Gulf Corporation, and Lanterra Developments.
Greg holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Housing and Real Estate Management and a Master of Land Use Planning from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Business Administration specializing in Finance and Organization studies from York University’s Schulich School of Business.
Carrie Lamarche
Vice PresidentAs Vice President, Development, Carrie oversees the end-to-end real estate development process for SkyDev, from site acquisition to placement into service.
Carrie joined SkyDev with 20 years of experience in real estate development spanning multiple asset classes. She has been accountable for all steps in the development process including creation of real estate market strategies, feasibility assessment and due diligence for lease/land purchases, acquisitions, schedule management, municipal approvals, and design & construction management.
As Vice President, Design, Construction & Maintenance at Walmart Canada, Carrie oversaw maintenance and capital expenditure projects for a 30M+ square foot portfolio of retail, warehouse, and office properties, including any new store and distribution centre design & construction. Her achievements include the creation of a Sustainability Strategic Plan to reduce energy consumption by 50% by 2025, testing alternate technologies in refrigeration, solar, and wind, achieving 88% diversion of waste to landfill, and enhancing customer experience through an updated contemporary design for stores.
Carrie’s managerial approach is based in servant leadership, and centres on active listening, mentoring, and perpetuating an inclusive culture that values diverse thinking. She is an advocate of ongoing self-development and sustainable practices in both personal and professional life.
Carrie is a Professional Engineer and holds a B.A. Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo. She is also a Director of the Guelph Non-Profit Housing Association, providing social housing and programs to meet the needs of Guelph’s low and moderate-income households. Her wide-ranging experience across the real estate development field makes her an asset to the SkyDev team.
Lorraine Roberts
Senior Development ManagerLorraine oversees all aspects of the land acquisition and development process for SkyDev, including obtaining regulatory approvals, preparation, and management of budgets and schedules to successfully deliver new developments. In her role as Senior Development Manager, Lorraine manages multiple project consulting teams and liaises with Skyline’s internal service companies, as well as external consultants including lenders, attorneys, architects, surveyors, engineers, and contractors.
Lorraine has been in the real estate development industry since 1998. She began her career at the City of Brampton in Land Planning, and in 2010 she shifted to the private sector, working as Land Development Coordinator for Eastforest Homes (now Activa) in Waterloo, ON.
Prior to Skyline, Lorraine was Manager of Land Development at Losani Homes in Stoney Creek, ON, during which time she worked on many projects that awarded the company dozens of accolades from organizations such as Canada’s Best Managed Companies, the National Homebuilders’ Association, the Consumer Choice Awards, and the Ontario Business Achievement Awards. Her experience in managing the coordination and development of new real estate projects spans many building types including residential, industrial, retail, and mixed-use.
Lorraine’s managerial approach places importance on mentorship and team collaboration. She views the successes and achievements of her team as the most significant demonstration of her own success, and she believes that when it comes to respect, there are no titles or positions.
Lorraine holds a diploma in Municipal Law and Municipal Administration from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), as well as a certificate in Project Management from the University of Waterloo. She is an executive council member at the Royal Canadian Legion, serving as Public Relations Officer, Youth Education Chairman, and Past President.
Sarah Reeve
Development ManagerSarah is responsible for the management and coordination of various residential real estate development projects. She is also responsible for receiving the regulatory municipal approvals and permits required for those developments.
Additionally, Sarah manages the due diligence of potential acquisitions, including both vacant land and previously developed sites. Her other duties include liaising with internal and external stakeholders and municipal staff, as well as managing external consulting teams. She oversees logistical timelines for projects including feasibility studies, applications and permits, proformas, design development and building design.
Sarah joined SkyDev in 2019 with previous experience in Land Development with a residential home builder, as well as acquisitions and expropriation for the Ontario Government. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Real Estate and Housing from the University of Guelph and is a Master of Business Administration Graduate from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Brandon Almeida
Development ManagerBrandon manages all aspects of the development process, beginning with due diligence assessment, through design development, planning approvals, and construction. He is responsible for advancing regulatory approvals, evaluating project feasibility and the management of external consulting teams across various projects.
Brandon joined Skyline in 2022, bringing with him more than eight years of expertise in real estate development, planning, and construction. He formerly worked with Losani Homes as a Senior Project Manager and Planner and has previous experience in both the public and private sectors. He has been instrumental in the approvals and development of thousands of units across southern Ontario, spanning various building types, including low to high-rise residential, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial.
Brandon holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours, Planning) with a specialization in Urban Design and a Minor in Geography & Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo. He is a Registered Professional Planner, being a full Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, as well as a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Apeksha Jain
Finance ManagerReporting to Skyline Group of Companies’ Vice President, Finance, Apeksha oversees the financial reporting, planning, and treasury functions of SkyDev and its projects, including investment products and service companies. In her role as Finance Manager, she is responsible for providing reliable and timely financial information including the preparation and distribution of various financial statements to the business leaders to guide them in the decision-making process.
Apeksha joined SkyDev in 2021 with more than 15 years of progressive experience in the real estate industry. Her various leadership roles encompassed financial and management reporting and managing compliance including tax, accounting, and reporting in various asset classes. Prior to joining Skyline, Apeksha worked at Cushman and Wakefield, Strathallen, and Morguard, among other companies.
Apeksha’s managerial approach is direct and centers on leading by example and building a culture of continuous quality and improvement. She is a promoter of progressive self-improvement and self-awareness, both in her professional and personal life.
Apeksha is a designated CPA and holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Finance and Accounting.
Emily Hallgrimson
Development Investment ManagerEmily is responsible for evaluating SkyDev’s real estate development investments by managing and completing detailed underwriting, and due diligence. In her role, she supports SkyDev’s mission to build developments that create meaningful value for the communities in which it invests.
Emily joined Skyline in 2024 with more than seven years of experience in the financial services and banking industries. Prior to Skyline, she held the role of Associate, Real Estate Debt, at MarshallZehr Group Inc., where she performed advanced financial modelling and risk analysis to evaluate the quality of various opportunities. She also played an active role in the brokering and administration of real estate development and construction lending transactions.
Emily holds a Master of Management Analytics from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.
SkyDev Executive Board
Jason Castellan
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Castellan
Chief Administrative Officer
R. Jason Ashdown
Chief Sustainability Officer
Wayne Byrd
Chief Financial Officer Jason Castellan
Chief Executive OfficerJason has been in the business of purchasing, owning, managing, and financing income-producing real assets since 1991. His passion for asset acquisitions, management, and investment has served him well as the CEO for Skyline Group of Companies since its inception in 1999.
Recognized for both his entrepreneurialism and industry expertise, Jason believes that although Skyline has its roots in real estate, it is in the people business. By never losing sight of the fundamentals that spurred Skyline’s early growth, Jason has built a major Canadian real estate company spanning coast-to-coast, consistently attracting passionate, like-minded investors and employees with “star” qualities. As Skyline continues to expand its national presence, Jason maintains a belief in providing accessible and personal service to the business’ investor client group that is an integral part of the company’s growth and success.
A graduate of the Ivey School of Business’ exclusive Quantum Shift Program, Jason has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, as well as one of Canada’s 40 Most Promising Entrepreneurs. He was also designated a finalist for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Jason holds degrees from both the University of Guelph and York University. He has strong roots in Guelph, Ontario, where Skyline is headquartered, and still calls the area home with his wife and three children.
Jason sits on the Skyline Apartment REIT Board of Trustees, the Skyline Industrial REIT Board of Trustees, the Skyline Retail REIT Board of Trustees, and the Skyline Clean Energy Fund Board of Trustees. He is also a Board Member for the Grand River Agricultural Society.
Martin Castellan
Chief Administrative OfficerHaving been in the business of real estate acquisitions, management, and investment since the early 1990s, Martin has developed a deep knowledge and understanding of the industry and brings a steadfast devotion to Skyline Group of Companies’ success, both as a growing corporate entity and a Canadian employer of choice.
Martin recognizes that an engaged and enthusiastic workforce is a productive workforce. His primary focus is on the preservation and promotion of Skyline’s values and culture, to ensure that as Skyline continues to reach new heights, it also remains firmly planted on the ground with a strong foundation in “doing the right thing.” A sought-after industry speaker on the subject of workplace culture, Martin’s expertise in this area has garnered Skyline an Aon Best Employer in Canada award, as well as the designation of one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures from Waterstone.
Martin holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Management Economics in Industry and Finance from the University of Guelph and is committed to continual independent learning on all topics relevant to the success of Skyline’s customers, people, and communities. He sits on the Skyline Apartment REIT Board of Trustees.
R. Jason Ashdown
Chief Sustainability OfficerJason Ashdown (also known as “Roy”) has been in the business of real estate asset management, development, construction, and building systems since the early 1990s. His focus centres on sustainable real estate practices, with the objectives of enhancing business performance and reducing Skyline’s environmental footprint.
Jason oversees the corporate strategy and implementation of Skyline’s sustainability and social responsibility efforts. His passion for environmental stewardship fueled the 2006 launch of Skyline’s Portfolio Efficiency Plan (PEP), an ongoing initiative to reduce consumption of natural gas, hydro, water, and waste, while also focusing on tenant outreach and education surrounding sustainable-minded living.
Jason applies a three-prong approach to sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. He ensures that Skyline stands as an industry leader in all three aspects, and remains at the forefront of innovation, efficiency, and community service in the Canadian real estate sphere.
Before his appointment as CSO in 2020, Jason held the title of Chief Operating Officer and worked to consistently improve the performance, profitability, and efficiencies in Skyline’s real estate portfolios.
Jason is also Vice Chair of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), the province’s leading advocate for landlords and tenants, and Chair of United Way Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin’s Home for Good Campaign. He sits on the Skyline Apartment REIT Board of Trustees. He is also a past board member of Shelldale Family Gateway, a community organization in Skyline’s home city of Guelph, Ontario, where he provided advisory services in an effort to help hundreds of local children and families.
Jason holds a BA from the University of Waterloo.
Wayne Byrd
Chief Financial OfficerWayne is dedicated to the responsible financial performance of Skyline Group of Companies and its associated real estate and clean energy assets. Having been in private sector finance since 1995, his proven business experience and insight make him an integral leader as Skyline pursues its vision for growth.
Wayne’s financial expertise and commitment to Skyline’s vision result in a balanced approach to managing fiscal obligations and operational responsibility. He understands and appreciates the challenges facing business today, and, subsequently, the evolving role of the Chief Financial Officer. His unique blend of analytical and leadership skills is fundamental to leading Skyline’s operations and growth beyond the numbers.
Wayne holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University and a Certified Management Accountant designation from the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.
He sits on the Skyline Retail REIT Board of Trustees and the Skyline Clean Energy Fund Board of Trustees.
SkyDev is a real estate development company based in Guelph, Ontario. We are part of Skyline Group of Companies, a fully integrated asset acquisition, management, development, and investment entity. SkyDev delivers new residential, industrial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. From new project inception to the final occupancy, we are developing exceptional spaces to live, work, shop, and enjoy.
As an established Canadian property developer, we’re experienced in navigating complex regulatory requirements, financial needs, and the building design process from land acquisition to occupancy.
We provide opportunities to invest in large-scale, institutional-quality developments with a trusted management team, simplifying a typically complex investment process.
We provide opportunities to invest in large-scale, institutional-quality developments with a trusted management team, simplifying a typically complex investment process.
We maintain clear and frequent communication, including regular financial reporting and project updates.
We maintain clear and frequent communication, including regular financial reporting and project updates.
We treat every dollar as our own, ensuring that value is created with every investment through comprehensive due diligence investigations and proforma updates.
We treat every dollar as our own, ensuring that value is created with every investment through comprehensive due diligence investigations and proforma updates.
Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Drive, and Efficiency: these are Skyline Group of Companies’ P.R.I.D.E. values, and they are the foundational behaviours and characteristics that drive us toward our mission to build developments that create meaningful value for the communities we invest in.
Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Drive, and Efficiency: these are Skyline Group of Companies’ P.R.I.D.E. values, and they are the foundational behaviours and characteristics that drive us toward our mission to build developments that create meaningful value for the communities we invest in.
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