University of Guelph
Institutional Real Estate Strategy
(2023-2025)
In response to shifting financial pressures across the Canadian higher education landscape, the University of Guelph identified an opportunity to reassess its non-core land portfolio and explore how these assets could generate long-term, mission-aligned value while preserving future academic and research flexibility. PaperDolls was engaged to provide strategic oversight and advisory for the development of the University’s Real Estate Land Use Vision & Strategy, a multi-phase initiative designed to unlock long-term value while upholding Guelph’s multi-generational outlook. Our mandate included coordinating comprehensive planning analysis, land use visioning, market and economic assessments, financial modelling, and the development of a long-horizon sequencing plan.
Western University
Institutional Real Estate Strategy & Transaction Advisory
(2024-Present)
PaperDolls was engaged by Western University to lead a coordinated, multi-phase land strategy across several priority sites within its urban and suburban portfolio. The mandate responds to shifting economic conditions, policy changes, infrastructure pressures, and the need to responsibly generate alternative revenue while supporting long-term institutional growth. We are leading integrated market, financial, and development assessments to shape monetization pathways for key sites, including an urban infill opportunity and a large mixed-use growth-area site. We are also advising on Western’s innovation-park joint venture, as well as facilitating strategic acquisitions to strengthen the University’s landholdings and long-term positioning in the greater London area.
University of Toronto
Build More Housing Initiative & Residence Recapitalization
(2024-Present)
Facing intensifying housing pressures across Toronto, the University of Toronto launched the Build More Housing Initiative in 2024 to address significant student housing shortfalls. With limited existing bed supply, particularly at the St. George campus, the University required a structured, multi-phase strategy to expand residential capacity while preserving institutional capital. Sonya and Olivia led the design and launch of two competitive procurements to secure experienced private-sector partners for new housing delivery on both on-campus redevelopment sites and off-campus lands near St. George. In parallel, they piloted U of T’s Residential Design, Sustainability, and Accessibility Standards in collaboration with various internal stakeholders to ensure all new developments reflect the University’s expectations for quality, inclusivity, and long-term performance. Concurrently, they are advising on the recapitalization of the Chestnut and Oak House student residences to unlock capital for reinvestment in future housing initiatives.