Social Media
Download
Download
Read Mode
Subscribe
Summarize
With over 20 years of experience and a track record of acting on some of Canada’s largest commercial real estate financing transactions, John van Gent is “a real deal maker” who maximizes the value of his clients' portfolios.

Overview

Commercial real estate financiers, investors and owners rely on John for tailored, practical solutions for their most complex financings and transaction structures. Recognized as a top practitioner by Chambers Canada, Lexpert and The Legal 500 Canada, he serves a diverse client base that includes borrowers, leading banks and private mortgage lenders. John's expertise spans all areas of real estate finance—including syndicated and bilateral secured lending, revolving and term loans, construction credit facilities, and work-out transactions.

With nearly 400 loan transactions since 2019—representing a combined lending value of over $30 billion—some of his recent work includes:

  • $1.7-billion revolving construction credit facility—the first of its kind in Canada—for the Oakridge Park Project in Vancouver on behalf of the lender
  • $900-million revolving credit facility secured by a portfolio of industrial properties on behalf of the lender
  • $632-million construction financing of the tallest residential condominium in Canada on behalf of the borrower
  • $450-million acquisition financing of a portfolio of modular home parks across Canada on behalf of the lender
  • $350-million refinancing of a shopping center in Ottawa on behalf of the borrower

John is highly experienced in real estate investment structures, including joint ventures, limited partnerships, mortgage investment funds and private equity real estate funds. Both Canadian and international investors benefit from John's guidance on the trading and financing of commercial properties—spanning office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, multi-family developments, seniors' housing and hospitality properties. His strategic advice on investment structures and land transfer tax planning consistently drives transaction efficiency and long-term savings for his clients.

A frequent presenter at industry conferences and the Bennett Jones Academy, John is a trusted voice in the real estate community, delivering insights that help clients achieve their goals with confidence and efficiency.

,,John van Gent is a real deal maker, and a gentleman in his dealings with others.,,

What Clients Say

Client Work

RBC Capital Markets in its C$363-million term financing of a 16-property real estate portfolio
Scotia Capital in its C$69-million first mortgage construction loan of an industrial warehouse in Brampton
KingSett Real Estate Mortgage in its C$205-million first mortgage construction financing of an industrial warehouse in Mississauga
Bank of Montreal in a C$210-million term financing of a large portfolio of industrial warehouses in Ontario and Quebec
KingSett Real Estate Mortgage in its C$112.5-million first mortgage construction financing of a condominium development in Oshawa
Bank of Montreal in its C$93-million first mortgage construction loan for a retirement residence in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Recognitions & Awards

Chambers Canada

Ranked, Real Estate – Ontario

The Legal 500 Canada

Next Generation Lawyer, Real Estate

Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

Consistently Recommended, Property Development
Consistently Recommended, Project Finance

Who's Who Legal Canada

Recognized, Real Estate

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

  • Queen's University, BA (Hons), 1998
  • Queen's University, LLB, 2001

Bar Admissions

  • Ontario, 2002

News, Events & Speaking Engagements

PlaceholderSpeaking Engagement

Corporate Governance Best Practices

March 9, 2011
Ruth E. PromislowJohn D. van Gent
Ruth E. Promislow & John D. van Gent