UDI Seminar: TransLink CEO - Future of Regional Transit & Transit Oriented Development

TRANSLINK PRESENTATION

Come join us as we find out – where are we on the Millennium Line Broadway Extension and Surrey Light Rail Transit projects?

​TransLink’s CEO Kevin Desmond will unveil recent public transit improvements, such as London-style double-decker buses and more SkyTrain cars, and an update on the Mayors' 10-year Vision on transit and transportation in Metro Vancouver. How does the provincial government’s recent budget impact Mayors’ Vision timelines, the regional funding gap and federal funding deadlines? When will we see shovels in the ground to keep pace with all the housing growth?
 
The morning seminar will also feature a short overview by Guy Akester, Director of Real Estate Programs and Partnerships, who’ll share best practices for building high-density Transit-Oriented Development in and around rapid transit stations, concentrating growth in urban centres.

Tim Grant, Vice President, Development of PCI Developments, will provide a developer's perspective on challenges and solutions to building successful transit-oriented communities.


Featured Panel:

• Kevin Desmond - Chief Executive Officer, TransLink
• Guy Akester - Director, Real Estate Programs & Partnerships, TransLink​
• Tim Grant - Vice President, Development, PCI Developments

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BIOS

KEVIN DESMOND
Prior to joining TransLink, Kevin was General Manager of King County Metro Transit serving the Seattle metropolitan region. At Metro, he oversaw a mix of transit modes, including buses, trains, vanpools, paratransit vans, as well as approximately 5,000 employees. In his 12 years tenure, he helped to grow ridership by 44 per cent and launch the ORCA Card, as well as light rail, streetcar service, and several bus rapid transit lines. Kevin was also part of three successful votes on transit funding.

Prior to Metro Transit, Kevin was Vice-President of Operations and Development at Pierce Transit in Tacoma, Washington. Before relocating to the West Coast, Kevin acted as Chief of Operations Planning for New York City Transit which included bus and subway operations. Earlier in his career he served as Deputy Director in Mayor Koch’s Transportation Office and Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Kevin has a master’s degree in public administration from New York University. He is a member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board of Directors and the first chair of the organization’s Sustainability Committee.

GUY AKESTER
Guy is responsible for the real estate portfolio at TransLink which includes retail, parking, telecom, commercial partnerships, acquisitions, development, and surplus land sales. In addition to this, he has responsibility for development approvals for projects with close proximity to SkyTrain and transportation assets. He has lived and worked based out of Vancouver, Toronto, London UK, Edinburgh, Hong Kong and Shanghai doing the real estate for a wide range of companies including Telus, FedEx, CIBC and Goldman Sachs. Guy has over 18 years of experience in Real Estate across the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

TIM GRANT
Tim is a member of PCI’s Executive Team and partner. He is responsible for its development and asset management programs.