Initial raise of $10 million to be used to accelerate on- and off-reserve housing projects

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Keewaywin Capital Inc., an Indigenous-led private credit investment firm focused on housing development for Indigenous communities across Canada, has announced the initial close of its inaugural Fund I, securing more than $10 million in commitments.

With commitments from limited private-capital partners including Realize Capital, Rally Assets, Addenda Capital, and the Tachane Foundation, the fund will help launch on-reserve housing and related infrastructure projects in both on- and off-reserve communities.

The initial close of Fund I marks the first public-private partnership focused on funding Indigenous housing construction under Canada’s newly formed government, which has made addressing the country’s broader housing crisis a top priority.

Keewaywin Fund I will invest in scalable, community-led housing projects driven by and for Indigenous communities on and off reserve. Initial capital deployments are planned for this summer, with early projects set to include:

• A modular housing development of up to 30 homes in Northern Manitoba;
• A CMHC Section 95 project in Central Manitoba.

“Fund I offers private investors a meaningful way to connect with and invest in Indigenous communities, something that hasn’t existed in this form in this country before,” says Tracee Smith, founder and CEO of Keewaywin and a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. “With a $44 billion shortfall to meet current housing needs, and another $16 billion required by 2040 to support population growth, it is imperative that governments and the private sector work together to ensure that future generations have the space and infrastructure to remain in and connected to their communities.”

“This fund, led by changemaker Tracee Smith, represents the kind of community-rooted innovation our Impact Fixed Income strategy is designed to support,” says Carl Pelland, Vice-President, Fixed Income, and Head, Corporate and Impact Bonds at Addenda Capital. “It aligns closely with our community development theme by directing capital toward Indigenous led solutions that recognize housing as a foundation for broader social and economic outcomes.”

Pelland adds: “This investment opportunity represents a promising step toward scalable social impact, delivering value for investors while supporting the economic advancement of Indigenous communities both on- and off-reserve. We’re proud to be partnering with Keewaywin Capital on this important initiative.”

“We’re glad to contribute to this fund, which represents a much-needed opportunity to help accelerate the delivery of community-driven housing by Indigenous communities, creating long-term value and resilience,” says Lars Boggild, Portfolio Manager, Realize Capital Partners, a wholesaler for the Government of Canada’s Social Finance Fund. Realize Capital is powered by Rally Assets.

Keewaywin Capital anticipates full commitment of the proceeds raised for Fund I by the end of 2025. The firm is exploring additional potential projects that, pending scale, would seek to deploy additional capital and resources in 2026.

About Keewaywin Capital Inc.

Keewaywin Capital Inc. is a 100% Indigenous-owned private credit investment fund focused on dedicated housing development for Indigenous communities across Canada. The firm provides short-term construction loans to accelerate Indigenous-led development, and works in close partnership with community leaders, government agencies, and private capital to deliver sustainable housing solutions that best suit individual Indigenous communities.

For more information, visit Keewaywin Capital.

Contacts

For press inquiries: keewaywin@goldcomm.co | Goldcomm – 416-322-2863

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategic Storage Growth Trust III, Inc. (“SSGT III”), a private real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of a Class A self-storage facility located at 1305 East 7th Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia.

This five-level, purpose-built facility offers approximately 52,400 net rentable square feet and features 790 climate-controlled interior units, five drive-up units, and five underground parking stalls. It includes two elevators for convenient customer access and is located in a dense residential area with strong household incomes and projected population growth of approximately 8% over the next five years.

With visibility to roughly 25,000 vehicles per day, the facility is well-positioned to meet demand from both residents and local businesses across Grandview-Woodland, Mount Pleasant, Strathcona, Hastings-Sunrise, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Renfrew-Collingwood, and Riley Park.

Adding to the strength of this acquisition is the City of Vancouver’s increasingly restrictive stance on new self-storage development. Recent zoning changes limit the ability to build new facilities, particularly in transit-oriented and industrial zones, making approved, purpose-built assets like this one both rare and highly valuable in the market.

“This facility is a rare find in a highly constrained market and aligns perfectly with our strategy of acquiring well-located, high-quality assets in dense, growing urban areas,” said H. Michael Schwartz, CEO of SSGT III. “With Vancouver’s tightening development restrictions and strong demographic trends, we believe this property is well-positioned to deliver long-term value.”

About Strategic Storage Growth Trust III, Inc. (SSGT III):

SSGT III is a Maryland corporation that elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. SSGT III’s primary investment strategy is to invest in growth-oriented self-storage facilities and related self-storage real estate investments in the United States and Canada. As of June 25, 2025, SSGT III has a portfolio of 13 operating properties in the United States, comprising approximately 10,420 and 1,229,675 net rentable square feet; five operating properties in Canada, comprising approximately 3,170 units and 325,190 net rentable square feet; and joint venture interests in three developments in two Canadian provinces (Québec and British Columbia). In addition, a subsidiary of SSGT III serves as the sponsor of a Delaware Statutory Trust, which currently owns two operating properties in the United States comprising approximately 1,040 units and 123,000 net rentable square feet.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of more than 600 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of June 25, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 229 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 164,300 units and 18.4 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 43 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 36,400 units and 3.7 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com

Contacts

David Corak
Senior VP of Corporate Finance & Strategy

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

From low-carbon concrete innovation to affordable housing leadership, Daniels showcases the power of partnerships to drive lasting impact.

Highlights from the 2024 Report:

• Invested over $1.4 million in social procurement, with 92 per cent directed to diverse suppliers.
• Donated $401,000 to not-for-profit, charitable, and grassroots organizations.
• Generated $131,000 in wages through youth employment programs like CRAFT and MTO.
• Engaged over 1,500 residents through 25 community events and the Amenity Activation Program.
• Provided $176,000 in foregone commercial rent to support not-for-profit and artist tenants through the Social Impact Commercial Program.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Daniels Corporation (“Daniels”), one of Canada’s leading builders and developers, proudly unveils its 2024 Impact Report, marking 40 years of purpose-driven city-building. Released at a time when many organizations across a wide range of sectors are scaling back on social impact and environmental initiatives due to economic challenges, this year’s report reaffirms Daniels’ unwavering commitment that business can and must be a platform for good.

Themed “Building Inclusive & Sustainable Communities,” the report highlights Daniels’ continued investment in equity, innovation, and environmental leadership, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

Fostering Inclusive Communities

In 2024, Daniels continued to lead with purpose by building communities rooted in equity, affordability, and inclusion. The company delivered 51 new homes through its Accessibility Designed Program (ADP) and announced the upcoming public release of its ADP Technical Standards Guide. This milestone reflects Daniels’ continued effort to raise the bar for accessibility in the real estate industry.

In addition to advancing accessibility, Daniels delivered 16 affordable homes and supported initiatives that bring people together across income levels. Daniels made its highest annual investment in social procurement to date, spending over $1.4 million. Of this, 92 per cent was directed to diverse suppliers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting inclusive local economies.

One standout moment in 2024 was the musical fundraiser Songs from The Journey, which raised an impressive $1.2 million. Proceeds supported both Daniels Spectrum and the launch of the My Piece of the City initiative, an exciting new program that enables Toronto’s diverse communities to host events at Koerner Hall at significantly reduced rates. Created in partnership with the Royal Conservatory of Music, the program is helping to make one of the city’s premier cultural venues more financially accessible and inclusive.

“At Daniels, building homes means creating inclusive communities where everyone feels safe and supported,” said Jake Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, The Daniels Corporation. “From advancing accessibility standards to expanding affordable housing, we’re proud to lead purpose-driven progress rooted in equity and innovation.”

Influencing Sustainable Communities

Daniels remains at the forefront of low-carbon development through its industry-leading Decarbonization Roadmap, first launched in 2023.

In 2024, Daniels introduced its first public carbon label for a rental community, Uniti Rental Residence in Brampton, which has been designed to deliver a 55 per cent reduction in operating emissions, primarily using geoexchange technology. In total, the company has now published five carbon labels across four unique communities.

Daniels also completed Ontario’s largest low-carbon concrete pilot at Daniels on Parliament condominiums in Regent Park. By using over 22,000m3 of low-carbon concrete formulation, the average carbon footprint was reduced by 16 per cent compared to Ontario Industry-Average products. These innovations reflect Daniels’ commitment to designing for future generations and advancing toward its Generation 2 performance target: Near-Zero Whole Life Carbon by 2026.

“As we reflect on 40 years of building, this report is not just a record of accomplishments but reaffirms our purpose and impact on Canadian land development,” said Cohen. “We believe in designing for future generations, and we are excited to be leading the industry forward on the path to near-zero whole life carbon.”

To read Daniels’ 2024 Impact Report visit: https://danielshomes.ca/social-impact/

About The Daniels Corporation

The Daniels Corporation, named the 2025 BILD Home Builder of the Year, is one of Canada’s pre-eminent builders and developers, with nearly 40,000 new homes built across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years. Daniels is the developer of TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto’s Entertainment District and the City of the Arts community on Toronto’s East Bayfront. Among its many initiatives, Daniels partnered with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize 53 of the 69-acre Regent Park community in Toronto — now home to the World Urban Pavilion, a collaboration between the Urban Economy Forum, UN-Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Daniels. Recognized for its leadership, professionalism, and commitment to design excellence, construction quality, and customer care, Daniels goes beyond building Homes. With a deep understanding that quality of life is created by more than physical structures, it integrates building excellence with opportunities for social, cultural, and economic well-being.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Emily Ellis

Account Director

Kaiser & Partners Inc.

emily.ellis@kaiserpartners.com

New executive appointments extend company’s commitment to scaling global quantum infrastructure and industry leadership

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#NewHire—Photonic Inc., a leader in distributed, fault-tolerant quantum computing, today announced two key executive team additions: Kirsten Sutton has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Prof. Alex van Someren has been appointed as a Strategic Advisor. These appointments will expedite the company’s growth as it accelerates the timeline to commercially useful quantum applications.

Sutton brings with her 30 years of experience managing intricate technological processes, as well as a wealth of expertise in software development, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity. A respected leader in Canada’s technology sector, she previously held top executive positions at organizations such as SAP and Vancity. With leadership contributions to organizations like the Quantum Algorithms Institute, Science World, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, she is also a devoted supporter of inclusive innovation.

“Photonic is driving a major shift in computing – and it is incredibly exciting,” said Sutton. “I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment and to be part of a team that’s not just imagining the future of quantum but actively building it.”

With decades of experience in national security, deep tech venture capital, and cybersecurity, Prof. van Someren has joined Photonic as a Strategic Advisor. An experienced entrepreneur, he co-founded two technology firms that went public and had successful exits. Later, he was the Managing Partner for Early Stage funds at UK venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners. Most recently, he was the UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security, where he also advised the NATO Innovation Fund.

Van Someren added, “Photonic’s vision for quantum computing and networking will address some of the most meaningful and complex challenges both industry and government are facing. I’m excited to help it achieve its goals to bring about a quantum-enabled future.”

“These are significant additions to our team,” stated Dr. Paul Terry, CEO, Photonic. “Kirsten offers a unique blend of people-oriented leadership and operational knowledge, while Alex provides a strategic perspective molded by extensive experience in multiple relevant fields. Both are pivotal to our growth and realization of our bold vision.”

About Photonic

Photonic Inc. is a leading quantum company developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges across materials science, drug discovery, climate change, security, and more. Photonic’s Entanglement First™ architecture is designed to deliver at scale, leveraging optically linked silicon spin qubits with high connectivity. This approach enables entanglement distribution for powerful computation, efficient error correction, and seamless integration into existing data center and telecom environments. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with operations in the United States and the United Kingdom, Photonic has over 150 employees and is backed by leading investors and multinational partners. To learn more, visit www.photonic.com.

Contacts

Media Contacts:

Laurie Davis

+1 804 337 2569

laurie_davis@interprosepr.com

Vivian Kelly

+1 703 509 5412

viviankelly@interprosepr.com

Agents remain optimistic, prioritizing economics and culture over brand in brokerage decisions

MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX, “Real”), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today released results from its May 2025 Agent Survey. The data reflects a housing market continuing to moderate, with agents reporting softer transaction activity and a clear shift in leverage toward buyers. Despite near-term headwinds, nearly 6 in 10 agents remain optimistic about their local markets over the next 12 months.

This month’s survey also provides a look into what drives agents’ decisions when choosing a brokerage, expressing brand affiliation plays a surprisingly minimal role in their choice. Instead, agents overwhelmingly prioritize compensation structure, company culture, and technology when selecting where to affiliate. Similarly, agents report that clients select them based on personal relationships, responsiveness, and professional reputation, rather than the brokerage’s brand name.

“Based on our survey, the spring market is clearly tilting toward buyers, with more inventory and greater pricing flexibility emerging across many regions,” said Tamir Poleg, Chairman and CEO of Real. “But even with this shift in leverage, affordability remains a key hurdle. Until mortgage rates ease or wage growth catches up, we expect this dynamic of increased supply yet more selective demand to define the market in the near term.”

“This month’s survey reinforces what we hear from agents every day: they’re choosing brokerages based on what truly moves their business forward: economics, culture and technology,” said Dre Madden, Chief Marketing Officer at Real. “While brand recognition still matters, it’s our values, our tools and our agent-first model that continue to drive growth and attract top talent to Real.”

Key Survey Findings: Market Trends and Insights

• Home Sales Activity Continues to Slow in May: Real’s Transaction Growth Index, which tracks year-over-year changes in home-sales activity reported by agents, declined to 44.2 in May, down from 47.8 in April. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. In the U.S., the subindex slipped to 43.9 from 49.0, while Canada’s reading was more positive, improving to 46.7 from 36.3.
• Agent Optimism Remains Positive, Though Softening: Real’s Agent Optimism Index, which measures agents’ 12-month outlook for their local markets, declined to 57.0 in May from 65.8 in April. While a reading above 50 indicates net optimism, the trend is downward. Still, 38% of agents felt more optimistic in May (including 8% who felt significantly more optimistic), compared to 22% who felt more pessimistic and 31% reporting no change from the prior month.
• Buyers Regain Market Power: In May, 43% of agents said their local market favors buyers, while only 28% said it favored sellers, and 29% described conditions as balanced. Agents cited rising inventory, longer times on the market and greater room for negotiation as signals of this ongoing power shift.
• Affordability and Economic Concerns Lead Buyer Challenges: Affordability was again the top challenge facing buyers, cited by 50% of agents. However, concern about the broader economy grew significantly: 28% of agents named economic uncertainty as the biggest barrier to buyers, up from 23% in April and the highest since the survey began. Inventory constraints (14%) and buyer competition (5%) were seen as lesser issues.

Key Survey Findings: Agent Priorities and Impact of Brokerage Brand

• Brokerage Brand Plays Limited Role in Agent Affiliation: When asked what three factors most influenced their decision to join their current brokerage, only 6% of agents selected brand reputation. Instead, agents overwhelmingly prioritized:
  • Economics (commission split, cap, revenue share) – 64%
  • Company Culture and Values – 55%
  • Technology and Tools – 38%
  • Freedom and Flexibility (e.g., ability to work how/where desired) – 32%
  • Equity Ownership Opportunity – 28%
  • Leadership and Management – 26%
  • Training and Professional Development – 17%
• Clients Prioritize Agent Relationships Over Brokerage Brand: Agents confirmed that client decisions are driven by trust and relationships, not brokerage brand identity. The most influential factors include:
  • Personal Relationships and Referrals: Cited by 89% of agents as the top driver for client choice.
  • Responsiveness and Communication: 60% of agents highlight timely follow-up and clear communication as critical for earning client trust and business.
  • Professional Reputation: 54% of agents noted their track record as a key factor in clients choosing to work with them.
• Brokerage Brand Affiliation Less Important to Clients. Regarding the importance of brand affiliation to clients, the survey found:
  • A significant 58% of agents believe brand affiliation is not important to clients (38% “not very important” and 20% “not at all important”).
  • Only 27% consider it “somewhat important,” while a combined 15% (9% “very important” and 6% “extremely important”) view it as highly important.

A summary presentation of these results can be found on Real’s investor relations website at https://investors.onereal.com/.

About the Survey

The Real Brokerage May 2025 Agent Survey included responses from over 260 real estate agents across the United States and Canada and was conducted between June 8, 2025 and June 18, 2025. Responses to questions regarding transaction growth and agent optimism were calibrated on a 0-100 point index scale, with readings above 50 indicating an improving trend, whereas readings below 50 indicate a declining trend. Responses are meant to capture industry-level information and are not meant to serve as an indication of Real’s company-specific growth trends. Additionally, given the smaller sample size, there can be greater variability in Canada index results on a month-to-month basis.

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence in all 50 states throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports over 27,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, expectations regarding the residential real estate market in the U.S. and Canada.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to expectations regarding 2025 market conditions. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets and economic and industry downturns, and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2025, and “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Quarterly Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2025, copies of which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

Investor inquiries:

Ravi Jani

Chief Financial Officer

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

press@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategic Storage Growth Trust III, Inc. (“SSGT III”), a private real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of a Class A self-storage facility in Houston, Texas.

Located at 3130 Southwest Freeway, the newly acquired facility offers approximately 98,875 net rentable square feet in a 10-story building. This upscale facility features approximately 789 interior, climate-controlled units, 16 lockers, and 72 dedicated wine storage vaults. Positioned in an upscale area just 3.5 miles southwest of downtown Houston, it boasts prominent visibility along the U.S. 69 highway, which experiences approximately 236,461 vehicles daily.

The area within a three-mile radius boasts substantial household incomes and anticipates population growth of 8.2% over the next five years. This facility will serve the neighborhoods of Montrose, Upper Kirby, Midtown, Museum District, West University Place, and Greenway/Upper Greenway.

“This acquisition marks a strategic step forward in expanding our footprint into one of the nation’s most dynamic and growing metropolitan areas,” said H. Michael Schwartz, CEO of SSGT III. “This Class A facility enhances our portfolio with its prime location, modern features, and specialized offerings. We are confident it will meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses in the area while creating long-term value for our investors.”

About Strategic Storage Growth Trust III, Inc. (SSGT III):

SSGT III is a Maryland corporation that elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. SSGT III’s primary investment strategy is to invest in growth-oriented self-storage facilities and related self-storage real estate investments in the United States and Canada. As of June 23, 2025, SSGT III has a portfolio of thirteen operating properties in the United States, comprising approximately 10,420 units and 1,229,675 net rentable square feet; four operating properties in Canada, comprising approximately 2,380 units and 272,800 net rentable square feet; and joint venture interests in three developments in two Canadian provinces (Québec and British Columbia). In addition, a subsidiary of SSGT III serves as the sponsor of a Delaware Statutory Trust, which currently owns two operating properties in the United States comprising approximately 1,040 units and 123,000 net rentable square feet.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of more than 600 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of June 23, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 228 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 163,500 units and 18.4 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 42 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 35,700 units and 3.6 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com

Contacts

David Corak
Senior VP of Corporate Finance & Strategy

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com