Jonathan Pearce, Ivanhoé Cambridge’s freshly minted SVP for Toronto, says his inaugural mission will be overseeing leasing for the proposed 45-141 Bay Street office project. “That’s the initial primary thrust of my objectives,” he tells Bisnow, noting his appointment signals that the development—a JV with Metrolinx and US-based Hines which could include mixed-use office space that incorporates a new bus terminal (a leaked early rendering of the project is below)—is getting closer to becoming reality.

Jonathan, who spent two decades with Avison Young, says he's been working with Ivanhoé's development partners and government authorities, “taking the necessary steps” to move ahead with its Bay Street plans. “My appointment speaks to the seriousness and intentions of Ivanhoe to proceed with this project at the appropriate time,” he says, noting the challenge of coordinating all the different stakeholders to ensure "the orchestra is playing together.” One key advantage for Jonathan: an Englishman working in Toronto for a Montreal-based firm, he's neither a Habs nor Leafs fan. "So I won’t be bumping heads with my colleagues in Montreal."