How Property Operations Elevates Visitor Experiences
For Matthieu McConnell-Morin, Director of Property Operations, his role is about more than managing a single aspect of a building
For Matthieu McConnell-Morin, Director of Property Operations, his role is about more than managing a single aspect of a building; it's about supporting a great experience for our visitors and clients across Cadillac Fairview’s (CF) diverse portfolio of properties, which includes retail, office, residential and industrial.
At CF, operations teams are dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technology throughout their properties to support a seamless, positive experience through efficient operations possible. For Matthieu, crafting those experiences means being immersed in the nuts and bolts of how properties function.
“Our focus is on helping our properties operate as efficiently as possible,” he says. “That means everything from process improvements and implementing new technologies, to making sure our operations align with other departments and long-term business goals.”
Part of Matthieu's role is oversight of the vertical transportation program. He's involved in everything from large modernization projects to the daily ins and outs of site support, ensuring efficient movement for the thousands of people who access CF properties daily.
That blend of strategic vision and practical application really shines through in new elevator initiatives. CF is currently piloting predictive technology with IoT sensors and artificial intelligence (AI). These sensors collect data from elevators, allowing AI to predict and even fix issues before they ever become a problem.
“The goal is to improve all aspects of the elevator experience for users, including a smoother ride and shorter wait times,” he says. “CF is an early adopter of this technology, which is still new to the industry. It’s exciting to be part of this next phase of technological advancement.”
Vertical transportation is a highly specialized and evolving field – more complex than most people realize. In some towers, he says, elevators travel over 20 km/hr. That smooth, effortless ride up and down the building is the result of precise engineering and constant oversight. And with the new pilot, that time-intensive process is only going to get even more streamlined.
Effective collaboration is key to managing these operations and integrated systems, involving property teams, technology groups and service providers. “My job is to support those teams, simplify the complexity, and help translate technical challenges into clear business recommendations,” he says. That service mindset is at the core of how Matthieu and his team operate: to be responsible, solutions oriented and always adding value.
Matthieu’s impact extends beyond technical operations, especially through his work mentoring future talent. Matthieu is currently managing a participant in CF’s Early Talent Program, which is a leadership program for new grads that rotates them through roles in leasing, property management, and operations.
“This has been a really rewarding experience and demonstrates CF’s commitment to growing the next generation of leaders,” he says. That sense of mentorship reflects the company culture Matthieu has come to value. “CF is a high-performing and collaborative workplace where people are trusted and supported to pursue career opportunities.”
It’s a culture that has allowed Matthieu to further his career in both a professional and educational sense. Currently, he is enrolled in the Tuition Reimbursement Program, which offers financial leadership support for continued learning and development.
“It’s clear the company invests in people who want to grow,” he says.
That growth mindset keeps Matthieu invested and engaged. It has also enabled him to carve out new dimensions of his role. Today, his work touches everything from operational strategy and cross-departmental alignment to employee development and innovation adoption.
Just as his role is about more than moving people from floor to floor, a career at CF is about more than moving up. It’s about moving forward in new and exciting ways.
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