No One Knows It All, But Together, We Know Enough.
Insights from Tej Singh on Building Operations, Community, and the Future of Development
When it comes to operating large-scale developments in Toronto, few voices are as grounded, experienced, and thoughtful as Tej Singh —a seasoned building operator, manager at Westbank Corp., and board member of the Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association (TBMOA). With deep roots in both historical preservation and modern development, Tej has played a pivotal role in shaping projects like Mirvish Village , one of the city’s most iconic redevelopments.
In a recent conversation at Head of the Table, Tej shared valuable insights into what it means to balance the past, present, and future of urban development, and why collaboration is the real power behind successful building operations.
Honouring History While Building the Future
One of the most compelling parts of the Mirvish Village project was the emphasis on community and continuity. As Tej puts it, “The most important part of keeping the Mirvish name was community.” Honest Ed’s wasn’t just a store—it was a piece of Toronto’s cultural DNA. Preserving that identity meant more than bricks and mortar. It meant respecting the memories and stories of generations who lived, worked, and grew up around Bathurst and Bloor.
This philosophy was reflected in every stage of the project—from incorporating original brickwork and heritage facades, to organizing public events like “Come In and Get Lost One More Time,” a tribute to the iconic Honest Ed’s sign. The architectural approach also intentionally breaks up the building envelope to give the illusion of individual addresses, maintaining the street-level charm of Old Toronto while delivering a new, modern space.
Insight #1: Successful developments aren’t just about scale—they’re about soul. True progress respects history.
The Real Work of a Building Operator
A typical day for Tej starts at 7:30 a.m., and it’s anything but typical. From reviewing overnight reports and walking the site, to coordinating with security, service partners, and tenants, every detail matters.
But what stands out most is the daily morning briefing, a cross-department huddle that sets the tone for collaboration across operations. Whether it’s managing preventative maintenance or facilitating commercial tenant fit-outs, the key, Tej notes, is staying adaptable—especially during phased occupancy, where tenants are moving in while construction is still active.
Insight #2: Modern building operations demand agility, cross-functional teamwork, and a hands-on approach—even in a tech-enabled world.
More Than a Job: The Role of TBMOA
Tej’s involvement with the Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association (TBMOA) is more than a professional add-on—it’s a game-changer. From educational seminars on sustainability and extreme weather to discussions on municipal code updates, TBMOA acts as a collaborative knowledge hub for operators across the city.
What makes the experience so impactful? For Tej, it’s the peer-to-peer dialogue. “We’re not competitors—we’re collaborators,” he says. These monthly exchanges not only solve real problems but also help building operators see themselves as vital professionals shaping the future of Toronto.
Perhaps most critically, TBMOA has helped Tej recognize the growing shortage of skilled building operators—a challenge that makes retaining and valuing talent more important than ever.
Insight #3: In an evolving industry, collaboration—not competition—is the path forward. Associations like TBMOA are essential for growth, learning, and leadership development.
Tej’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every iconic development are people who care deeply about the communities they serve, the buildings they operate, and the teams they lead. His insights bridge the gap between heritage and innovation, proving that great operations go far beyond maintenance—they’re about stewardship, storytelling, and strategy.
