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YBG Presents: Ed Talks - Why Edmonton?

November 4, 2026 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (MST)

Description

Join us for the annual ED Talks, presented by the ECA Young Builders Group (YBG), bringing Edmonton’s construction and business community together for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and fresh perspectives.

“Why Edmonton?”, will explore what makes our city a place to build, invest, work, and grow. Hear from local leaders as they share their perspectives on Edmonton’s opportunities, challenges, growth, and the exciting future ahead for our city.

Come ready to hear new ideas, connect with industry peers, and be part of the conversation about why Edmonton is a city worth building in, and building for.

Speakers: 

  1. Jay Downton - Little Brick , Jay Downton is a serial entrepreneur and passionate Edmontonian who has built his career around community, connection, and belief in this city's potential. He co-founded OilersNation.com and The Nation Network, growing it into a multi-site digital media company before selling the business in 2022. As President of Oodle Noodle, he has led the company's expansion into a thriving local chain, and as co-owner of Little Brick a historic Riverdale café and community hub, he has helped transform a piece of Edmonton's past into a gathering place for its future. Through the River Valley Company, Jay continues to champion projects that bring people closer to Edmonton's river valley and to each other. His work across hospitality, media, and placemaking makes him a natural voice on why Edmonton is a city worth building.

  2. Ulf-Hilmar Hahn - Qualico Ulf-Hilmar Hahn is Vice President of Development, Northern Alberta and BC, for Qualico Properties, where he leads major developments shaping the future of Edmonton's built environment. With a foundation in civil engineering from the University of Alberta, Ulf brings deep technical expertise and a strategic eye to complex, large-scale projects, including his current work on Station Lands, Edmonton's first downtown master-planned community. His career spans leadership roles with ONE Properties, Synergy Projects, and Stuart Olson, giving him a broad perspective on development from concept through delivery. At Qualico, Ulf champions projects that prioritize long-term value, vibrancy, and community impact, making him a compelling voice on why Edmonton is a city worth building in.

  3. Thu Parmar - City of Edmonton , Councilor Thu Parmar was elected to Edmonton City Council representing Ward sipiwiyiniwak in October of 2025. She was previously the Vice President of the Red Cross for Alberta and North West Territories and President of her Community League in Cameron Heights where she built the skating rink, spray park, and community building. During her Council term Thu is focused on increased engagement with Edmontonians and focusing on Council's top priorities including economic development, quality services, safety, and growth management.
    Pronunciations: Thu (two), sipiwiyiniwak (see-pee-win-ee-wok). 
  4. Paul Verhesen KV Capital , Paul Verhesen is a veteran corporate leader and construction expert with over 30 years of executive-level oversight. As the former President and CEO of Clark Builders, he scaled the organization into one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and a premier commercial contractor. Today, he operates as a senior strategic advisor, spearheading private equity investment strategies, corporate risk management, and major assets acquisitions. A Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Alberta, Paul integrates technical execution & commercial viability with a focus on developing people. His regional development impact spans board roles with the NAIT Board of Governors, the University Hospital Foundation Board, and Edmonton Global

Facilitator: Jamie Fleese - PCL Construction  , Jamie is a business development leader whose passion for construction is rooted in helping shape the community where she was born and raised. With 27 years of experience in Edmonton's construction industry, she brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges that come with building meaningful projects. Her experience enables her to build strong relationships and connect effectively with clients, consultants, and trade partners. When she's not working, Jamie can often be found spending time with family, friends, and her furry baby, Rocky. She enjoys golfing, cooking, staying active in Edmonton's river valley, and finding any excuse to soak up the sunshine from a comfortable lawn chair.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Please contact taylor.lewis@edmca.com for details 

Time

3:00pm - 5:00pm 

Location

The Bell in Scona

The Bell in Scona - 10416 80 Ave NW 

Pricing

Member Pricing: $65.00

Non-Member Pricing: $85.00 

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Contact Information

Name: Taylor Lewis
Phone: (780) 483-1130
Email: taylor.lewis@edmca.com
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