The second story in our 40th anniversary series explores the merger that formed Colonnade BridgePort—an alignment of strengths that positioned the company for transformative growth.
Colonnade BridgePort was formed in 2016 through the merger of BridgePort Realty Partners Inc.—an entrepreneurial, investment-driven real estate firm—and Colonnade Management Inc.—an established leader in commercial real estate services. The move wasn’t just about scale, it was about synergy: combining complementary strengths to unlock greater potential.
BridgePort brought an opportunity-driven investment mindset; Colonnade offered a proven services platform with deep operational expertise. Together, the merger was driven by a shared ambition to evolve—anchored in client service, cultural alignment, and a commitment to long-term growth and stability.
“For BridgePort, it was about positioning the business for what came next,” said founder and Colonnade BridgePort CEO Hugh Gorman. “We knew that aligning with a best-in-class services company was the most effective way to accelerate our plans.”
A perfect match was found in Colonnade, which had built a strong reputation in Ottawa and was also seeking new pathways to evolve.
“Colonnade’s platform gave us an instant foundation to build on and it allowed us to move forward quickly,” Hugh said.
Aligning Strengths, Blending Culture
While the strategic alignment between BridgePort and Colonnade was clear, blending two distinct cultures required care and intention.
“Merging a fast-moving, independent business with a more structured and established one—that’s where the real challenge was,” Hugh said. “But from the start, we were focused on building a new culture that respected and retained the best of both.”
That effort was anchored in a shared set of values.
“Both teams were deeply client-focused and were aligned in doing the right thing, acting with integrity, and consistently delivering high-quality results. That alignment made it easier to unite the teams around a common purpose.”
The merger ultimately brought together people with different experiences but a shared commitment to excellence. By fostering mutual respect and collaboration, the integration became less about changing culture and more about shaping it—bringing out the best in both groups to form a stronger, unified organization.
Laying the Groundwork for Growth
The merger of complementary strengths positioned Colonnade BridgePort for meaningful and sustained growth. In the years that followed, the company has expanded into the GTA, Southwestern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, while significantly broadening its residential real estate platform. These strategic moves have helped grow its management portfolio from 7 million to 13.5 million square feet.
In 2024, the company launched its latest real estate fund to support a $2 billion multi-residential development pipeline across Ottawa, breaking ground on its first project—Artefact on Argyle—with a groundbreaking at a second site in the coming weeks.
“The merger gave us the scale to accelerate our growth on multiple fronts,” Gorman reflects. “It allowed us to respond more quickly to client demand, pursue opportunities we wouldn’t have accessed on our own, and build out our capabilities across the board.”
Nearly a decade later, the decision to merge continues to shape Colonnade BridgePort’s evolution—broadening its reach, deepening its expertise, and positioning the company for long-term success.
Looking Ahead
Hugh reflects on the merger as a defining moment—one that not only enabled immediate growth, but fundamentally reshaped each company’s trajectory.
“Like any merger, it didn’t unfold exactly as we envisioned,” he says. “But it was absolutely the right move. It created a foundation we’re still building on and opened opportunities that continue to shape who we are and where we’re going.”
Today, Colonnade BridgePort stands as a more dynamic, diversified, and future-ready organization. And while the company continues to evolve, the principles that guided the merger—strategic alignment, cultural respect, and a commitment to excellence—remain firmly at the core of its success.
Our next story in the 40th anniversary series will highlight CBP’s real estate operating business which has seen significant growth in recent years. From strengthening our position as Ottawa’s largest property manager to expanding into the GTA, Southwestern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, CBP’s platform has evolved to meet the needs of a growing and diversified portfolio.