Welcome to Local Development Group

Our services provide best in class real estate development for Not-Profit organizations and For-Profit organizations, specializing in affordable and special needs housing as well as private sector development. We have experience in and offer service to all three Maritime provinces.

In addition to providing development consulting services through an entire project, we also provide building sustainability planning services as well as financial planning services for funding to support projects. 

P.Eng

“Never say shoutout” is Stephen’s line in the office when working on projects. It is his attitude towards real estate development to always stay involved until all the pieces are in place in a project. 

Stephen has been in real estate development for over 30 years and developed over $300 million worth of project portfolio. 

As a licensed professional engineer, Stephen offers expertise in design-build packages, construction management, and project management.

Moreover, Stephen offers great experience in building energy solutions.

Academic Background 

Registered Professional Engineer – New Brunswick 

MBA

Growing up in Cape Breton, John has always had a great sense of humor which makes interactions with him smooth and enjoyable. 

As a musician and a martial artist, John has the mental toughness to always find solutions to problems and move forward with whatever resources he is given. 

John Aylward started his career in real estate development over 30 years ago. Working in the non-profit sector helping organizations achieve real estate goals, he has developed strong connections with consultants and stakeholders in local communities in NS and PEI and successful models in community development. 

Over the last few decades, John has been involved in over 20 projects in real estate development for not-for-profit organizations building over 300 units.

With an MBA in community economic development, John is also an expert in project financing and operation management. John has helped many local businesses succeed in their daily operations and survive economic and organizational crises. 

Academic Background 

MBA – Economic Development 

 MBA

Jianwei Joined the LDG team after obtaining his MBA in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University. 

Since moving to Canada in 2015, Jianwei has lived in various communities in Nova Scotia including Glace Bay, Sydney River, and New Glasgow. Jianwei settled in Moncton in 2020 and started developing his involvement with the local community through volunteering for many non-profit groups. Jianwei has been a member of the Rotary Club for 2 years and found his passion in coaching table tennis for the Moncton Table Tennis Club. Jianwei Now is the treasurer of the Moncton Table Tennis Club and a trainer for the youth program.

Professionally, Jiawei has been involved in various projects in affordable housing development.  He is knowledgeable in real estate development financing and government funding programs and has been successful in various federal funding applications for different not-for-profit organizations. Working with John Aylward and Stephen Davies, Jianwei has developed knowledge in the real estate development process, project management, and project administration. 

Academic Background 

MBA – community economic development 

MBA  

Rob retired from a senior leadership position with a large financial institution and is now excited to help community groups grow their communities.  He brings a depth of project leadership and experience with the many factors that challenge an organization's path to success.  With Local Development Group, Rob assists community groups navigate Contractor - Designer - Client site meetings to ensure clients understands the responsibilities of the parties involved, identify constraints, and determine tactics to ensure a successful build.

Some highlights of Rob's career: 

- Lead 55 employees working in two provinces to act as one team to deliver exceptional service to customers, staff, and partnering firms.

- Created an exceptional work environment as measured through the Aon Engagement Survey, year after year.

- Business owner for a number of technology platforms

-  Ensured the corporation's critical lending documents were accurate.  Ensured the corporation could always rely on the security position in the collateral held in the event of a default.

- Participated in building the corporation's ability to deliver on its growth strategies