At Canderel, property management encompasses more than just buildings; it’s about people, experiences, and the connections that bring spaces to life. With Okkto, Canderel is redefining what property management can mean in the modern workplace, shifting toward a hospitality-driven approach that prioritizes well-being, social engagement, and a meaningful sense of belonging.
For Claudia Marecki, Senior Property Manager, this transformation is rooted in a new way of thinking. She describes Okkto as “a mindset more than an initiative. It’s how we make our tenant experience better in their workspace so that coming into the office is more than just for work”.
Launched across Canderel’s iA portfolio in Montreal, which includes 2000 McGill College, 1981 McGill College, and 2020 Robert-Bourassa. Okkto was designed to reintroduce connections, and daily purpose into the office environment. Each of these landmark buildings hosts a unique mix of tenants, and, together, they represent some of downtown Montreal’s most vibrant corporate communities.
More Than a Program: A Mindset
Okkto began as a concept in 2022, inspired by the idea that property management could go beyond maintenance and operations to create a true sense of place. Over time, it evolved into a platform and philosophy centered on hospitality, curated experiences, and convenience-driven amenities. A key part of this shift was the addition of a dedicated concierge, an on-site resource who supports tenants with personalized services, from coordinating corporate lunches and recommending caterers to arranging team-building activities like spin classes. The concierge also leads many of Okkto’s seasonal and traditional events, reinforcing the intent behind the program: to elevate the everyday tenant experience through thoughtful, human-focused service.
“In Montreal, we focused on three strategies,” Claudia says. “Health and wellness, amenities and services, and the social aspect which includes giving back to the community and promoting local activations and merchants.” These pillars have taken shape in many ways, from lumchtime yoga and Zumba sessions to pop-up markets featuring local artisans, food vendors, and sustainable brands. Even subtle details—like the scent in the lobby or a warm smile from the concierge are intentional touches designed to elevate the everyday office experience.
“When the occupant comes inside the lobby, there’s the scent, there’s the smile from the person behind the desk who says good morning,” Claudia adds. “It’s all part of the tenant experience.” In an era where companies are encouraging employees to return to the office, these experiences have become a powerful differentiator. It’s no longer just about desks and meeting rooms; it’s about creating spaces that feel alive, where people genuinely enjoy spending their day. Whether it’s the smell of freshly brewed coffee in a welcoming lobby, spontaneous chats that spark new ideas, or events that bring teams together beyond their screens, these moments collectively shape a company’s culture and sense of belonging.
“We were the first ones to go to this extent,” she says. “Tenants tell us, ‘It’s fun when you do this, you should do it more often.’ People from other buildings walk by and say, ‘We don’t have this where we are,’ and I tell them, ‘You just have to come rent here.” For Canderel, creating this kind of energy and atmosphere is not just a perk; it’s a competitive advantage. “When two buildings have similar rents,” Claudia notes, “but one offers a sense of community and multiple amenities, the choice becomes obvious.”
Simplifying Life One Service at a Time
Okkto isn’t just about creating memorable moments; it’s also about making tenants’ daily lives easier and more convenient. From scheduling wellness activities to facilitating small errands, the platform brings services directly into the building, saving time and effort while fostering a sense of community.
Central to Okkto’s success is its digital platform, which allows tenants to access information, RSVP to events, and even participate in contests directly from their phones. In the iA Montreal portfolio alone, more than 1,000 users have already downloaded the app, enabling Canderel to communicate directly with occupants and avoid the delays or missed messages common with email chains.
“The app helps us keep tenants informed without overwhelming them,” Claudia explains. “We can highlight events, share useful resources like nutrition tips, or notify tenants about emergency equipment on a floor. It’s fun, interactive, and practical all at once.”
The platform is continuously evolving, with innovative ideas and content added regularly to maintain engagement and offer value. For Claudia and her team, creativity and responsiveness are key to ensuring the platform stays relevant and effective.
Claudia explains, “It’s not just office life; it’s also personal life. If you can meet your nutritionist during lunch in your building, you don’t have to go at night or on the weekend. If you can drop your car keys at the parking and have your winter tires changed while you’re at work, why wouldn’t you?”
This convenience extends beyond practical services. Okkto also provides a platform for tenants to engage in meaningful experiences, whether through pop-ups from local artisans or volunteering opportunities that give back to the community. “Tenants love to participate. They want to get involved. When we have events like a blood drive, certain employees are volunteering. That’s the social engagement part it’s the ‘S’ in ESG as well,” Claudia notes.
Even the smallest activations are carefully designed to foster connection. Tenants can enjoy a coffee from a local café, grab a treat from a seasonal vendor, or discover new products from start-ups without leaving their building. “We promote local businesses and start-ups, and if a tenant ends up buying a product they discover in the lobby, that’s a win for everyone,” Claudia says.
Through these thoughtful, everyday conveniences, Okkto turns each building into more than just a workplace. It becomes a hub where work-life synergy intersects seamlessly, where tenants feel supported, connected, and inspired throughout their day.
Fostering Community Across Buildings
Okkto also encourages tenants to explore and interact across the portfolio. Yoga classes rotate between buildings, allowing tenants from 2000 McGill to join sessions at 1981 McGill or 2020 Robert-Bourassa. “At first, I wasn’t sure it would work, but now it’s thriving,” Claudia says. “It gets tenants circulating, seeing other spaces, and meeting people from different companies. That’s exactly what we want.”
Shared facilities, such as the gym at 1981 McGill, are open to tenants across all buildings in the portfolio, reinforcing a sense of community and belonging beyond their individual workplace. Seasonal events, like art exhibitions or ice cream socials, create buzz and excitement that spreads organically. “Even when there’s a line for ice cream, tenants leave smiling. They remember the experience, not the wait,” Claudia notes.
Through these initiatives, Okkto fosters connections not only between tenants but also the broader local ecosystem, including small businesses and emerging artists. “We want to promote synergy between tenants and vendors,” Claudia adds. “If a tenant gets to learn directly from the owner about their product or business, it’s a richer experience for the occupants.”
Setting a New Standard for Tenant Experience
Okkto has transformed how property management is perceived in Montreal. No longer limited to cleaning, maintenance, or system operations, today’s offices are measured by the experiences they offer, the convenience they provide, and the community they foster.
Claudia reflects on the broader impact: “Okkto is redefining the standards for office towers. Before, tenants expected clean buildings and functioning elevators. Now, they’re also asking, ‘What services and experiences are available to me?’ It’s an evolution that benefits everyone tenants, property managers, and the wider community.”
By turning buildings into dynamic, inspired spaces where people can feel productive, immersed, and connected, Canderel is creating workplaces that make tenants ask, “Why would I want to stay home?” These are environments that enhance mind, body, and soul – places where people don’t just work, but thrive, build meaningful connections, and feel genuinely inspired every day. And this is only the beginning.
Conclusion
Okkto is redefining what the modern workplace can be by blending hospitality, community, and convenience into every aspect of the tenant experience. Through thoughtful programming, concierge-led support, and a commitment to wellness and connection, Canderel is creating environments where people feel motivated, engaged, and genuinely valued. As Okkto continues to evolve, it sets a new benchmark for tenant-focused property management, one where buildings don’t just function, they inspire.
