Commerce Court partners with tennis phenom Milos Raonic

Partnership inks Raonic a home Court in Toronto

TORONTO, June 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Commerce Court, a landmark office complex in the heart of Toronto's financial district owned by bcIMC, today announced a multi-year partnership with rising Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic.

"Milos is a rare talent and an exciting young athlete," says Paul Finkbeiner, President of GWL Realty Advisors Inc., which manages Commerce Court.

Finkbeiner adds, "In the spirit of celebrating Toronto, we will be inviting tenants and people who live and work in the community to join us in rooting for Milos, live at Commerce Court and online, as he continues to explode through the rankings".

This is just one part of an exciting summer of events planned for Commerce Court which will include private tennis clinics in the courtyard for tenants, grandstand viewing lounges open to the public in Commerce Court's west tower featuring all the action from London, and a flag-signing event in support of Canadian athletes.  These events are in addition to a weekly farmer's market every Wednesday which has become a popular lunchtime spot for the financial district community.

"Being from Toronto, there are few better landmarks to be connected with than Commerce Court," says Raonic. "It's recognized by Torontonians as the centre court of the city's financial district and it's constantly evolving to bring new experiences to the downtown community."

The partnership reinforces OneServe, Commerce Court's service program, which focuses on redefining customer service for the benefit of tenants, including environmental and sustainable stewardship, the priority of safety and security, open communications and operational excellence.

Ranked number 23 in the world, the 21-year-old tennis phenomenon is the highest-ranking Canadian in the history of professional tennis. In 2011, Raonic was awarded ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Newcomer of the Year and this year, after winning two ATP titles, has his eyes set on more personal bests throughout the summer.

The first public event featuring Raonic is being planned for July 2012 at Commerce Court.

About Commerce Court

Commerce Court, a unique complex consisting of three modern structures and Commerce Court North (opened in 1931), sits on one of Canada's most prestigious corners at Toronto's King and Bay Streets. The North Tower, designed by the firm Pearson and Darling, is an historical, Beaux-Arts jewel. The three modern buildings and the remaining 4-acre complex were designed by I.M. Pei, internationally recognized as one of the most influential architects of the modern era. Commerce Court is managed by GWL Realty Advisors. For more information, visit www.commerce-court.com

About GWL Realty Advisors

GWL Realty Advisors Inc. is a leading Canadian real estate investment advisor providing comprehensive asset management, property management, development and specialized real estate advisory services to pension funds and institutional clients. For more information, visit www.gwlra.com.

About bcIMC

bcIMC is an independent investment management corporation that manages a globally diversified investment portfolio of $91.1 billion as at December 31, 2011. Based in Victoria, British Columbia and supported by industry-leading expertise, bcIMC invests in all major asset classes including infrastructure and other strategic investments. bcIMC's clients include public sector pension plans, public trusts, and insurance funds. With real estate holdings valued at $14.4 billion as at December 31, 2011, bcIMC is one of Canada's major property owners and developers. bcIMC's Canadian real estate portfolio includes offices, retail malls, residential and industrial buildings, hotels, and interests in real estate management companies. For more information, please visit www.bcimc.com.

Media Contact:
Denise Gagnon, APEX Public Relations
416-934-2102 / [email protected]