Ancillary income is no longer “extra”; it’s becoming a core part of strategy in commercial real estate. Property owners are rethinking how every square foot can contribute to growth, and RioCan, one of Canada’s largest real estate investment trusts, is setting the standard.

The June 2025 issue of Shopping Center Business (page 46) spotlighted this shift and featured RioCan’s approach, including how they’re using Spacewise to unlock new value in their portfolio.

“We’re focused on maximizing the value of our real estate by driving additional traffic to our properties, because supporting our tenants ultimately drives property performance” says John McKinnon, vice president, asset management for Toronto-based RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust.

By proactively positioning ancillary income as part of their commercial real estate strategy, RioCan is staying ahead of the curve.

Why Ancillary Income Matters

The message is clear: ancillary income is no longer peripheral. It’s strategic. And operators who embrace it are setting themselves apart.

• Strategic thinking pays off. By proactively positioning ancillary leasing as part of their revenue model, RioCan is staying ahead of the curve.
  
  

• Flexibility creates value. Short-term and specialty tenants bring energy, diversity, and incremental income.
  
  

• Technology is the enabler. Platforms like Spacewise streamline the process, making it scalable instead of “nice to have.”

A Shift in Mindset

Property managers and landlords are no longer asking “Should we think about ancillary income?” The real question is “How do we do it better, faster, smarter?”

RioCan shows what’s possible when you answer that question with the right tools, combining a strong portfolio with digital solutions that streamline leasing and bring in new revenue streams.

Last Thoughts

The mention in Shopping Center Business underscores what we see across the industry: ancillary income is becoming one of the most important levers for growth in commercial real estate. With Spacewise, forward-thinking operators can turn underused space into consistent, strategic revenue streams.

See how Spacewise can help you unlock ancillary revenue in your own portfolio by booking a demo.