Saravan Veylan

Saravan J. Veylan is a partner at MLT Aikins whose practice spans the full spectrum of commercial real estate law. He advises developers, lenders and institutional clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing and development of commercial and industrial properties across British Columbia and Western Canada. His experience includes complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, land assemblies, air space subdivisions and commercial leasing for office, retail and industrial spaces. Saravan is known for his practical approach to navigating municipal approvals, title encumbrances and construction-related matters.

In addition to his real estate practice, Saravan has developed an in-depth understanding of Indigenous economic development and on-reserve real estate. He works closely with First Nations and Métis communities on governance matters, additions to reserve, designation processes and the structuring of economic development corporations and Nation trusts. His work emphasizes strategic advisory support, including board governance, corporate structuring and the negotiation of long-term ground leases and commercial arrangements that reflect community priorities.

Saravan is a faculty member of Indigenous real estate education programming and an active member of the firm’s Indigenous practice group. He is committed to reconciliation and to supporting Indigenous clients in building sustainable, self-determined economic futures.

• Co-chair, Real Property Subsection, Canadian Bar Association (British Columbia, present)
• Treasurer, Real Property Subsection, Canadian Bar Association (British Columbia, 2017-2018)
• Legislative Liaison, Real Property Subsection, Canadian Bar Association (British Columbia, 2016-2017)
• Member, Real Estate Commission Drug Operations Group (British Columbia, 2017-present)
• Director, Vancouver Bar Association (Vancouver, 2012-2014)
• Volunteer, Access Pro Bono Society (British Columbia, 2010-present)

• Counsel to property owners in acquisitions and divestitures of large industrial, commercial and residential rental properties and real estate portfolios, with values ranging between $40 million and $150 million in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Whistler and Northern British Columbia
• Counsel to operator in a large industrial development on Port Metro Vancouver lands
• Counsel to a lender in a $40-million loan transaction related to industrial development of port lands
• Counsel to real estate developers in multi-family, single family subdivision, commercial and industrial projects in Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas
• Counsel to corporations and real estate investment trusts in acquisitions and divestitures of commercial properties in resorts across North America, including major properties in Whistler, British Columbia
• Counsel to a REIT on a $160-million sale of six seniors’ lodge properties in Alberta and British Columbia
• British Columbia counsel to the purchaser of the Canadian operation of a large, multi-national consumer goods manufacturer
• Counsel to the Vancouver Regional Construction Association in its founding of the Vancouver Zero Emissions Building Centre of Excellence

• George McAllister Prize for highest standing, Torts (New Brunswick)
• Allan Earle Scholarship for academic excellence (New Brunswick)
• Top 25 Oral Advocate, Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot