About Us
At Sheppard Development we love the challenge of new projects, and our goal is to find ways to create maximum value for our clients. We are obsessed with building first class developments, working with great people, and providing unparalleled transparency and service that makes your life easier and more profitable.
Ottawa Property Experts
We are a full-service property development company, and we have been developing properties in Ottawa for over 10 years. As experienced rental property owners and operators, we possess an in-depth knowledge of the essential elements of a property that need to be optimized to ensure that the highest and best use is achieved for a project. With an extensive background in missing middle developments, we deliver a bespoke end-to-end service that takes care of every detail.
We manage our tenanted properties with our in-house property management team. We focus on both family and single room occupancy rentals. Our current rental portfolio consists of 50 tenants in 6 buildings across Ottawa with most of the portfolio being single room occupancy tenants. For 2025, we have 50 single room occupancy units and 70 apartments in development across Ottawa.
Van Sheppard
President
Hi I’m Van.
I was born and raised in Newfoundland, where I completed my university education before relocating to Ottawa. As a professional engineer with over 30 years of experience, I have spent the last decade immersed in the world of real estate investment.
My career began with 25 years in the defence and aerospace industries before I transitioned to a focus on building science—an area that perfectly complements my passion for engineering. A self-professed “engineering nerd” and lifelong learner, I take pride in my attention to detail and enjoy engaging with others who share an interest in real estate development.
I actively contribute to the Ottawa Real Estate Investors Organization (OREIO) as a board member and am involved with the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association (GOHBA), serving on the Urban Infill Council. In this role, I work collaboratively with local government to ensure the perspectives of developers are considered in shaping new development regulations.
In 2023, I earned a Certificate in Real Estate Development from Carleton University and completed Net Zero Builder and Renovator training, aligning my work with sustainable building practices. I am also a registered member with Natural Resources Canada, reflecting my commitment to energy-efficient, environmentally responsible development.
Maria Sheppard
Vice-President
Hi I’m Maria
I grew up in Russia, where I graduated from university and worked for 10 years as a doctor in the emergency department of a hospital. I also completed a four-year program at a fine art school. I moved to Canada in 2011 and, with my husband, formed Sheppard Property Development.
When we are developing a property, I manage the design team and I’m responsible for ensuring that we create spaces that work. When we transition to operating a property, I run the property management team. I ensure that our properties are always occupied, our tenants are happy, and our buildings are kept in excellent condition.
I am incredibly passionate about real estate and I’m always thinking of new ideas and growing my knowledge in the real estate development domain. I am a member of the Ottawa Real Estate Investors Organisation and a member of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association. I completed the Certificate in Real Estate Development course offered through Carleton University in 2023.
Even in my spare time, I am thinking about ongoing projects, looking for new deals, and analyzing the rental market. Property development is not just a job but an all-consuming obsession for me.
We Would Like to Chat…
If you would like to start or continue your real estate journey, but you do not know where to start, or would like to be a passive investor – make your money grow for you while you are enjoying your life without worrying about your investment, we would love to meet and discuss your options!
