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BTB Real Estate Investment Trust

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FY2020 Annual Report · BTB Real Estate Investment Trust
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2020 Annual Report

 Our values, 
your added 
value.

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Mission

Developing sustainable relationships 
for our clients’ commercial real 
estate needs and investments. 

At BTB, our two main clients 
are our investors and our tenants, 
who both have specifi c demands 
and requirements. On the investors 
side, they are looking to maximize 
their returns and by doing so, they 
entrust BTB to proactively ensure 
that through our management 
philosophy, we generate stable 
growth, expand our real estate 
assets and in turn, optimize their 
value, therefore maximizing the 
long-term value of our assets. 

 
 
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2020 
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In terms of our tenants, BTB prides itself in ensuring a hands-on, tailored 
approach to respond to our clients’ needs, and this in a timely manner. 
At the forefront, our clients expect quality customer service and impeccable
building maintenance and to meet these needs, BTB’s property management
philosophy and customer-service on all levels of the organization is 
centered around the idea that at BTB, our tenants are not simply offi  ce 
or commercial occupants. They are clients, and our mission of client 
satisfaction rotates around the idea that our business is based on 
attracting and retaining our clients and this, on a long-term basis. 

To ensure the achievement of our two-fold client mission, BTB relies 
on the implementation of the following core values: 

Teamwork

Integrity

Leadership

Respect

People sharing 
ideas and 
fostering an 
environment 
of collectivity 
allows for 
quicker problem 
solving, better 
results and 
fostering an 
environment 
for innovative 
ideas.

Our ethical 
principles 
of honesty 
are ingrained 
within our 
values. Without 
integrity and 
transparency, 
we would 
not be able 
to ensure 
an honest 
relationship 
with our clients.

As we aim 
to be at the 
forefront of 
our industry, 
we invest in 
goal-oriented 
employees 
who are 
motivated 
and can take 
charge in 
innovative 
projects 
to meet 
our client’s 
requirements.

We strive 
to always 
ensure a work 
environment 
that is positive 
regardless of 
age, race, sex, 
gender, religion, 
or sexual 
orientation. 
We believe 
that we are 
all capable of 
achieving our 
missions if we 
are all accepting 
of one another 
by showing 
compassion and 
considera tion 
for others.

Employee 
kitchen space,
Demers Beaulne
Accounting Cabinet
3111 Saint-Martin 
Blvd, Laval

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It goes without saying that the past year 
It goes without saying that the past year 
demanded responsiveness, agility, and 
demanded responsiveness, agility, and 
adaptation. As these three key elements 
adaptation. As these three key elements 
were already part of BTB’s DNA it allowed 
were already part of BTB’s DNA it allowed 
us, in addition to our strong corporate 
us, in addition to our strong corporate 
values, to adapt to our new normal within 
values, to adapt to our new normal within 
a quick time frame. 
a quick time frame. 

Throughout this year, our fellow 
Throughout this year, our fellow 
collaborators demonstrated their 
collaborators demonstrated their 
comprehensiveness, conciliation, 
comprehensiveness, conciliation, 
and accepted sacrifi ces. Our teamwork 
and accepted sacrifi ces. Our teamwork 
and collaboration with our suppliers 
and collaboration with our suppliers 
greatly contributed to this years’ success. 
greatly contributed to this years’ success. 
As the saying goes: “It’s when the tough 
As the saying goes: “It’s when the tough 
times come that you know who your true 
times come that you know who your true 
friends and allies really are”. This year 
friends and allies really are”. This year 
enabled us to validate this saying on 
enabled us to validate this saying on 
a company-wide scale. It also showed 
a company-wide scale. It also showed 
and reminded us of the importance to 
and reminded us of the importance to 
surround ourselves well and to wisely 
surround ourselves well and to wisely 
choose our collaborators. 
choose our collaborators. 

Our results, for the fourth quarter of 
Our results, for the fourth quarter of 
2020 are solid and positive despite 
2020 are solid and positive despite 
the fi rst couple of months of the quarter 
the fi rst couple of months of the quarter 
and we are proud to report the following 
and we are proud to report the following 
highlights.
highlights.

Employee 
lounge space,
BKOM Studios
815-825 
Lebourgneuf Blvd, 
Quebec City

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Properties64

$92.9M

Rental income

$927M

Total assets

92.2%

Occupancy rate

52.9%

Mortgage debt ratio

24.2M

Recurring funds 
from operations (FFO)

22.1M

Recurring adjusted funds 
from operations (AFFO)

5.3M

Number of  
square feet

Geographic Locations 

Our assets are located within the primary markets of the Greater Montréal Area, the Greater 
Quebec City Area as well as the Greater Ottawa Area. 

BTB focuses on primary markets due to the centrality and strategic locations of the assets within 
established neighbourhoods and business hubs. By concentrating our geographic spread within 
these regions, BTB is able to offer to its client’s various locations within 3 key areas in Eastern 
Canada, therefore offering various solutions to our clients. 

Greater  
Montréal area

53.5 %

Greater  
Quebec city

25.9 %

Ottawa  
area

20.6 %

Montréal

Ontario

Quebec city

BTB is focused in the greater 
area of the island of Montréal, 
mainly concentrating our 
assets on the island. BTB’s 
first acquisition in 2006 was 
a retail property in Laval, still 
owned by BTB today. BTB has 
properties in the following 
primary areas:

• Downtown Montréal
• Saint-Laurent
• Laval 
• South Shore (Longueuil, 
Brossard, Saint-Bruno, 
Saint-Hilaire, Boucherville, 
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu). 
• North Shore (Terrebonne 

& Ste-Thérèse) 

BTB pierced the Ontarian 
market in 2007 with its first 
acquisition in the industrial 
hub of Cornwall, Ontario. 
BTB later expanded into 
Ottawa with the acquisition 
of office properties, therefore 
solidifying an important 
presence in this office  
market with national  
tenants. BTB’s Ontario 
locations are the following:

• Cornwall
• Ottawa
• Nepean
• Kanata 
• Gatineau

As a complementary strategic 
location to the Island of Montréal, 
Quebec City is Québec’s second 
most thriving cities. With many 
Quebec based and international 
tenants having dual businesses 
in both Montréal and Quebec 
City, BTB’s expansion to the 
area was imminent. Having 
pierced the market in 2007, 
BTB has established a sound 
portfolio in Quebec City primarily 
composed of Retail and Office 
properties. BTB’s properties are 
in the following neighbourhoods:

• Lebourgneuf
• Lévis
• St-Augustin de Desmaures 
• Trois-Rivières 

Breakdown by asset type

When searching for new assets, BTB favours those with long-term stability which follow 
the following criteria:

• Assets which house tenants with long-term leases.
• Assets with high occupancy rates.
• Assets which contain a tenant mix which is well established such as government institutions 

and national or international enterprises.

Our assets are broken down into three primary categories: 

Office 

Retail

Industrial

A single or multiple 
storey property which 
primarily houses office 
tenants. These types 
of assets are usually 
leased to multiple 
tenants operating 
various businesses 
which do not serve 
a retail client base.* 

A single-story property 
which houses only  
retail tenants. Specific, 
to BTB’s portfolio,  
these include our  
Power Centers which 
are occupied by big-box 
tenants. 

A single storey property 
which contains a large 
floorplate with an 
incredible ceiling height, 
higher than 18 feet. 
These properties allow 
for maximum vertical 
usage as the raw spaces 
are primarily used for 
stacking and warehousing 
solutions. 

*  The mixed-use category found 
in previous annual reports has 
been removed from our asset type 
breakdown. Properties previously 
found in this segment have been 
reclassified under the “office”  
category.

48.8%

26.5%

24.7%

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Evolution*

Rental  
Income

2020  
201 9   
201 8   
201 7   
201 6   

  92,969
  93,602 
  87,423
  73,039
  73,384 

Recurring adjusted funds 
from operations (AFFO)(1)

2020  ............  22,145
201 9   ...........  21,409
201 8   ...........  21,584
201 7   ............  17,599
201 6   .............  17,391 

Net operating 
income

2020  ............   51,260
201 9   ..........   50,897 
201 8   .............  47,637 
201 7   ..........  40,394 
201 6   .............  41,339 

Recurring funds from 
operations (FFO)(1)

2020  
201 9   
201 8   
201 7   
201 6   

  24,229
  23,313
  23,598
  19,262
  17,710

* For the years ending December 31st   (1) Non-IFRS financial measures

Performance on the markets

(The performance drop observed in this graphic is due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

  BTB’s Total Return   

  S&P/TSX Index Total Return     

  S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index Total Return

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BTB 
BTB 
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Rapport annuel 
Rapport annuel 
2020
2020

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BTB 
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Message from 
Chairman of the Board 
of Trustees and the 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer

The year 2020 started off with a bang when 
BTB’s stock price reached its peak at $5.49 
per unit in February 2020, but no one 
anticipated the effect that Covid-19 would 
have on the economy, and this, on a worldwide 
scale. We then took the necessary steps to 
protect and ensure the perennity of the 
business and the safeguard of our cash flow.

Our tenants, our allies

We are very grateful for the support we received 
from our tenants during 2020. We achieved 
a rent collection rate of approximately 99% 
for the period ranging between March to 
December 2020, almost a record for Canadian 
real estate investment trusts. We also helped 
our tenants that were in need. We were 
proactive from the beginning of the pandemic. 
We were among the first building owners to 
learn about and internally implement the 
federal government’s CECRA (Canada Emergency 
Commercial Rent Assistance) program. 
We made sure that our tenants who qualified 
for the program completed the required 
forms and received the required funds, so 
that we could do our part and give them the 
required credits. BTB, through its employees, 
was able to mitigate the risks associated with 
the pandemic by adopting a hands-on approach, 
managing tenant requests on a case-by-case 
personalized basis to respect BTB’s core 
values. Tenants are a priority at BTB and 
we have sought to listen and help them. 

Our greatest strength, our employees

As the saying goes “It’s when the going get’s 
tough that you know who your true friends 
and allies are”. This year enabled us to validate 
this saying on a company-wide scale.

One of BTB’s strengths is its employees. 
Over the past year, they have invested a lot 
of time, energy, and effort to help our tenants. 
Employees agreed to a salary freeze, trustees 
and senior executives reduced their pay. 
The Board of Trustees opted for an adjustment 
of the annual distribution from ¢42.0 to ¢30.0. 
Throughout this year when the challenges 
were numerous, our employees demonstrated 
comprehensiveness, conciliation, and accepted 
sacrifices. Our teamwork and the collaboration 
with our suppliers greatly contributed to this 
year’s success. It also showed and reminded 
us of the importance to surround ourselves 
well and to wisely choose our business 
collaborators.

The entire BTB team has worked hard to 
overcome the tough challenges that 2020 
had in store for us. Our results were affected 
by the economic conditions, especially in 
the second quarter of 2020, but the third 
and fourth quarter results were robust 
and positive despite the first months 
of the second quarter.

When we look at our performance against 
comparable groups, public companies in 
the same environment as us, we can see that 
we have done well and that our performance 
is better than that of others. I think that the 
Market saw it and that is one of the reasons 
why BTB, despite having fallen to $2.29 per 
unit in its low, still rose to $3.54 to close 2020 
and is currently surpassing $4.00 per unit.

An overview of our results 
for the fourth quarter of 2020

BTB disposed of the following properties 
this year:

As of March 12th, 2021, we have collected 
100% of our fourth quarter invoiced rents, 
which is in line with our collection record 
through the months of March to December 
2020. The eff orts to collect rents have been 
maintained at high levels despite the events. 
We also report a signifi cant reduction of the 
balance of receivables to a normalized level 
of $5.2 million compared to $8.6 million for 
the second quarter.

Our lease renewal activities remained strong 
during the quarter. Since the beginning of 
the year, 66% of the expiring leases have 
been renewed at an average rate of increase 
of 6.8%, a record rate since 2015. BTB renewed 
a total of 836,302 square feet of leasable area 
during the year 2020. During the quarter, we 
successfully leased a total of 56,589 square 
feet of leasable area to new tenants.

Our FFO payout ratio is 75.5% for the quarter 
and 88.7% for the year, while the AFFO payout 
ratio is 76.3% for the quarter and 97.1% for 
the year, a signifi cant improvement in these 
ratios for a second consecutive quarter.

Our total debt ratio continues to demonstrate 
BTB’s persistence in maintaining that ratio 
below 60%. At the end of Q4 2020, that ratio 
stood at 59.4%.

A portfolio repositioning strategy 
that is paying off  

The strategic repositioning of our portfolio, 
which began over two years ago, has been 
proven to be very fruitful. The result of the 
repositioning, by disposing of less effi  cient 
buildings to purchase more effi  cient 
buildings, is showing its strength.

In line with the strategic repositioning of BTB’s 
portfolio towards superior quality properties 
in the primary markets of Montréal, Ottawa 
and Quebec City, and following attractive 
off ers that were received, we disposed 
of four properties for total proceeds of 
$48.5 million dollars.

1.  311, Ingersoll Street South, Ingersoll 

(Ontario);

2. 5600, chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, 

Montréal (Québec);

3. 1001, Sherbrooke Street East, Montréal 

(Québec);

4. 550-560, Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West, 

Montréal (Québec).

BTB acquired two properties for a total 
consideration of $29.85 million dollars. 
The following properties were acquired 
throughout the year:
1.  2611, Queensview Drive, Ottawa (Ontario);
2. 2005, Le Chatelier Street, Laval (Québec).

To complete the disposition strategy pursuant 
to the strategy review, to this date, only one 
property remains to be disposed to bring the 
strategy repositioning to a close. 

During 2020, we had the opportunity to test 
our foundations and validate their solidity 
since they have been tried enormously. 
The signifi cant steps taken since 2017 to 
recalibrate BTB and ensure its long-term 
profi tability have solidifi ed BTB’s foundation. 
We are fl exible and agile. We have demonstrated 
our ability to question ourselves, including 
our work methods, to adapt and optimize 
processes according to the situations 
encountered. Our fl exibility, our acceptance 
of change and our ability to confront reality 
have helped us to perform despite all the 
pitfalls encountered in 2020

Knowing with certainty that our foundation 
is solid; we can confi dently continue to grow.

Jocelyn Proteau
Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Michel Léonard
President and Chief Executive Offi  cer

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Top row :

Fernand Perreault 
President of the 
Investment Committee 
and trustee

Peter Polatos 
Trustee

Lucie Ducharme 
President of the 
Human Resources 
and Governance 
Committee 
and trustee

Middle row :

Jocelyn Proteau 
Chairman of the 
Board of Trustees 
and trustee

Jean-Pierre Janson 
Vice President of the 
Board of Trustees and 
trustee

Michel Léonard 
President and Chief 
Executive Officer 
and Trustee

Bottom row :

Luc Lachapelle 
Trustee

Sylvie Lachance 
Trustee

Luc Martin 
President of the 
Audit Committee 
and trustee

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Mathieu Bolté 
Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Michel Léonard 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

 
  
 
  
 
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BTB 
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2020  
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Message from 
the Chairman of  
the Board of Trustees

The past year has been marked by an 
unprecedented crisis that has disrupted 
the entire planet, its inhabitants, 
businesses, and our structures. No one 
has been spared from the effects of 
COVID-19. All businesses have faced 
unknown challenges until now and 
have been affected by the severity of 
this crisis. 

I would say BTB has done extremely well 
and even better than most companies, 
thanks to the resilience of our entire 
organization and the quick and structured 
response from Management and the Board 
of Trustees. What made the difference for 
us was the unwavering commitment of 
each of our resources. All our past work 
methods were questioned, starting 
with the implementation of working from 
home, which was essential to protect our 
employees. 

I must also pay tribute to our tenants 
for their collaboration and their ability to 
adjust to this unknown context. Some of 
our tenants have been able to depend on 
governmental support, which put in place 
special grant programs to help them.

Our financial results have obviously 
been affected and forced us, as did 
most of our peers, to adjust the 
amount of our distributions. In fact, 
some went as far as eliminating them. 
Despite this decision, our performance 
is even more attractive as an investment 
for our unitholders. We are committed 
to maintain our performance and 
improving it when conditions permit. 

If I compare BTB’s results in 2020 in 
this turbulent environment to those 
of previous years, I would say these are 
our most impressive results of the 
past four or five years.

With the rollout of the vaccination 
program, we will begin to see a return 
to a more normal life. One thing is certain 
though:  when this crisis is over, nothing 
will be the same. 

I remain convinced that BTB will 
emerge as more solid and agile and 
adjust to the economic situation, thanks 
to our resources, tenants, customers, 
but above all, thanks to our employees!

At the time of writing this message, 
it seems that under the government 
rules still in effect, our annual general 
meeting with our unitholders will 
be virtual once again this year. It is 
with regret because it is an important 
moment for management and trustees 
to meet investors. We must however 
follow the government guidelines.

This meeting will further mark the 
departure of two members of the Board 
of Trustees who have been occupying 
their positions since its inception  
of BTB in 2006. Mr. Peter Polatos and 
Mr. Luc Lachapelle will end their tenure 
as trustees on the Board of BTB. I want 
to pay tribute to them and thank them 
for their contribution in the development 
and success of BTB. Many thanks to 
both of you.

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Award – Teamwork

Karin Waldhart
Account Payables Supervisor

I started to work for BTB in October 2017 
in an administration role for the operations 
department and won my fi rst Méritas that 
year. At the beginning of 2020, I was off ered 
the opportunity to start a new chapter in the 
accounting team as the Account Payables 
Supervisor. The core idea of my job is to 
get the bills paid on time, but what is not 
often realized about Accounts Payables 
is how the smallest delays, or that the 
way I choose to complete my tasks and 
manage my team can aff ect the whole 
company and the diff erent departments, 
each with tremendous impacts.

When I fi rst got here, I was really impressed 
by BTB’s culture. The company really 
believes in the wellbeing of their employees.
The saying: “work hard, play hard“, applies 
here. Being at BTB, you like coming to 
work. From day one, I could feel the 
positive energy here. BTB has a set of 
values and you can feel and live them 
everyday. We feel valued and equal, we 
know there is a hierarchy, but we do not 
feel it. BTB has a strength in their workforce. 
The people I work with know what they 
are doing, and they are happy to be here.

What I like most about my job is the 
perfectionism, the structured and 
organized side of my work. My job is in 
the details, everything must be perfect 
and executed fl awlessly. There is no gray 
area in what I do. People might think 
that what I do is repetitive, but I can 
guarantee you that it is never dull. 
I am someone who likes variety and 
what I do might be repetitive in its 

function, but defi nitely not in its 

form. 

For instance, I work with BTB’s entire 
portfolio and each building has 
its challenges and ways to operate, 
which means I get to work with 
diff erent people every day and at the 
end, my decision in terms of Payables 
impacts all of the diff erent teams here 
at BTB. Cue in all these factors and 
this brings the variety notion in what 
is typically thought as a totally stable 
and somewhat predictable job.

A month after I started in my new position, 
COVID-19 hit. The way I was taught to 
do things had to be changed and I had 
to step up and adapt to a new normal. 
We had to centralize and reorganize how 
the department works and how we think. 
Everything went through me since the 
accountants were working from home. 
It was an adaption process in a good way. 
I see this as a blessing in disguise. This 
pandemic gave us the chance to change 
the way we did things, to fi nd a new 
and better way to work with everybody.

When thinking about Teamwork, I think 
about working together, not one for 
another, not less than someone, not more 
than someone else. Teamwork is making 
sure that we can all accomplish what 
we need to do by helping others achieve 
what they need to do, and not by doing 
it for them. In 2020, it was understood 
that we had to do adapt and, sometimes, 
we had to do a little more to help others 
to make sure that they made it through 

2020 was one heck of a year and winning 
the Méritas for teamwork this year means 
a little more, than having won it in a 
“regular year”, since the past year was 
a rollercoaster. You had to change, and 
you had to adapt, and I think this shows 
strength in company growth, but also, 
personal growth. So, the fact that it was 
recognized during this time makes it 
sweeter and means a lot to me.

BTB
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2020 
Annual Report

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Award – Integrity

Mitch Provost
Director, Property Management for Ottawa 
and Cornwall Regions 

I have been working in real estate for over 
35 years and with BTB since March 2018. 
I started as a Property Manager and was 
then promoted to Director, Property 
Management for the Ottawa and Cornwall 
regions as of 2020. I am responsible for 
managing all of our properties in our 
Ottawa portfolio as well as managing 
the leasing aspect for our vacant units, 
supervising construction and managing 
our regional offi  ce and team of 6. 
In addition to this, I’m also part of the 
special committee that is responsible 
for fi nding active solutions to better the 
company and the way we work. Working 
at BTB, I can really apply all my expertise 
and knowledge on a day-to-day basis 
and my experience brings a lot to the 
company. In the real estate world, 
there is never a dull moment.

I’m a person that fi nds satisfaction 
in results and one of my greatest 
achievements is having put BTB back 
on the map in Ottawa and making us a 
landlord of choice. When I started, we 
had high vacancies and no staff  in Ottawa. 
I was basically a one man show and did 
everything, from changing light bulbs to 
service calls, leasing and construction. 
Today, we have an amazing team in place 
that sticks together and know where 
we are going. I am always one to evolve 
and grow and the team that I built and 
myself are ready for more properties. I’m 
always on the hunt for more space, more 
buildings in Ottawa to grow our portfolio. 
We are ready to grow!

When thinking about BTB, the words 
that come to mind are transparent, 
fl exible, driven, and motivated. In turn, 
I also apply these words to everything 
I do. We are open and honest about 
everything we do and I share my 
experience and knowledge to help 
my colleagues. I am willing to share 
with anyone who wants to learn.

BTB has a CEO that has the drive to keep 
us moving forward. He communicates 
with his team and by team I mean the 
entire BTB team and not just upper 
management. He lets us know where we 
are, where we are heading, and nobody 
is left in the dark. Communication is very 
important especially when our portfolio 
is concentrated in diff erent regions. Our 
CEO is open to criticism and I encourage 
employees to speak their mind. What 
they have to say might be something 
that might open our eyers or a whole 
new venue. There is a reason why BTB 
maintains its Great Place to Work as it 
recognizes its employees. When we do 
something, it is very satisfying to know 
that the work is recognized, and we can 
feel it.

I have zero tolerance for a negative work 
environment, and I maintain an open-
door policy, much like the rest of upper 
management does. I encourage the team 
to go out to our diff erent locations and 
make connections with our technicians 
and get to know our buildings. Now they 
are like a brotherhood sisterhood and 
get along extremely well. Since we spend 
more time at work than at home, we 
might as well make the best of it! 

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 
was a great year for me. I was shocked to 
have won the Méritas for Integrity since 
it used to be always employees from 
the Montréal offi  ce that got these awards. 
I devote so much time and eff ort to the 
company. I am a fi rm believer of always 
acting as if somebody is watching 
and to maintain an honest spirit. 
I encourage my team to do so 
as well. Integrity comes from 
the top and if you show 
integrity and treat people 
with respect, it goes a 
long way.

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Award – Respect

Dalia Mizher
Corporate Accountant Technician 

I have been working as a corporate 
accountant technician at BTB for the 
last two years. I arrived in Canada from 
the United Sates in 1999 not knowing 
a word of French. Learning to read and 
write French within 6 months was by far 
one of the hardest and most challenging 
things I have ever accomplished. It is 
also what I am the proudest of. I was the 
fastest student to complete and graduate 
from the intensive French Program in 
my teachers’ 21 years of professional 
experience. As a corporate accounting 
technician, I work very closely with the 
Chief Corporate Accountant and we work 
on cashfl ow management, corporate 
administration and accounting, month-
end, quarter-end, year-end activities, 
payroll and day-to-day exceptions. With 
all of these responsibilities and diff erent 
aspects of our work, we never know 
what the day has in store for us! My role 
can de demanding at times, but I love 
the challenge and I can say I never get 
bored. I tend to be the quiet one around 
the offi  ce, however, I do get the chance 
to be in contact with colleagues from all 
departments which I love. 

What I like the most about working 
at BTB is getting to work on a daily 
basis with an amazing group of people 
that I have the privilege of calling my 
colleagues. This group of people truly 
make the workdays that much more 
enjoyable as we collaborate so well as a 
team. I am very inspired by the healthy 
work relationship we build. 

We are constantly developing and pushing 
to strive to better our ways. Many things 
make me proud to work at BTB, but their 
contribution to the bee population with 
their sustainable rooftop project is my 
top for 2020. I am very passionate about 
animals, so this project really means a lot 
to me. 

If I had to describe BTB in four words, 
it would be motivating, progressive, 
respectful, and professional. The 
company has many core values, such 
as transparency, fl exibility, and respect. 
BTB has created a friendly welcoming 
onboarding experience for all its new 
employees and it made me felt like 
I fi t right in from day one. The work 
environment at BTB is fast paced, but 
also an exciting and wholesome place 
to work. BTB thrives on their Great Place 
to Work certifi cation, that keeps up its 
name by the way management treats 
their employees, by being supportive 
and motivating. Upper management at 
BTB has always been professional and 
highly engaging, being always ready 
and available for their employees. BTB 
is constantly seeking the development 
and advancement of their employees, by 
pushing us to create challenging stretch 
goals. While they encourage us to take on 
responsibilities outside of our daily tasks, 
but also provides a healthy work-life 
balance, due to their fl exibility.

Receiving the Méritas for Respect, I feel 
very honored and I am very thankful 
for everyone who voted for me. I do 
believe many people at BTB deserve 
this award as well! I am lucky to work in 
an environment where everyone around 
me is just as respectful as they believe 
I am. Everyone at BTB has always been 
respectful towards each other, which was 
a quality I noticed and appreciated since 
the fi rst day I started.

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Award – Quality

Katy Sedaghatian
Chief Property Accountant 

I have more than 20 years of experience 
in real estate accounting and I have had 
the opportunity to work for real estate 
companies both in Québec and Ontario. 
I started my career as a junior accountant 
when I was 23 years old at a real estate 
company where I was the youngest 
out of more than 400 employees. 
This was my fi rst exposure to real 
estate accounting and I just loved it. 

February 2020 marked my 8-year 
anniversary at BTB. I started working 
here in February of 2013 as a property 
accountant and by late 2015 I took over 
the accounting for most of our Ontario 
properties which were externally managed 
in addition to my original portfolio. In 
December 2017, I was promoted to Chief 
Property Accountant and since, I have 
been involved in all the special projects 
as well as ensuring the day-to-day fl ow. 
I also started the social committee at BTB, 
which is now responsible for organizing all 
the company’s social activities during the 
year. I love real estate accounting which 
is why I have always stayed in the fi eld of 
real estate and at BTB, you are given the 
opportunity to do everything from A to Z 
of the fi nancial aspect of a building, so 
you get to see the entire cycle fi rsthand. 
Reconciling items, whether it be for 
a variance analysis, budgets, or other 
items, once I get my head into solving 
a problem, I can lose all track of time 
and my days fl y by.

BTB is a company that is constantly 
improving its technology, procedures and 
reports amongst other things and there is 
constant change which can be demanding 
on some employees, but in return when 
it is time to let loose, BTB really knows 
how to reward its employees to a fun 
and relaxed time. As certifi ed year after 
year, BTB is a Great Place To Work and 
we really do deserve this certifi cation. 
BTB encourages a very friendly and team 
spirited work environment by organising 
great teambuilding activities every year.

BTB’s priority is its tenants and customer 
service and so in that regard, we make 
sure that the tenants’ questions are 
answered in a very timely manner and 
that they have everything they need to 
run their business. This has left BTB 
with many content and devoted tenants 
year after year.

Winning the Méritas award for Quality 
Winning the Méritas award for Quality 
is very humbling as you are chosen 
is very humbling as you are chosen 
by your peers and it means the world 
by your peers and it means the world 
to me to know that they acknowledge 
to me to know that they acknowledge 
and appreciate my work and eff ort. 
and appreciate my work and eff ort. 
I take great pride in my work and 
I take great pride in my work and 
how it is done! I really love what 
how it is done! I really love what 
I do at BTB and my great relationship 
I do at BTB and my great relationship 
with my immediate superior and all my 
with my immediate superior and all my 
coworkers in the diff erent departments 
coworkers in the diff erent departments 
is very inspiring. The communication is 
is very inspiring. The communication is 
great, and we work together to produce 
great, and we work together to produce 
excellent quality of work. This makes 
excellent quality of work. This makes 
me proud to be part of BTB.
me proud to be part of BTB.

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Main offi  ce hallway,
Intrado Life & Safety Canada
7150, Alexander-Fleming St., 
St-Laurent

 
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Below is a list of some 
of our achievements 
in terms of lease 
agreements and 
renewals in 2020.

Renewals 

• National Bank

• Cineplex Entertainement

• Desjardins

• E2IP Technologies Inc.

• FNX Innov

• Government of Québec

• Government of Canada 
(Public Works Canada)

• Immagix Immobilier

• Strongco 

• Trévi 

New Lease Agreements

• CMP Advanced 
Mechanicals 

• Restaurant Vago

• Claigan Environmental Inc.

• Société Québécoise 
des Infrastructures

• Groupe BBA Inc.

• Canada Gap Program

• CISSS de la  

Montérégie Centre

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A

1  2005 Le Chatelier Street, Laval

November 16th, 2020 
$8.1 million 
34,200 square feet 
Industrial

The property is entirely leased to Kolostat, an 
industry leader in the field of mechanical solutions 
for HVAC systems. With offices located in Montréal 
and Toronto, Kolostat has a multidisciplinary team 
composed of engineers, designers, draftsmen, 
control technicians and project managers in order 
to maintain global projects.

   
 
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3

2

4A

4B

5

2  2611 Queensview Drive, 

Ottawa
February 3rd, 2020 
$21.75 million 
77,500 square feet 
Office
This property is LEED® Silver  
and is fully leased to various 
tenants. The main tenant is 
the engineering consulting 
firm WSP, one of the world’s 
largest environmental 
professional services firms 
that is also listed in the 
Toronto Stock Exchange. 
WSP has been occupying 
spaces in the property since 
its construction in 2012. 

An excess of land was also 
part of this transaction, on 
which an additional 60,00 
square feet of office space 
could be built. This land can 
be developed or sold by BTB. 

3  2425 Pitfield Boulevard, 

Saint-Laurent
May 10th, 2019 
$11.9 million 
66,625 square feet 
Office and industrial

4 1465-1495 and 1011-1191 
Saint-Bruno Boulevard  
and 800 de l’Étang Street, 
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
June 20th, 2019 
$43 million 
366,490 square feet 
Retail

5  340-360, 370-380, 375 and 
377-383 Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier 
Boulevard, Mont-Saint-
Hilaire
June 20th, 2019 
$19.6 million 
127,767 square feet 
Office and retail

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Montréal

South Shore of Montréal

Quebec City Area

• 1327-1333 Ste-Catherine Street 
West and 1405-1411 Crescent 
Street, Montréal 

• 5810 Sherbrooke Street East, 

Montréal

• 5878-5882 Sherbrooke Street 

East, Montréal

• 7001-7035 St-Laurent Blvd 

and 25 Mozart Avenue, Montréal

• 2101 Sainte-Catherine Street 

West, Montréal

• 3761-3781 des Sources Blvd, 

Dollard-des-Ormeaux

• 11590-11800 de Salaberry Blvd, 

Dollard-des-Ormeaux

• 1325 Hymus Blvd, Dorval

• 4105 Sartelon Street, St-Laurent 

• 208-244 Migneron Street 

and 3400-3410 Griffith Street, 
St-Laurent

• 7777 Transcanada Highway,  

St-Laurent

• 2250 Alfred-Nobel Blvd,  

St-Laurent

• 7150 Alexander-Fleming Street, 

St-Laurent

• 2425 Pitfield Blvd, St-Laurent 

• 2665-2673 et 2681, Côte  

Saint-Charles, Saint-Lazare

North Shore of Montréal

• 22900 Jacques-Bureau Street, 

Laval 

• 4535 Louis B. Mayer Street, Laval

• 3695 Des Laurentides 

(Highway-15), Laval

• 3111 Saint-Martin Blvd West, Laval

• 3131 Saint-Martin Blvd West, Laval 

• 81-83 Turgeon Street,  

Ste-Thérèse

• 5791 Laurier Blvd, Terrebonne 

• 2175 Des Entreprises Blvd, 

Terrebonne

• 2205-2225 Des Entreprises Blvd, 

Terrebonne

• 2005 Le Chatelier Street, Laval

• 4890-4898 Taschereau Blvd, 

• 6655 Pierre-Bertrand Blvd, 

Brossard

Quebec City 

• 2340 Lapinière Blvd, Brossard

• 6700 Pierre-Bertrand Blvd, 

• 204 De Montarville Blvd, 

Boucherville 

Quebec City

• 909-915 Pierre-Bertrand Blvd, 

• 32 Saint-Charles Street West, 

Quebec City

Longueuil 

• 50 Saint-Charles Street West, 

Longueuil 

• 85 Saint-Charles Street West, 

Longueuil

• 2111 Fernand-Lafontaine Blvd, 

• 825 Lebourgneuf Blvd,  

Quebec City

• 815 Lebourgneuf Blvd,  

Quebec City 

• 1170 Lebourgneuf Blvd,  

Quebec City

Longueuil

• 625-675 De la Concorde Street, 

• 2350 Chemin du Lac, Longueuil 

• 1939-1979 F.-X. Sabourin Street, 

St-Hubert

• 145 Saint-Joseph Blvd,  
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu

• 315-325 MacDonald Street,  

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu

• 1000 Du Séminaire Blvd North, 

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu 

• 340-360, 370-380, 375 and 

377-383 Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier Blvd, 
Mont-Saint-Hilaire

• 1465-1495 and 1011-1191 Saint-
Bruno Blvd and 800 de l’Étang 
Street, Saint-Bruno-de-
Montarville

Lévis

• 1200-1252 De la Concorde 

Street, Lévis

• 191 D’Amsterdam Street,  

St-Augustin-de-Desmaures

• 175 De Rotterdam Street,  

St-Augustin-de-Desmaures

• 505 Des Forges Street  

and 1500 Royale Street,  
Trois-Rivières

• 2059 René-Patenaude Street, 

Magog

Ottawa Area, Ontario

• 80 Aberdeen Street, Ottawa

• 245 Menten Place, Ottawa

• 1-9 and 10 Brewer Hunt Way 

and 1260-1280 Teron Rd, Ottawa 
400 Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa

• 2200 Walkley Street, Ottawa

• 2204 Walkley Street, Ottawa

• 2611 Queensview Drive, Ottawa

• 7 and 9 Montclair Blvd, Gatineau 

• 705 Boundary Road, Cornwall

• 725 Boundary Road, Cornwall

• 805 Boundary Road, Cornwall *  
2901 Marleau Avenue, Cornwall

* Considered as two properties

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Management 
Discussion 
and Analysis

Year ended December 31, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

28 Introduction

47 Funds from Operations (FFO) 

28 Forward-Looking Statements – 

Caveat

48 Adjusted Funds from 
Operations (AFFO) 

29 Non-IFRS Financial Measures

49 Cash Flows

30 The Trust

51

Segmented Information

30 Objectives and Business 

Strategies

52 Assets

31 Highlights of the Fourth 
Quarter and Year Ended 
December 31, 2020 

33 Selected Financial Information 

34 Selected Annual Information

34 Selected Quarterly Information

35 Real Estate Portfolio

36 Real Estate Operations 

41 Operating Results

54 Capital Resources

59 Sustainable Development

60 Income Taxes

60 Taxation of Unitholders

61

61

Accounting Policies 
and Estimates

Risks and Uncertainties

62 Disclosure Controls and 

Procedures and Internal Control 
Over Financial Reporting

45 Operating Results – 

Same-Property Portfolio

62 Appendix 1 – Performance 

Indicators

46 Distributions

63 Appendix 2 – Definitions

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Introduction
The purpose of this Management Discussion and Analysis is to allow the reader to evaluate the operating results 
of BTB Real Estate Investment Trust (“BTB” or the “Trust”) for the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as its 
financial position on that date. The report also presents a summary of the Trust’s business strategies and the 
business risks it faces. This MD&A dated March 12, 2021 should be read together with the consolidated financial 
statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2020. It discusses significant information 
available up to the date of this MD&A. The Trust’s consolidated annual financial statements were prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (“IASB”). Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except 
for per unit and per square foot amounts. Additional information about the Trust, including the 2020 Annual 
Information Form, is available on the Canadian Security Administrators (“CSA”) website at www.sedar.com 
and on our website at www.btbreit.com. 

The Audit Committee reviewed the contents of this Management Discussion and Analysis and the quarterly 
financial statements and the Trust’s Board of Trustees has approved them. 

Forward-Looking Statements – Caveat
From time to time, we make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable 
Canadian securities legislation. We may make forward-looking statements in this MD&A, in other filings 
with Canadian regulators, in reports to unitholders and in other communications. These forward-looking 
statements may include statements regarding our future objectives, strategies to achieve our objectives, 
as well as statements with respect to our beliefs, outlooks, plans, objectives, expectations, forecasts, estimates 
and intentions. The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “outlook,” “believe,” “plan,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” 
“propose,” and the use of the conditional and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-
looking statements.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous factors and assumptions, and are subject 
to inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that predictions, 
forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to 
place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause our actual results to 
differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward looking statements. These factors include 
general economic conditions in Canada and elsewhere, the effects of competition in the markets where we 
operate, the impact of changes in laws and regulations, including tax laws, successful execution of our strategy, 
our ability to complete and integrate strategic acquisitions successfully, potential dilution, our ability to attract 
and retain key employees and executives, the financial position of lessees, our ability to refinance our debts 
upon maturity, our ability to renew leases coming to maturity, and to lease vacant space, our ability to complete 
developments on plan and on schedule and to raise capital to finance our growth, as well as changes in interest 
rates. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors likely to affect future results is not exhaustive. 
When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to BTB, investors and others should 
carefully consider these factors and other facts and uncertainties. Additional information about these factors can 
be found in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of this MD&A.

BTB cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking statements 
and BTB assumes no obligation to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect new events 
or circumstances, except as required under applicable securities regulations. 

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COVID-19 
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The Federal and Provincial 
governments have taken many steps in their management of the health crisis, including the closure of all non-essential 
stores and services for a period and other restrictive measures were introduced by various levels of governments 
in Canada. 

Since the beginning of the crisis, BTB has set up a COVID-19 task force to ensure full management of all collateral 
effects on our tenants, suppliers, creditors, as well as our employees. Several actions have been taken, including 
the review of rent agreements with tenants and the coordination with 80 tenants for the application of the 
federal grant under the CECRA program; the participation with our creditors to reduce our mortgage payments 
during this period; appropriate implementation of cost control and control of our investments; strengthening 
sanitation, health and safety measures in our properties and restricting access to our buildings. During this 
period, several companies announced bankruptcies and restructurings, mainly in the retail sector. To date, 
BTB’s portfolio has been affected very little by this news.

BTB continues to closely monitor business operations and is aware that the impact of COVID-19 on the global 
economy and its duration remains uncertain. BTB may take further actions in response to directives of government 
and public health authorities or that are in the best interests of employees, tenants, suppliers, or other stakeholders, 
as necessary. BTB will continue to work with the different tenants that are participating in the Canada Emergency 
Rent Subsidy (‘CERS’), a program that is expected to continue through June 2021. The full extent and the financial 
impact of COVID-19 on communities and the economy remains uncertain. Therefore, BTB has taken the following 
proactive measures to provide greater financial strength and flexibility: 1) implementation of a cost reduction 
program to limit direct expenses and corporate expenses, 2) to review the current credit lines in place to ensure 
additional flexibility and cost reduction, and 3) to refinance properties to provide additional equity and to take 
advantage of a low-rate environment. 

Non-IFRS Financial Measures
“Net operating income,” “net operating income of the same-property portfolio”, “funds from operations” (“FFO”), 
“adjusted funds from operations” (“AFFO”), “adjusted net income and comprehensive income” and “net property 
income” and per unit information, if applicable, are non-IFRS performance measures and do not have standardized 
meanings prescribed by IFRS. These measures are used by BTB to improve the investing public’s understanding 
of operating results and the Trust’s performance. IFRS are International Financial Reporting Standards defined 
and issued by the IASB, in effect as at the date of this MD&A.

These measures cannot be compared to similar measures used by other issuers. However, BTB presents its FFO 
in accordance with the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) White Paper on Funds from Operations, 
as revised in February 2019. 

Securities regulations require that these measures be clearly defined, that they be readily comparable to the 
most similar IFRS measures, and that they not be assigned greater weight than IFRS measures.

Page
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The Trust
BTB is an unincorporated open-ended real estate trust formed and governed under the laws of the Province 
of Québec pursuant to a trust agreement. BTB began its real estate operations on October 3, 2006, and as of 
December 31, 2020, it owns 64 retail, office and industrial properties located in primary markets of the Provinces 
of Québec and Ontario. Since its inception, BTB has become an important property owner in the province of 
Québec and in Eastern Ontario. The units and Series G and H convertible debentures are traded on the Toronto 
Stock Exchange under the symbols “BTB.UN”, “BTB.DB. G” and “BTB.DB. H”, respectively. 

BTB’s management is entirely internalized and no service agreements or asset management agreements 
are in force between BTB and its officers. The Trust therefore ensures that the interests of management and 
of its employees are aligned with those of the unitholders. Through this, 62 of the Trust’s 64 properties held as 
at December 31, 2020 are managed by the Trust’s employees. The two remaining properties are managed by third 
party managers dealing at arm’s length with the Trust. Management’s objective is, when favourable circumstances 
will prevail, to directly manage the Trust’s remaining properties to possibly achieve savings in management and 
operating fees through centralized and improved property management operations.

The following table provides a summary of the real estate portfolio:

As at December 31, 2020(1)

Number of properties

64

Leasable area 
(sq. ft.)

5,323,642

Fair value
(thousands of $)

903,870

(1)  These figures include a 50% interest in a 17,114 square-foot building in a Montréal suburb and a 50% interest in one building totaling 
74,940 sq. ft. in Gatineau, Québec.

Objectives and Business Strategies
BTB’s primary objective is to maximize total return to unitholders. Returns include cash distributions  
and  long-term appreciation of the value of its units. More specifically, the objectives are as follows:

(i)  Generate stable monthly cash distributions that are reliable and fiscally beneficial to unitholders.

(ii)  Grow the Trust’s assets through internal growth and accretive acquisitions in order to increase distributable 

income and therefore fund distributions.

(iii)  Optimize the value of its assets through dynamic management of its properties in order to maximize the 

long-term value of its properties and therefore its units. 

Strategically, BTB seeks to acquire properties with high occupancy rates, good tenant quality, superior locations 
or low potential lease turnover and properties that are well maintained and require fewer capital expenditures.

BTB’s management regularly performs strategic portfolio assessments to determine whether it is financially 
advisable to dispose of certain investments. BTB may dispose of certain assets if their size, location and/or 
profitability no longer meet the Trust’s investment criteria.

In such cases, BTB expects to use the proceeds from the sale of assets to reduce debt thereon and/or redeploy 
capital in accretive acquisitions. 

 
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Highlights of the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 

•  During the fourth quarter, BTB’s portfolio continued to show its resilience and its limited exposure to bankruptcies. 
As reported in our Q2 2020 MD&A, only four tenants, representing roughly 2% of our tenant base on a per square 
foot basis, underwent corporate restructuring or filed for bankruptcy. At the end of Q4 2020, BTB has not received 
any additional bankruptcy or restructuring notices from its tenants.

•  The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program was enacted to provide rental support to 
tenants, which was available throughout the period ranging between April to September 2020.  Throughout the 
year, we successfully filed applications for approximately 80 tenants, which represents roughly 15% of the leases 
managed by the Trust. All subsidies were received by the end of Q4 2020, and the program has now ended.

•  After the end of the CECRA program, the Federal government announced the implementation of the CERS 

Program (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy). This program is administered by the Federal Government and does 
not require landlords to grant rent abatements or concessions. Since landlords are no longer directly involved 
in the administration of the program, the Trust continues to guide its tenants to better understand the various 
programs offered by the federal government in order to further mitigate collection risks. At the end of the fourth 
quarter, only a handful of tenants expressed their intention to participate in the CERS program, which has not 
affected rent collection. In addition, at the end of Q4 2020, no additional rent deferral agreements were negotiated 
with tenants, further solidifying future revenues. 

•  COVID-19 has affected our results in the following fashion: ($1.3 million) for our NOI; $1.4 million in additional 

provisions for credit losses; therefore, a total of $2.7 million of negative impact on our FFO and AFFO results.  
As far as our fair value adjustment for our investment properties, the Trust has recorded a reduction in the fair 
value of its retail and office properties of $26.3 million and an increase in the fair value of its industrial 
properties of $17.9 million, thereby generating an adjustment to its total fair value of ($8.4 million) for the year 
2020. 65% of our investment properties were externally appraised in 2020.

•  Despite the challenges faced by the evolving events attributable to the pandemic, the Trust collected 100% of its 

fourth quarter invoiced rents, in line with its collection record through the months of March to December 2020. 
Rent collection continued to remain strong and we are reporting a significant reduction of the balance of receivables 
from $8.7 million at the end of Q2 2020 to a normalized level of $5.2 million for the quarter. The balance of receivables 
reported includes $0.8 million to be received after year-end under deferral agreements concluded with tenants 
during Q2 2020.

•  Leasing activity remained strong during the quarter: 223,681 sq. ft. were renewed in anticipation with our existing 
tenants where their expirations were to take place in the years 2021 and after, therefore further solidifying the 
Trust’s future revenues. During the quarter, the Trust leased 56,589 sq. ft. of leasable area to new tenants, thereby 
leaving 412,765 sq. ft. of leasable area available for occupancy at the end of the quarter. Since the beginning of 
the year, 66% of the leases expiring in 2020 were renewed (over 281,970 sq. ft. were renewed) at an average rate 
of increase of 6.8%. 

•  Since the beginning of the year, 281,970 sq. ft. was leased to new tenants. During the year 2020, the Trust 

managed to successfully renew leases expiring in the current year and expiring in coming years, for a total of 
836,302 sq. ft. Therefore, the total leasing activity was approximately 1,1 million sq. ft.

•  Net income and comprehensive income totalled $3.85 million compared to $41.55 million for the same period 
in 2019. The decrease was primarily attributed to (i) in 2019 the Trust recorded an increase in the fair value of 
investment properties of $34.1 million compared to an increase in the fair value of $2.3 million in 2020 and 
(ii) in 2019, the Trust recorded an increase to the fair value of derivative financial instruments of $1.2 million 
compared to a decrease of $2.9 million in 2020. Other than the fair value adjustment, we noted financial 
improvements on different fronts during the year: (i) an increase in our Net Operating Income margin to 55.1% 
compared to 54.4% in 2019 and (ii) a reduction of the net financial expenses attributable to the refinancing of 
mortgages concluded during the current year. 

Page
32

•  The net property income from the same-property portfolio for the three-month period ended on December 31, 2020 
increased by $0.1 million or 0.2% compared to the same period in 2019. For the year, the same property NOI 
increased by 0.1%. The impact of the CECRA program and the loss of income from the previously reported 
bankruptcies of four tenants in the second quarter of this year were compensated by the impressive leasing 
activity and from additional productivity. Our comparative results were affected by a non- recurring event in 
Q4 2019, specifically then recording an indemnity received from a tenant pursuant to a lease cancellation prior 
to the end of the term in the amount of $1.1 million.

•  We are reporting a recurring FFO of $24.2 million for the year 2020, an increase of $0.9 million, or 3.9% 
compared to 2019. For the fourth quarter the FFO payout ratio stands at 75.5% and 88.7% for the year.  
For the fourth quarter the AFFO payout ratio stands at 76.3% and at 97.1% for the year. 

•  On September 29, 2020, BTB announced that it closed a public offering for the principal amount of $30 million, 
on a bought deal basis, issuing, in consideration therefore, Series H 7.00% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated 
Debentures to mature on October 31, 2025 (the “Series H Debentures”). On October 26, BTB used the net 
proceeds of this issue to fully redeem the $26.7 million Series F debenture due on December 31, 2020 
and for general trust purposes. In the fourth quarter, approximately $0.6 million of the debenture was converted 
into units at a price of $3.64. 

•  BTB concluded the year on December 31, 2020 with a cash position of $9.1 million. The Trust has access to 

an operating credit facility with an authorized amount of $3 million and to an acquisition line of credit with 
an authorized amount of $19 million. As at December 31, 2020, the full amount of the operating credit facility 
was available to it and $3.7 million was available on the acquisition line of credit.

•  Debt metrics continue to demonstrate the Trust’s commitment to maintain a total debt ratio below 60% 

and as of December 31, 2020, the total debt ratio stood at 59.4% compared to 59.1% on December 31, 2019. 

Subsequent events

•  No events to report.

Summary of significant items as at December 31, 2020

•  Total number of properties: 64

•  Total leasable area: approximately 5.3 million sq. ft. 

•  Total asset value: $927 million 

•  Market capitalization: $224 million 

BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
33

Selected Financial Information
The following table presents highlights and selected financial information for the quarters and years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019: 

Periods ended December 31 (in thousands of dollars, 
except for ratios and per unit data)

Reference (page)

Quarter

2020

 $

2019

 $

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

Financial information

Rental revenue

Net operating income(1)

Net income and comprehensive income

Adjusted net income(1)

Same-property portfolio(1)

Distributions

Recurring funds from operations (FFO)(1)

Recurring adjusted funds from operations (AFFO)(1)

Cash flow from operating activities

Total assets

Investment properties

Mortgage loans

Convertible debentures

Mortgage debt ratio

Total debt ratio

Weighted average contractual interest rate

Market capitalization

Financial information per unit

Units outstanding (000)

Class B LP units outstanding (000)

Weighted average number of units outstanding (000)

Weighted average number of units and Class B LP 
units outstanding (000)

Net income and comprehensive income

Adjusted net income(1)

Distributions

Recurring FFO(1)

Payout ratio on recurring FFO(1)

Recurring AFFO(1)

Payout ratio on recurring AFFO(1)

Market price

Tax on distributions

Revenue

Tax deferral

Operational information

Number of properties

Leasable area (thousands of sq. ft.)

Occupancy rate

Increase in average lease renewal rate

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measures. 

41

42

44

45

45

46

47

48

49

34

52

54

56

56

56

54

58

57

58

58

44

45

46

47

47

48

48

60

60

35

35

35

37

22,455

12,767

3,850

5,066

6,585

4,778

6,322

6,253

15,954

25,558

14,174

41,552

6,445

6,447

6,584

7,421

6,795

17,235

63,228

62,139

92,969

51,260

2,919

20,102

26,850

21,513

24,229

22,145

45,145

926,666

903,870

484,639

48,316

93,602

50,897

51,881

20,518

26,836

25,141

24,293

22,389

47,223

939,130

924,320

493,152

49,096

52.9%

59.4%

3.57%

52.8%

59.1%

3.92%

223,941

321,843

63,439

397

62,810

62,252

497

59,098

63,625

62,661

63,241

59,628

6.1¢

8.0¢

7.5¢

9.9¢

75.5%

9.8¢

76.3%

66.2¢

10.3¢

10.5¢

11.8¢

88.7%

10.8¢

96.8%

0.0%

100%

0.0%

100%

16.6%

4.3%

4.6¢

31.8¢

34.0¢

38.3¢

88.7%

35.0¢

97.1%

3.53

0.0%

100%

64

5,323

92.2%

6.8%

87.0¢

34.4¢

42.0¢

40.7¢

103.1%

37.5¢

111.9%

5.17

0.0%

100%

66

5,650

93.2%

5.5%

 
 
 
 
 
Page
34

Selected Annual Information
The following table summarizes the Trust’s selected financial information for the last three years.

Years ended December 31  
(in thousands of dollars except for per unit data)

2020

 $

2019

 $

2018

 $

Financial information

Rental income

Net operating income(1)(5)

Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

Net cash from operating activities
Recurring FFO(2)(5)
Recurring AFFO(3)(5) 

Distributions

Total assets

Long-term debt

Financial information per unit

Net income and comprehensive income
Recurring FFO(2)(5)
Recurring AFFO(3)(5)

Distributions
Payout ratio on distributable income(4)(5)

92,969

51,260

(8,375)

2,919

46,145

24,229

22,145

21,513

93,602

50,897

34,113

51,881

47,223

24,293

22,389

25,141

87,423

47,637

22,142

41,337

44,724

23,598

21,584

22,154

926,666

532,775

939,130

542,248

855,223

519,878

4.6¢

38.3¢

35.0¢

34.0¢

68.1%

87.8¢

40.7¢

37.5¢

42.0¢

98.8%

78.7¢

45.0¢

41.2¢

42.0¢

92.2%

(1)  Defined as rental income from investment properties less operating expenses.
(2) See “Funds from operations” on page 47 for reconciliation to net income.
(3) See “Funds from operations” on page 47 for reconciliation to FFO and net income.
(4) Represents total distributions divided by distributable income.
(5) Non-IFRS financial measures. See appropriate sections for definition and reconciliation to the closest IFRS measure.

Selected Quarterly Information
The following table summarizes the Trust’s selected financial information for the last eight quarters.

(in thousands of dollars except 
for per unit data)

2020
Q-4

 $

2020
Q-3

 $

2020
Q-2

 $

2020
Q-1

 $

2019
Q-4

 $

2019
Q-3

 $

2019
Q-2

 $

2019
Q-1

 $

Rental revenue

22,455

23,583

23,063

23,868

25,558

23,973

22,347

21,634

Net operating income(1)

12,767

13,308

12,419

12,766

14,174

13,476

12,196

11,051

Net income and comprehensive 
income

Net income and comprehensive 
income per unit

3,850

5,757

(1,101)

(5,587)

41,552

5,632

3,316

1,381

Adjusted net income

5,066

5,963

3,757

6.1¢

9.1¢

(1.7)¢

(8.9)¢

5,316

66.2¢

9.0¢

5.8¢

2.5¢

6,445

5,813

4,518

3,742

Adjusted net income per unit

8.0¢

9.4¢

6.0¢

8.4¢

10.3¢

9.3¢

7.9¢

6.7¢

Cash from operating activities

15,954

8,983

10,534

10,674

17,235

9,875

11,897

8,216

Recurring funds from operations 
(FFO)(1)

6,322

6,920

4,710

6,277

Recurring FFO per unit(1)

9.9¢

10.9¢

7.5¢

10.0¢

7,421

11.8¢

6,747

5,446

4,679

10.8¢

9.5¢

8.4¢

Recurring adjusted funds from 
operations (AFFO)(1)

6,253

6,139

4,237

5,517

6,795

6,087

4,884

4,623

Recurring AFFO per unit(1)

9.8¢

9.7¢

6.7¢

8.8¢

10.8¢

9.7¢

Distributions(2)

4,778

4,752

5,375

6,618

6,584

6,563

Distributions per unit

7.5¢

7.5¢

8.5¢

10.5¢

10.5¢

10.5¢

8.5¢

6,113

10.5¢

8.3¢

5,881

10.5¢

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measures. See appropriate sections for definition and reconciliation to the closest IFRS measure.
(2) Includes distributions on Class B LP units.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
35

Performance Indicators
The performance indicators used to measure BTB’s financial performance are presented and explained 
in Appendix 1.

Real Estate Portfolio
At the end of 2020, BTB owned 64 properties, totalling a fair value of $904 million. The properties generated 
approximately $93 million in annual income and represented a total leasable area of roughly 5.3 million square 
feet. A description of the properties owned by the Trust as at December 31, 2020 can be found in the Trust’s 
Annual Information Form available at www.sedar.com.

Summary of investment properties held as at December 31, 2020

Operating segment

Number of properties

Leasable area 
(sq. ft.)

Committed occupancy 
rate (%)

Office(1)

Retail

Industrial

Total

34

12

18

64

2,597,827

1,409,565

1,316,250

5,323,642

89.9

93.3

95.8

92.2

(1)  As of Q4 2020, 6 mixed-use properties have been re-classified as office properties.

Sale of investment properties 

Pursuant to the conclusions of the last strategic review of its portfolio, the Trust has elected to sell certain 
properties when circumstances are favourable to concentrate its portfolio in the greater regions of Montréal, 
Québec City and Ottawa. The proceeds of disposition of these assets are primarily used to repay related mortgages, 
to repay lines of credit and to acquire accretive properties in line with the Trust’s investment strategy. Pursuant 
to the Trust’s repositioning of its portfolio, the Trust has concluded the following dispositions during 2020: 

•  In January 2020, the Trust disposed of an industrial property located at 311 Ingersoll Street South in Ingersoll, 

Ontario, for total proceeds of $13.3 million. 

•  In February 2020, the Trust disposed of an industrial property located at 5600, Côte-de-Liesse in Montréal, 

Québec, for total proceeds of $9.3 million. 

•  In June 2020, the Trust disposed of an office property located at 1001 Sherbrooke Street East in Montréal, 

Québec, for total proceeds of $22.1 million.

•  In October 2020, the Trust disposed of an office property located at 550-560 Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West 

in Montréal, Québec, for total proceeds of $4.2 million.

Acquisition of investment properties 

•  In February 2020, the Trust acquired an office property located at 2611 Queensview Drive in Ottawa, Ontario, 
for a total consideration of $21.75 million, increasing BTB’s total leasable area by approximately 77,500 sq. ft.

•  In November 2020, the Trust acquired an industrial property located at 2005 Le Chatelier St. in Laval, Québec, 

for a total consideration of $8.1 million, increasing BTB’s total leasable area by 34,200 sq. ft.

 
Page
36

Real Estate Operations

Leasing activities

The following table summarizes the changes in available leasable area for the periods and years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Periods ended December 31 
(in sq. ft.)

Available leasable area at beginning of the period

Available leasable area purchased (sold)

Leasable area reclassified into operating

Leasable area of expired leases at term

Leasable area of expired leases before end of term

Quarter

Year

2020

419,690

(16,753)

—

154,021

238,358

2019

355,067

—

—

233,244

168,396

2020

379,896

(53,843)

75,340

461,484

668,125

2019

479,420

(37,204)

—

597,218

318,434

Leasable area of renewed leases at term

(102,272)

(148,363)

(305,210)

(421,250)

Leasable area of renewed leases before end of term

(223,681)

(174,078)

(531,092)

(270,684)

Leasable area of new signed leases 

(56,589)

(54,368)

(281,970)

(284,160)

Other

—

(2)

35

(1,878)

Available leasable area at end of the period

412,765

379,896

412,765

379,896

Lease renewals

During the quarter, leases representing 154,021 sq. ft. of leasable area expired, of which 102,272 sq. ft. were renewed, 
representing a renewal rate of 66%.

Out of the total leasable area renewed during the quarter, 73,879 sq. ft. of renewals were concluded with office tenants, 
further confirming a strong desire for businesses to revert to an office setting. 

A lease with a retail tenant occupying 30,452 sq. ft. on a short-term basis was maturing during the quarter. However, 
we were unable to conclude a lease renewal with the tenant as the tenant was not prepared to pay market rates, 
we therefore elected not to renew the lease. This non-renewal affects our renewal rate by 20%. Had this event not 
occurred, our renewal rate would have stood at 86%. In addition, it is important to note that we did not receive 
non-renewal notices during the quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During the year, the total area of leases expiring was 461,484 sq. ft. of which 305,210 sq. ft. were renewed, representing 
a renewal rate of 66%. As reported in our Q3 2020 MD&A, the shortfall of 156,274 sq. ft. was caused by (i) the eviction 
proceedings against an industrial tenant occupying 80,000 sq. ft. (which space was rapidly re-leased); (ii) the bankruptcy 
of a 23,000 sq. ft. retail tenant located in Gatineau, Québec; as well as (iii) the departure of the 30,452 sq. ft. tenant 
discussed above. Accounting for a total of 133,452 sq. ft., had these events not occurred, our renewal rate would 
have stood at 95%.

Anticipated renewals

As the Trust proactively manages its lease renewal strategy to retain a solid tenant base, during the quarter, 
leases representing 223,681 sq. ft. were renewed to existing tenants in anticipation of the expiry of their term 
in future years namely 2021 and after, therefore further solidifying the Trust’s future revenues. 

These anticipated renewals were primarily from the office and industrial segments of the portfolio, with leases 
representing approximately 163,000 sq. ft. of industrial space being renewed as well as roughly 60,000 sq. ft. 
being renewed to office users. This further solidifies the desire for office space users to occupy their spaces 
when safer to do so. Furthermore, one of our current Top 10 tenants was also active as Desjardins chose to 
renew, in anticipation, their 13,000 sq. ft. office/retail branch space located on the South Shore of Montréal 
and an office location in Québec City. Finally, in Québec City, we concluded a 33,000 sq. ft. lease renewal 
with the Government of Québec for a 5-year term. 

As such, for the year ended December 31, 2020 the Trust concluded anticipated lease renewals totalling 
approximately 531,000 sq. ft., which reduces the Trust’s risk linked to lease expiries for the years to come, showing a 
96% increase in our early renewal strategy compared to the same period of 2019. Moreover, considering contractual 
and anticipated renewals, the Trust managed to successfully renew a total of 836,302 sq. ft. throughout 2020. 

BTB 
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2020  
Annual Report

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37

Average renewal rate

The following table shows a breakdown of the average increase of rental rates per operating segment:

Operating segment(1)

Office

Retail

Industrial

Total

Quarter

Year

Sq. ft. 

136,066

6,633

183,255

325,954

%

20.5

0.9

12.9

16.6

Sq. ft. 

371,268

154,560

310,475

836,302

%

7.3

2.2

9.0

6.8

(1)  As of Q4 2020, 6 mixed-use properties have been re-classified as office properties.

The average rental rate of expired and renewed leases during the fourth quarter increased by 16.6%, compared 
to a 4.3% increase in 2019. For the year, the average rental rate increased by 6.8%, compared to 5.5% in 2019. 

On a noteworthy basis, we must point out the 20.5 % increase in the office segment as well as a 12.9% average 
increase in our industrial segment. The 20.5% increase is primarily caused by a 10-year lease renewal that was 
concluded with a 47,000 sq. ft. office user located on the South Shore of Montréal. In addition, it is important 
to note that due to the consolidation of our formerly named “mixed-use” properties to the office segment, 
the 20.5% increase in rental rates can be attributed to certain retail tenants falling within this category. 

In terms of the 12.9% increase emanating from our industrial segment, with the industrial market continuing to 
show its strength, the Trust was able to negotiate market rates from this segment as the effects of the pandemic 
on this segment continue to be minimal. Therefore, as long-term leases are usually signed within this segment, 
the Trust was able to capitalize on positive market trends to increase rent to market standards.

For the quarter, our retail segment continues to show identical trends as Q3 2020, where slight rent increases 
were reached as this segment was the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On a quarterly basis, this 
segment saw a 0.9% increase and a 2.2% yearly increase in lease renewal rates, which was in-line with the Trust’s 
renewal strategy for this segment. As a reminder, to ensure occupancy within the portfolio during these turbulent 
times, the Trust found it advisable to be less demanding in proposing rent increases to its tenants operating in 
the retail sector to ensure favorable lease renewals and thereby insuring a stable occupancy rate. 

On a yearly basis, our average renewal rate of expired and renewed leases increased by 6.8% (or 1.3% increase 
in respect to 2019), representing an all-time high in the average renewal rate increases since the fourth quarter 
of 2015. 

Weighted Average Lease Term (WALT)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust was able to increase the average lease term of its leases to 
an average tenancy of 5.94 years, compared to a WALT of 5.55 years for the same period in 2019. In addition 
to securing future revenues for the Trust and solidifying its tenant base, the renewal strategy is also focused 
on ensuring longevity in the lease term when appropriate. These results further demonstrate the Trust’s efforts 
to secure its tenant base and revenues to come. 

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38

New lease transactions

During the quarter, the Trust leased 56,589 sq. ft. of leasable area to new tenants, leaving 412,765 sq. ft. of 
leasable area available at the end of the quarter. As announced in our Q2 2020 results, a 4,651 sq. ft. space was 
left vacant after a tenant filed for bankruptcy. We were able to re-lease this space, which will generate revenue 
in 2021. Moreover, we concluded a new 10-year lease for 7,000 square feet on the South Shore of Montréal with 
one of our Top 10 tenants, the Government of Québec.

Regarding our Ontario portfolio, an existing tenant expanded their office space located at 80 Aberdeen, leasing 
an additional 3,795 sq. ft. This expansion contributes to achieving a 100% occupancy rate for this property. 
Furthermore, as announced in our Q2 2020 results, a 9,913 sq. ft. space was leased in our Kanata property to a 
tenant operating in environmental compliance industry. This transaction began to generate income in the fourth 
quarter. Lastly, we concluded a lease in Cornwall, Ontario for an industrial space of 23,374 sq. ft. which began 
to generate income in the fourth quarter as well. 

For the year, we concluded transactions with new tenants for a total of 281,970 square feet. Overall, we are 
continuing all our leasing efforts and receive good market traction. We note that businesses are more cautious 
when leasing space thus, taking more time to review legal documentation and confirming their commitment. 

Occupancy rates

The following tables detail the Trust’s committed occupancy rates by operational segment and geographic sector, 
including firm (committed) lease agreements.

Operating segment

Office

Retail

Industrial

Total portfolio

Geographic sector

Laval and North Shore

Island of Montréal

Montréal South Shore

Québec City and 
surrounding area

Ottawa and  
surrounding area

Central Ontario

December 31, 
2020

September 30, 
2020

June 30, 
2020

March 31, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

 %

89.9

93.3

95.8

92.2

 %

89.5

95.3

93.9

92.1

 %

91.1

95.6

93.6

92.9

 %

90.2

95.6

93.6

92.4

 %

90.0

96.0

96.4

93.2

December 31, 
2020

September 30, 
2020

June 30, 
2020

March 31, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

 %

99.9

93.3

90.0

89.1

93.3

—

92.2

 %

99.9

92.3

92.0

89.2

91.2

—

92.1

 %

99.9

91.6

92.8

90.0

93.2

—

92.9

 %

99.9

88.7

93.0

89.9

93.2

—

92.4

 %

99.6

90.3

93.0

90.1

94.9

100.0

93.2

By province

Québec

Ontario

Total portfolio

December 31, 
2020

September 30, 
2020

June 30,  
2020

March 31,  
2020

December 31, 
2019

 %

91.5

95.2

92.2

 %

92.0

92.8

92.1

 %

92.9

92.6

92.9

 %

92.3

92.6

92.4

 %

92.6

95.5

93.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
39

The occupancy rate at the end of the fourth quarter of 2020 stands at 92.2%, a 0.1% increase compared to 
our prior quarter or a 1.0 % decrease compared to the comparable period (Q4 2019). This result is mainly caused 
by a decrease of 2.7% in the occupancy rate of the retail sector for the comparable period. This reflects the 
departure of a 30,452 sq. ft. retail tenant as previously discussed as well as the effect of certain bankruptcies 
announced in our Q2 2020 MD&A for which we have not yet concluded firm lease agreements. 

In respect to the geographic sectors, the stability of our Laval and North Shore sectors are showing strength, 
which, for the last four consecutive quarters are stable at a 99.9% occupancy rate or a 0.3% increase for 
the comparable period (Q4 2019). The properties located within these sectors are mainly office and industrial 
properties, therefore the results are in-line with the concluded lease renewals as previously discussed. 
In addition, the acquisition of the fully leased industrial property located at 2005 Le Chatelier Street in Laval, 
Québec further contributes to this sector’s stable occupancy rate. The occupancy rate of our properties located 
in the Greater Montréal area is 94.4%, an all-time high since Q4 2017, demonstrating that our portfolio 
repositioning strategy is continuing to show its success. 

The following table shows the in-place occupancy rate compared to the committed occupancy rate by operating 
segments as at December 31, 2020.

Operating segment

Office

Retail

Industrial

Occupancy rate (%)

Sq. ft. 

In-place

Committed

Committed

89.7

93.3

95.5

92.1

89.9

93.3

95.8

92.2

5,656

—

4,171

9,827

The in-place occupancy rate as at December 31, 2020 (without taking into account firm committed lease 
agreements for tenants that are not yet occupying their spaces) stands at 92.1%, compared to 91.6% in 2019, 
resulting in a 0.5% increase. Spaces totalling 9,827 sq. ft. as at December 31, 2020 are subject to firm lease 
agreements and will, in the next few quarters, generate additional income. 

The following table demonstrates the lease agreements that will soon take effect.

Properties

1327-1333 Ste-Catherine & 1411 Crescent, Montréal, Québec 

6655 Pierre-Bertrand Blvd, Québec, Québec

208-244 Migneron & 3400-3410 Griffith, St-Laurent, Québec

Sq. ft. 

2,896

2,760

4,171

Tenants

Expected 
occupancy date

Telus Retail Limited

January 2021

2164-3150 Québec Inc. 
(Services R. Baron Enr.)

Eventure Group 
(expansion)

March 2021

June 2021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
40

Lease maturities

The following table shows the Trust’s lease maturity profile for the next five years:

Office

Leasable area (sq. ft.)

Average lease rate/square foot ($)

% of office portfolio

Retail

Leasable area (sq. ft.)

Average lease rate/square foot ($)

% of retail portfolio

Industrial

Leasable area (sq. ft.)

Average lease rate/square foot ($)

% of industrial portfolio

Total portfolio

Leasable area (sq. ft.)

Average lease rate/square foot ($)

% of total portfolio

2021

2022 

2023

2024

2025

270,776

$13.22

289,776

$15.11

305,245

$14.56

235,417

$13.31

238,788

$14.31

10.4%

11.2%

11.8%

9.1%

9.2%

124,370

$8.58

296,744

$11.58

182,180

$9.69

82,887

$15.69

233,227

$16.02

8.8%

21.1%

12.9%

5.9%

16.6%

51,423

$7.03

223,711

$4.42

45,483

$5.58

108,691

$8.57

80,000

$7.50

3.9%

17.0%

3.5%

8.3%

6.1%

446,570

$11.22

810,230

$10.87

8.4%

15.2%

533,908

426,996

$12.13

10.0%

$12.57

552,015

$14.04

8.0%

10.4%

The Trust’s efforts to conclude lease renewals in anticipation of their expirations allows it to stabilize the revenues 
of its portfolio and to reduce the risk of non-renewals for its upcoming lease expirations, thus further securing 
revenues and solidifying future occupancy. 

Top 10 tenants

On December 31, 2020, BTB managed approximately 520 leases, which equates to an average leasable area of 
approximately 10,238 square feet per tenant. The Trust’s three largest tenants are the Government of Québec, 
the Government of Canada, and Walmart Canada Inc., representing respectively 7.1%, 6.2% and 3.0% of rental 
revenue. These revenues are generated by multiple leases with these tenants whose maturities are spread 
over time. More than 37.6% of the Trust’s total revenue is generated by leases signed with government agencies 
(federal, provincial, and municipal) and public companies, thus generating stable and high-quality cash flow 
for the Trust’s operating activities. 

The following table shows the contribution of the Trust’s top 10 tenants as a percentage of revenue as at 
December 31, 2020. Their contribution accounts for 27.1% of annual rental revenue and 25.4% of leased area.

Client

Government of Québec

Government of Canada

Walmart Canada inc.

Intrado Life & Safety Canada, Inc. 

Mouvement Desjardins

WSP Canada Inc.

Groupe BBA Inc.

Strongco

Germain Larivière Laval Inc.

Lowe-Martin Company Inc.

% of revenue

% of leased area

Leased area (sq. ft. )

7.1

6.2

3.0

2.0

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.2

1.1

27.1

5.6

4.8

5.0

1.0

1.2

0.9

1.3

1.5

1.9

2.2

297,758

255,323

264,550

53,767

62,585

48,478

69,270

81,442

101,194

116,415

25.4

1,350,782

BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
41

Operating Results
The following table summarizes the financial results for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 
The table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Rental revenue

Operating expenses

Net operating income(1)

Net financial expenses and financial income

Administration expenses

Transaction costs 

Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Net income and comprehensive income

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Rental revenue

Reference (page)

41

41

42

41

42

44

52

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

22,455

9,688

12,767

9,356

1,537

154

(2,130)

3,850

2019

 $

25,558

11,384

14,174

5,564

1,198

—

(34,140)

41,552

2020

 $

92,969

41,709

51,260

31,351

6,750

1,865

8,375

2,919

2019

 $

93,602

42,705

50,897

26,634

5,515

980

(34,113)

51,881

In the fourth quarter of 2020, BTB’s rental revenue decreased by $3.1 million or 12.1% compared to the same 
quarter last year.  This offset the reduction in operating expenses during the same quarter. For the fiscal year 
2020, the Trust reported a decrease in its revenue of $0.6 million or 0.1%. COVID-19 related impacts accounted 
for $1.7 million and were composed of four bankruptcies that took place in the second quarter, the CECRA program, 
and some rent abatements. Excluding those impacts, the Trust’s revenues would have increased by 1.1%.

Operating expenses

BTB recorded a decrease in operating expenses of $1.7 million, or 14.9%, between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the 
fourth quarter of 2019, resulting from mainly from energy savings, reduction of property taxes and overall productivity 
considering the reduction of operation at the beginning of the pandemic and during the last week of December.

The following table shows the breakdown of operating expenses for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 
and 2019.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Operating expenses

Maintenance, repairs and other operating costs

Energy

Property taxes and insurance

Total operating expenses

% of rental revenue

Quarter

2020

 $

2019

 $

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

3,184

1,229

5,275

9,688

3,874

1,659

5,851

11,384

13,913

5,531

22,265

41,709

14,330

6,228

22,147

42,705

43.1%

44.5%

44.9%

45.6%

Page
42

Net operating income

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Net operating income(1)

% of rental revenue

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Financial expenses and income

Quarter

2020

 $

12,767

56.9%

2019

 $

14,174

55.5%

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

51,260

50,897

55.1%

54.4%

The following table shows the breakdown of financial expenses for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 
and 2019:

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Financial income

Interest on mortgage loans 

Interest on convertible debentures

Interest on bank loans

Other interest expense

Interest expense

Distributions on Class B LP units

Early repayment fees

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

(208)

4,578

1,024

224

69

5,895

30

—

2019

 $

(120)

4,928

955

164

137

2020

 $

(564)

18,786

3,542

836

303

2019

 $

(475)

18,941

3,577

915

444

6,184

23,467

23,877

56

—

157

79

224

—

24,101

Net financial expenses before non-monetary items

5,925

6,240

23,703

Accretion of effective interest on mortgage loans and convertible 
debentures

Accretion of non-derivative liability component of convertible 
debentures

Net financial expenses before the following items

Net adjustment to fair value of derivative financial instruments

Fair value adjustment on Class B LP units

Net financial expenses

343

384

1,244

1,172

104

6,372

2,950

242

9,564

27

6,651

(1,184)

217

5,684

104

25,051

7,642

(778)

31,915

66

25,339

1,340

430

27,109

Financial income mainly consists of interest income generated from a balance of sale granted by the Trust for 
the principal amount of $6 million pursuant to the sale in 2019 of a retail property located in Delson, Québec.

Interest expense decreased by $289 during the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, 
and by $410 for the year, mainly due to the net effect of acquisitions, dispositions and decrease in the prime rate 
impacting floating interest rates of mortgages in recent quarters. 

Distributions on Class B LP units amounted to $30 for the quarter and to $157 for the year. Under IFRS, although 
the Class B LP units can be exchanged at the option of holders for units that are traded on the public market, 
they are considered a financial instrument to be classified as a liability and therefore the related distributions 
are recognized as an expense. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
43

Net financial expenses described above include non-monetary items. These non monetary items include the 
accretion of effective interest on mortgage loans and on convertible debentures, the accretion of non-derivative 
liability component of convertible debentures and fair value adjustments on derivative financial instruments and on 
Class B LP units. BTB recognized a fair value adjustment resulting in a non-monetary expense of $3,192 (2019: revenue 
of $967) for the quarter and a non-monetary expense of $6,864 for the cumulative period (2019: $1,770). 

•  The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic uncertainty and increased the volatility of the financial markets. 
The increase in the value of derivative financial instruments, which generated an equivalent expense recorded 
as an increase in non-monetary items, is caused by lower interest rates in Canadian financial markets during 
the reporting period and the increase in market value of BTB’s unit since the issuance of Series H debentures. 

•  The fair value of Class B LP units is equal to the fair value of the Trust’s units traded on Canadian stock 

markets. An increase in the value of Class B LP units generates an equivalent expense recorded as an increase 
of non-monetary financial expenses during the reporting period. Conversely, a decrease in the value of Class B 
LP units generates the equivalent in income recorded as a decrease in non-monetary financial expenses during 
the reporting period. 

On December 31, 2020, the average weighted contractual rate of interest on mortgage loans outstanding was 
3.57%, 35 basis points lower than the average rate posted as at December 31, 2019 (3.92%). Interest rates on 
first-ranking mortgage loans ranged from 2.37% to 6.80% as at December 31, 2020. The weighted average term 
of mortgage loans in place as at December 31, 2020 was 4.7 years (5.1 years as at December 31, 2019). 

Administration expenses

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Administration expenses

Expected credit losses 

Unit-based compensation

Trust administration expenses

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

1,653

(397)

281

1,537

2019

 $

1,034

(78)

242

1,198

2020

 $

5,152

1,417

181

6,750

2019

 $

4,346

493

676

5,515

For the fiscal year 2020, the Trust reports an increase in administration expenses of $1.2 million. The COVID-19 
related impacts accounted for $0.9 million in additional credit losses compared to previous year and $0.3 million 
of abandoned acquisition projects.

Fair value adjustment of investment properties

Under IAS 40, the Trust accounts for its investment properties at fair value and recognizes the gain or loss arising 
from a change in the fair value in profit or loss for the periods in which it arises. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic uncertainty and increased volatility in the financial markets. 
These factors have led us, at the end of the first quarter of 2020, to increase capitalization rates of properties 
considered to be more vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic, mostly in the Trust’s retail segment, where 
tenants had to temporarily cease operations. At the end of the second quarter, the Trust recorded a decrease 
in the fair value of its investment properties, nevertheless without adjusting capitalization rates. This decrease 
of the fair value was specific to two properties. No fair value adjustment was made in the third quarter.

During the fourth quarter, the Trust retained the services of independent external appraisers to evaluate the 
fair value of a significant portion of its portfolio. Pursuant to its policy, the 10 most important properties and 
approximately a third of the remaining properties are annually appraised by independent external appraisers. 
In addition, as part of financing or refinancing and at the request of lenders, other properties are also 
independently appraised during the year. 

For its properties that were not subject to independent appraisals, management receives quarterly capitalization 
rate and discount rate data reflecting real estate market conditions from independent external appraisers and 
independent experts. The capitalization rate reports provide a range of rates for various geographic regions and 
for various types and qualities of properties within each region. The Trust utilizes capitalization and discount 
rates within ranges provided by external appraisers. To the extent that the externally provided capitalization rate 
ranges change from one reporting period to the next or should another rate within the provided ranges be more 
appropriate than the rate previously used, the fair value of the investment properties would increase or decrease 
accordingly.

Page
44

As at December 31, 2020, 64.7% (2019: 62.9%) of the fair value of the real estate portfolio was externally 
independently appraised and 35.3% (2019: 37.1%) was internally appraised by the Trust’s personnel. Following these 
appraisals, the Trust recorded an increase in value of $2.3 million (2019: $34.1 million) on its real estate portfolio.

The change in fair value is broken down by segment as follows: 

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Office

Retail

Industrial

Total change in fair value

Quarter 2020

Year 2020

 $

(5,581)

(10,541)

18,450

2,328

 $

(7,443)

(18,839)

17,907

(8,375)

Office and retail properties have suffered the most from the impact of COVID-19. The decrease in value is mainly 
due to higher capitalization and discount rates in these segments and deterioration of other assumptions such as 
lag vacancy, normalized occupancy, and growth of market rent. However, industrial properties have benefited from 
the current environment and have seen major increase in value mostly explained by lower capitalization  
and discount rates combined with increase in market rent.

The following tables highlight the significant assumptions used in the modelling process for both internal 
and external appraisals:

As at December 31, 2020

Capitalization rate

Terminal capitalization rate

Discount rate

As at December 31, 2019

Capitalization rate

Terminal capitalization rate

Discount rate

Retail

Office

Industrial

5.25% – 8.00%

5.00% – 8.50%

5.00% – 8.50%

5.50% – 8.00%

6.00% – 7.50%

5.50% – 7.00%

6.25% – 8.75%

6.75% – 8.25%

6.25% – 7.75%

6.00% – 7.75%

5.00% – 8.25%

5.75% – 8.50%

6.25% – 7.25%

5.25% – 7.50%

6.00% – 7.25%

7.25% – 7.75%

6.25% – 8.00%

6.50% – 8.00%

The weighted average capitalization rate for the entire portfolio as at December 31, 2020 was 6.51% 
(December 31, 2019: 6.59%), 8 basis points lower since December 31, 2019. 

As at December 31, 2020, BTB has estimated that if a variation of 0.25% in the capitalization rate was applied 
to the overall portfolio, this variation would change the fair value of the investment properties by approximately 
$35 million. The change of the capitalization rate is an appropriate proxy for the changes for the discount and 
terminal rates.

Net income and comprehensive income

BTB generated a net income of $3,850 for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to a net income of $41,552 
for the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of approximately $37,000. For the cumulative period, the net income 
stood at $2,919, compared to net income of $51,881 for the same period of 2019.

The change in cumulative net income is essentially attributable to the reduction in the fair value of investment 
properties of $8,375 recorded in 2020 compare to an increase in the fair value of $34,113 for 2019.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except for per unit data)

Net income

Per unit

Quarter

Year

2020

$

3,850

6.1¢

2019

$

41,552

66.2¢ 

2020

$

2,919

4.6¢

2019

$

51,881

87.0¢ 

BTB 
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2020  
Annual Report

Page
45

Adjusted net income 

Net income and comprehensive income fluctuate from one quarter to the next based on non-recurring items and 
certain volatile non-monetary items. Consequently, the fair value of derivative financial instruments and the fair 
value of investment properties fluctuate based on the stock market volatility of BTB’s units, the forward interest 
rate curve and the discount and capitalization rates of its real estate portfolio. 

The following table presents adjusted net income before these non-recurring and volatile non-monetary items. 

Periods ended December 31  
(in thousands of dollars, except for per unit data)

Quarter

2020

 $

2019

 $

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

Net income and comprehensive income

3,850

41,552

2,919

51,881

Non-recurring items:

Transaction costs on acquisitions and dispositions 
of investment properties and early repayment fees

Volatile non-monetary items

Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Fair value adjustment on derivative financial instruments

Fair value adjustment on Class B LP units

Adjusted net income(1)

Per unit

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

154

—

1,944

980

(2,130)

2,950

242

5,066

(34,140)

(1,184)

217

6,445

8,375

7,642

(778)

20,102

(34,113)

1,340

430

20,518

8.0¢

10.3¢

31.8¢

34.4¢

Operating Results – Same-Property Portfolio

Same-property portfolio

The same-property portfolio includes all the properties owned by BTB on January 1, 2019 and that are still owned 
by BTB on December 31, 2020, but it does not include the effect of acquisitions completed during 2019 and 2020, 
nor the disposition of properties during the same periods.

The following table summarizes the results of the same-property portfolio.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Rental revenue

Operating expenses

Net operating income(1)

Interest expense on mortgage loans payable

Net property income(1)

Increase (decrease) in net property 
income from the same-property portfolio

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

19,744

9,172

10,572

3,987

6,585

0.2%

2019

 $

20,311

9,610

10,701

4,254

6,447

Δ

 %

(2.8)

(4.6)

(1.2)

(6.3)

2020

 $

80,289

36,835

43,454

16,604

26,850

0.1%

2019

 $

81,401

37,588

43,813

16,977

26,836

Δ

 %

(1.4)

(2.0)

(0.1)

(0.7)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
46

Net property income for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 0.2% compared to the same quarter last year 
with a net operating income decrease of 1.2% and savings coming from mortgage refinancing over the last 
12 months. Year-to-date, the decrease in rental revenue is attributable to the net impact of the CECRA program 
($0.4 million) and the loss of income from bankruptcies or the temporary closure of tenants ($1.3 million). 
Operating expenses decreased by 2.0% due to savings resulting from the partial closure of some properties 
and additional productivity. The combination of these effects combined with the mortgage refinancing benefits 
resulted in an improvement of the net property income from the same-property portfolio of 0.1% for the 
cumulative period of twelve months.

Distributions

Distributions and per unit data

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Distributions

Cash distributions

Cash distributions – Class B LP units

Distributions reinvested under the distribution  
reinvestment plan

Total distributions to unitholders

Percentage of reinvested distributions

Per unit data(1)

Distributions

(1)  Including Class B LP units.

Quarter

2020

 $

2019

 $

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

4,062

30

686

4,778

5,690

56

838

6,584

18,473

157

2,883

21,513

21,763

224

3,154

25,141

14.4%

12.7%

13.4%

12.5%

7.5¢

10.5¢

34.0¢

42.0¢

Monthly distributions to unitholders totalled 3.5¢ per issued unit until the month of April 2020, and 2.5¢ per issued 
unit beginning May 2020, for a total of 7.5¢ for the fourth quarter of 2020 and 10.5¢ for each quarter of 2019.

Distribution reinvestment plan (DRIP)

In the fourth quarter of 2020, 14.4% of total distributions (2019: 12.7%) were reinvested under the DRIP. An amount 
of $2,883 (2019: $3,154) of the Trust’s cash has thereby been preserved through payment of distributions in units 
of the Trust since the beginning of the year.

 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
47

Funds From Operations (FFO)
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and comprehensive income established in accordance 
with IFRS and FFO for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except for per unit data)

Net income and comprehensive income (IFRS)

Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Fair value adjustment on Class B LP units

Amortization of lease incentives

Fair value adjustment on derivative financial instruments

Leasing payroll expenses

Distributions - Class B LP units

FFO(1)

Non-recurring item

Transaction cost on acquisitions and dispositions of investment 
properties and early repayment fees

Recurring FFO(1)

FFO per unit(2)

Recurring FFO per unit(2)

FFO payout ratio(3)

Recurring FFO payout ratio(3)

Quarter

2020

$

2019

$

Year

2020

$

2019

$

3,850

(2,130)

242

794

2,950

146

30

5,882

440

6,322

9.2¢

9.9¢

81.1%

75.5%

41,552

(34,140)

217

756

(1,184)

164

56

7,421

2,919

8,375

(778)

3,068

7,642

616

157

51,881

(34,113)

430

3,003

1,340

548

224

21,999

23,313

—

7,421

11.8¢

11.8¢

88.7%

88.7%

2,230

24,229

34.8¢

38.3¢

97.7%

88.7%

980

24,293

39.1¢

40.7¢

107.4%

103.1%

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measures.
(2) Including Class B LP units.
(3) The FFO payout ratio corresponds to distributions per unit divided by FFO per unit.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, recurring FFO was at 9.9¢ per unit, compared to 11.8¢ per unit in 2019. The recurring 
FFO payout ratio for the fourth quarter of 2020 stood at 75.5% compared to 88.7% for the same quarter of 2019. 
The improvement compared to the prior quarters of this year is principally the result of normalized revenues, 
limited credit losses and the reduction of the distribution to unitholders announced in May 2020. COVID-19 
related impacts for the year amount to 4.3¢ per unit (four bankruptcies, CECRA program, abatements and additional 
provisions for credit losses).

 
 
 
 
Page
48

Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO)
The following table provides a reconciliation of FFO and AFFO for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 
and 2019:

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except for per unit data)

FFO(1)

Straight-line rental revenue adjustment

Accretion of effective interest

Accretion of the liability component of convertible debentures

Amortization of other property and equipment

Unit-based compensation expenses

Provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures

Provision for unrecovered rental fees

AFFO(1)

Non-recurring item

Transaction costs on purchase and disposition of investment 
properties and early repayment fees

Recurring AFFO(1)

AFFO per unit(2)

Recurring AFFO per unit(2)

AFFO payout ratio(3)

Recurring AFFO payout ratio(3)

Quarter

2020

 $

5,882

108

343

—

23

281

(449)

(375)

5,813

440

6,253

9.1¢

9.8¢

82.1%

76.3%

2019

 $

7,421

(469)

384

27

25

242

(490)

(345)

6,795

—

6,795

10.8¢

10.8¢

96.8%

96.8%

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

21,999

(249)

1,244

—

100

181

(1,859)

(1,500)

19,915

23,313

(703)

1,172

66

107

676

(1,842)

(1,380)

21,409

2,230

22,145

31.5¢

35.0¢

108.0%

97.1%

980

22,389

35.9¢

37.5¢

117.0%

111.9%

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measures.
(2) Including Class B LP units.
(3) The AFFO payout ratio corresponds to distributions per unit divided by AFFO per unit.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, recurring AFFO was 9.8¢ per unit, compared to 10.8¢ per unit in 2019. 
The recurring AFFO payout ratio for the fourth quarter of 2020 stood at 76.3% compared to 96.8% for the 
same quarter of 2019. The improvement compared to the prior quarters of this year is principally the result 
of normalized revenues, limited credit losses and the reduction of the distribution to unitholders announced  
in May 2020. COVID-19 related impacts for the year amount to 4.3¢ per unit (four bankruptcies, CECRA program, 
abatements, and additional provisions for credit losses).

In calculating AFFO, the Trust deducts a provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures to consider capital 
expenditures invested to maintain the condition of its properties and to preserve rental revenue. This provision 
is based on management’s assessment of industry practices and its investment forecasts for the coming years.

 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
49

The following table compares the amount of the provision for non-recoverable capital investments to the amount 
of investment made during the current comparative quarter and in the last few years.

Years ended December 31  
(in thousands of dollars)

Provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures

Non-recoverable capital expenditures

December 31, 
2020

31 décembre 
2019

31 décembre 
2018

 $

1,859

2,055

 $

1,842

2,603

 $

1,719

1,871

The Trust intends to achieve a balance between actual investment and the estimated provisions over the long 
term. Management may change the calculation of the provision, as required.

Cash Flows
Net cash flow from operating activities, funds available under the Trust’s credit facilities and cash surplus are 
the main sources of cash to fund distributions, debt service, capital expenditures in investment properties, 
lease incentives and rental fees.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Net cash from (used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Net change in cash during the periods

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

Quarter

2020

 $

15,954

(7,217)

(32,795)

(24,058)

33,120

9,062

2019

 $

17,235

(3,139)

(14,140)

(44)

1,847

1,803

Year

2020

 $

46,145

12,130

(51,016)

7,259

1,803

9,062

2019

 $

47,223

(18,566)

(35,678)

(7,021)

8,824

1,803

Cash from operating activities decreased by $1,281 from $17,235 to $15,954 for the fourth quarter of 2020, 
mainly due to the decrease in adjustments for changes in other working capital items, lower net operating 
income and increase in administration expenses.

Cash used in investing activities increased by $4,078 from $3,139 to $7,217 for the fourth quarter mainly due to 
the higher additions to investment properties partially offset by higher dispositions of investment properties.

Cash used in financing activities increased by $18,655 from $14,140 to $32,795 for the fourth quarter mainly due 
to the repayment of mortgages on sale of properties.

Page
50

The following table enables readers to assess the performance of distributed funds and reconcile them with net 
cash flows and net income.

Years ended December 31  
(in thousands of dollars)

Net cash flows from operating activities (IFRS)

Interest paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Net income

Total distributions (including Class B LP units)

Surplus (deficit) of net cash flows from operating activities 
compared to total distributions

Surplus (deficit) of net income over total distributions

2020

 $

46,145

(21,787)

24,358

2,919

21,513

2,845

(21,439)

2019

 $

47,223

(23,442)

23,781

51,881

25,141

(1,360)

26,740

2018

 $

44,724

(21,851)

22,873

41,337

22,154

719

19,183

The following table provides the reconciliation of net cash from operating activities presented in the financial 
statements and AFFO, and FFO (non-IFRS financial measures).

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except per unit data)

Cash flows from operating activities (IFRS)

Leasing payroll expenses

Transaction costs on purchase and disposition of investment 
properties and early repayment fees

Adjustments for changes in other working capital items

Financial income 

Interest expenses

Provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures

Provision for non-recovered rental fees

Other items

AFFO(1)

Provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures

Provision for non-recovered rental fees

Straight-line rental revenue adjustment

Unit-based compensation expenses

Accretion of non-derivative liability component of convertible 
debentures

Accretion of effective interest

Amortization of property and equipment

FFO(1)

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

15,954

146

—

(3,518)

208

(5,895)

(445)

(375)

(263)

5,813

449

375

(108)

(281)

—

(343)

(23)

5,882

2019

 $

17,235

164

—

(3,706)

120

(6,184)

(490)

(345)

—

6,795

490

345

469

(242)

(27)

(384)

(25)

7,421

2020

 $

46,145

616

(1,790)

1,465

564

2019

 $

47,223

545

(804)

1,065

475

(23,467)

(23,877)

(1,855)

(1,500)

(263)

19,915

1,859

1,500

249

(181)

—

(1,244)

(100)

21,999

(1,842)

(1,380)

12

21,409

1,842

1,380

703

(676)

(66)

(1,172)

(107)

23,313

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
51

Segmented Information
The Trust’s operations are generated from three segments of properties located in the Provinces of Québec 
and of Ontario. The following tables present each segment’s contribution to revenues and to net operating 
income for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Quarter ended December 31, 2020

Investment properties
Rental revenue from properties
Net operating income(1)

Quarter ended December 31, 2019

Investment properties

Rental revenue from properties
Net operating income(1)

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Years ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Year ended December 31, 2020

Rental revenue from properties 
Net operating income(1)

Year ended December 31, 2019

Rental revenue from properties
Net operating income(1)

(1)  Non-IFRS financial measure.

Retail performance

Retail

 %

 $

Office

 %

 $

Industrial

Total

 $

 %

 $

246,415
7,230
4,486

265,487

7,612

4,677

27.3
32.2
35.1

28.7

29.8

33.0

493,800
12,465
6,468

500,113

14,289

7,186

54.6
55.5
50.7

54.1

55.9

50.7

163,655
2,760
1,813

158,720

3,657

2,311

18.1
12.3
14.2

17.2

14.3

16.3

903,870
22,455
12,767

924,320

25,558

14,174

Retail

 %

 $

Office

 %

 $

Industrial

Total

 $

 %

 $

27,476

16,177

26,935

16,102

29.6

31.6

28.8

31.6

54,018

27,686

53,815

26,559

58.1

54.0

57.5

52.2

11,475

7,397

12,852

8,236

12.3

14.4

13.7

16.2

92,969

51,260

93,602

50,897

Although the effect of the pandemic and the resulting government mandated restrictions have certainly impacted 
the retail industry in general, BTB had limited exposure to bankruptcies. The Trust does not own enclosed malls 
and most of the properties are anchored with necessity goods tenants. The occupancy rate at the end of the 
fourth quarter of 2020 stood at 93.3%, a 2.7% decrease for the comparable period. This reflects the departure 
of a 30,452 sq. ft. retail tenant as previously discussed as well as the four bankruptcies announced in our 
Q2 2020 MD&A. The Trust was able to renew leases during the year for 154,560 sq. ft. at an average increase in 
the renewal rate of 2.2%. Considering the industry challenges during the year, the net operating income stayed 
flat compared to 2019 with a NOI % of 31.6%. The Trust implemented multiple measures to navigate the COVID-19 
pandemic and to reduce its financial impacts: 1) partnered with tenants to file, on time, the CECRA requests 
for all 80 tenants that qualified; 2) put in place different productivity initiatives to reduce operating costs; 3) 
orchestrated a cross functional team to ensure adequate communication with its tenants to improve collection 
efforts; and 4) negotiated lease renewals in anticipation of their expiries. 

Office performance

BTB owns suburban office properties and its portfolio excludes downtown high-rise towers that were the most 
impacted by the pandemic. Overall, the performance of the segment has been stable across the three regions 
(Montréal, Québec City, and Ottawa) and it has been supported by the quality of its tenants (the top two tenants 
are the Federal and Provincial government agencies). The occupancy rate of our office properties at the end of 
the fourth quarter of 2020 stood at 89.9%, a 0.1% decrease for the comparable period. The Trust was able to 
conclude lease renewals during the year for a total of 371,268 sq. ft. at an average renewal rate increase of 7.3%. 
The net operating income generated by the office sector improved compared to 2019 with a rate of 54.0%, up 
1.8%. Throughout the year, BTB disposed of two underperforming properties in Montréal (1001 Sherbrooke Street 
East and 550-560 Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West) at favorable pricing. The Trust was able to invest the proceeds 
in the acquisition of a property located at 2611 Queensview Drive in Ottawa, which acquisition was accretive from 
a NOI standpoint.

Page
52

Industrial performance

The industrial segment continues to show good traction and performance. The occupancy rate at the end of 
the fourth quarter of 2020 stood at 95.8%, a 0.6% decrease for the comparable period. The decrease in the 
occupancy rate stemmed from the sale of two industrial properties at the beginning of 2020 (311 Ingersoll St. 
South in Ingersoll, Ontario, and 5600 Côte-de-Liesse in Montréal) that were 100% leased. These dispositions 
also impacted the NOI margin down 1.8%, at 14.4%. In November 2020, the Trust acquired an industrial property 
located at 2005 Le Chatelier St. in Laval, Québec, and this acquisition is accretive from a NOI standpoint going 
forward. The Trust was able to renew industrial leases during the year totalling 310,475 sq. ft. at an average 
increase in the renewal rate of 9.0%. 

Assets

Investment properties

BTB has grown through high-quality property acquisitions based on its selection criteria, while maintaining 
an appropriate allocation among three investment segments: office, retail and industrial properties. 

The real estate portfolio consists of direct interests in wholly owned investment properties and the Trust’s share 
of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of two jointly controlled investment properties.

The fair value of its investment properties stood at $904 million as at December 31, 2020 compared to $924 million 
as at December 31, 2019. Because of higher capitalization and discount rates and deterioration of other assumptions 
such as lag vacancy, normalized occupancy and growth of market rent, the Trust recorded a decrease in the value 
of its portfolio for the year ending December 31, 2020 of approximately $8.4 million. In addition, the net impact 
of the 2020 transactions explains most of the remaining difference.

Summary by operating segment

As at December 31

2020

Office

Retail

Industrial

Subtotal

Properties under 
redevelopment

Total

Number of 
properties

Leasable 
area (sq. ft.)

34

12

18

64

—

64

2,597,827

1,409,565

1,316,250

5,323,642

—

5,323,642

Improvements in investment properties 

2019

Number of 
properties

Leasable 
area (sq. ft.)

35

12

18

65

1

66

2,682,944

1,409,564

1,482,282

5,574,790

75,340

5,650,130

 %

48.8

26.5

24.7

100.0

—

100.0

 %

47.5

25.0

26.2

98.7

1.3

100.0

BTB invests capital to improve its properties to preserve the quality of their infrastructure and services provided 
to tenants. These investments include value-added maintenance corresponding to expenditures required to 
upkeep properties, as well as property improvement and redevelopment projects intended to increase leasable 
area, occupancy rates or quality of space available for rental. In some cases, capital expenditures are amortized 
and may be recovered from rent.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
53

The following table summarizes capital expenditures, incentives, and leasing fees, for the quarters and years 
ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Recoverable capital expenditures

Non-recoverable capital expenditures 

Refund received

Total capital expenditures

Leasing fees and leasehold improvements

Total

Quarter

Year

2020

 $

568

652

—

1,220

1,532

2,752

2019

 $

1,278

1,347

—

2,625

1,214

3,839

2020

 $

990

2,055

(280)

2,765

5,893

8,658

2019

 $

2,888

2,603

—

5,491

4,394

9,885

The following table shows changes in the fair value of investment properties during the quarters and years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Balance, beginning of period

Additions:

Initial recognition of right-of-use assets

Adjustments to right-of-use assets

Acquisitions

Dispositions

Capital expenditures 

Leasing fees and capitalized lease incentives

Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Other non-monetary changes

Balance, end of period

Balance of sale

Quarter

2020

 $

2019

 $

Year

2020

 $

2019

 $

895,420

886,648

924,320

839,015

—

291

8,312

(4,133)

1,220

1,532

2,130

(902)

—

—

(19)

—

2,625

1,214

34,140

(288)

—

291

30,560

(48,765)

2,765

5,893

(8,375)

(2,819)

3,900

—

75,658

(35,950)

5,491

4,394

34,113

(2,301)

903,870

924,320

903,870

924,320

The Trust granted a balance of sale when it disposed in 2019 of a property located in Delson, Quebec. The principal 
amount of the balance of sale is $6,000, bearing interest at 7% for the first 3 years, 7.5% for the 4th year and 8% for 
the 5th year. It will mature on or before February 1, 2024.

Receivables

Amounts receivable from tenants and other receivables increased from $3,809 as at December 31, 2019 to $5,212 
as at December 31, 2020. These amounts are summarized below: 

(in thousands of dollars)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Rent receivable

Allowance for expected credit losses

Net rent receivable

Unbilled recoveries

Other receivables

Amounts receivable from tenants and other receivables

 $

4,259

(1,132)

3,127

665

1,420

5,212

 $

2,801

(716)

2,085

776

948

3,809

The amount of rent receivable includes $787 to be received under payment deferral agreements agreed upon 
with tenants.

Page
54

Other assets, Derivative financial instruments and Property and equipment

The table below summarizes other assets, derivative financial instruments in debit position and property 
and equipment:

(in thousands of dollars)

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Property and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Prepaid expenses

Deposits

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets

Capital Resources

Long-term debt 

$

1,238

(904)

334

1,498

656

—

2,488

$

1,067

(804)

263

1,921

675

304

3,163

The following table shows the balance of BTB’s indebtedness on December 31, 2020, including mortgage loans 
and convertible debentures, based on the year of maturity and corresponding weighted average contractual 
interest rates:

As at December 31, 2020 
(in thousands of dollars)

Balance of convertible 
debentures

Balance of mortgages 
payable

Weighted average 
contractual interest rate

Year of maturity

2021

2022

2023

2024 

2025

2026 and thereafter

Total

 $

—

—

—

24,000

29,385

—

53,385

 $

105,563

36,108

35,704

83,107

45,161

180,599

486,242

 %

3.61

3.86

3.62

4.63

4.87

3.19

3.86

Weighted average contractual interest rate

As at December 31, 2020, the weighted average contractual interest rate of the Trust’s long-term debt stood 
at 3.86% (3.57% for mortgage loans and 6.55% for convertible debentures). 

Mortgage loans 

As at December 31, 2020, the Trust’s total mortgage loans amounted to $486,242 compared to $495,247 on 
December 31, 2019, before unamortized financing expenses and fair value assumption adjustments. Fluctuations 
result from the financing of acquisitions completed in 2020, refinancing and principal repayments on monthly 
payments and dispositions.

BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
55

The following table summarizes changes in mortgage loans payable during the quarter and year ended 
December 31, 2020.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars)

Balance at beginning 

Mortgage loans contracted or assumed

Balance repaid at maturity or upon disposition

Monthly principal repayments

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Quarter

 $

484,417

5,900

—

(4,075)

486,242

Year

 $

495,247

39,069

(35,691)

(12,383)

486,242

Note: Before unamortized financing expenses and fair value assumption adjustments.

As at December 31, 2020, the weighted average interest rate was 3.57% compared to 3.92% as at December 31, 2019, 
a decrease of 35 basis points. As at December 31, 2020, except for five loans with a cumulative balance of $43,967, 
all mortgages payable bear interest at fixed rates ($381,665) or are subject to an interest rate swap ($60,610).

The weighted average term of existing mortgage loans was 4.7 years as at December 31, 2020. It was 5.1 years as 
at December 31, 2019. 

BTB attempts to spread the maturities of its mortgages over many years in order to mitigate the risk associated 
with renewing them.

Except for four properties, two of them partially securing the acquisition and operating lines of credit as at 
December 31, 2020, all of the Trust’s other properties were subject to mortgages as at December 31, 2020. 

The following table, as at December 31, 2020, shows future mortgage loan repayments for the next few years:

As at December 31, 2020 
(in thousands of dollars)

Maturity

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter 

Total

Unamortized fair value assumption adjustments

Unamortized financing expenses

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Principal 
repayment

Balance at 
maturity

Total

% of total

 $

 $

 $

15,597

13,604

11,166

8,813

7,537

29,195

85,912

103,655

31,627

32,624

73,493

37,655

121,276

119,252

45,231

43,790

82,306

45,192

150,471

24.5

9.3

9.0

16.9

9.3

31.0

400,330

486,242

100.0

576

(2,179)

484,639

As at December 31, 2020, the Trust was in compliance with all the covenants to which it was subject. 

 
 
Page
56

Convertible debentures

(in thousands of dollars)

Par value

Contractual interest rate

Effective interest rate

Date of issuance

Per-unit conversion price

Date of interest payment

Maturity date

Series G(1)(3)

24,000

6.00%

7.30%

Series H(2)(3)

29,385(4)

7.00%

8.28%

October 2019

September 2020

$5.42

$3.64

April 30 and October 31

April 30 and October 31

October 2024

October 2025

Total

53,385

Balance as at December 31, 2020

22,954

25,362

48,316

(1)  Redeemable by the Trust, under certain conditions, as of October 31, 2022, but before October 31, 2023, at a redemption price 
equal to their initial principal amount plus accrued, unpaid interest, provided that the unit market price is at least 125% of the 
Series G conversion price and, as of October 31, 2023, but before October 31, 2024, at a redemption price equal to their principal 
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(2) Redeemable by the Trust, under certain conditions, as of October 31, 2023, but before October 31, 2024, at a redemption price 
equal to their initial principal amount plus accrued, unpaid interest, provided that the unit market price is at least 125% of the 
Series H conversion price and, as of October 31, 2024, but before October 31, 2025, at a redemption price equal to their principal 
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(3) The Trust may, at its option and under certain conditions, elect to satisfy its obligation to pay the principal amount of the Series G 
and H debentures by issuing freely tradable units to Series G and H debenture holders.
(4) Conversion of $615 of the Series H debenture in the fourth quarter

Debt ratio

Under the terms of its trust agreement, the Trust cannot contract a mortgage loan if, after having contracted the 
said loan, the total mortgage debt exceeds 75% of the total value of the assets of the Trust. When establishing 
this calculation, the convertible debentures are not considered in the calculation of total indebtedness. Moreover, 
also under its trust agreement, in case of failure to abide by this condition, the Trust has a 12-month delay from 
the date of knowledge to remedy the situation.

The following table presents the Trust’s debt ratios as at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

(in thousands of dollars)

Cash and cash equivalent 

Mortgage loans outstanding(1) 

Convertible debentures(1)

Acquisition credit facility

Total long-term debt less free cash flow

Total gross value of the assets of the Trust less free cash flow

Mortgage debt ratio (excluding convertible debentures and 
acquisition credit facility)

Debt ratio – convertible debentures

Debt ratio – acquisition line of credit

Total debt ratio

(1)  Gross amounts.

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

$

$

(9,062)

486,242

53,385

15,300

545,865

918,508

52.9%

5.8%

1.7%

59.4%

(1,803)

495,247

50,700

10,200

554,344

938,131

52.8%

5.4%

1.1%

59.1%

According to the table above, the mortgage debt ratio, excluding the convertible debentures and acquisition 
credit facility as at December 31, 2020, amounted to 52.9%, up by 0.1% from December 31, 2019. Including 
the convertible debentures and the acquisition credit facility, the total debt ratio stood at 59.4%, up by 0.3% 
from December 31, 2019.

The Trust seeks to finance its acquisitions with a maximum mortgage debt ratio of 65% since the cost of financing 
is lower than the capital cost of the Trust’s equity.

 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

Page
57

Liquidity refers to the Trust having credit availability under committed credit facilities and/or generating sufficient 
amounts of cash and cash equivalents to fund the ongoing operational commitments including maintenance 
capital and development capital expenditures, distributions to Unitholders and planned growth in the business. 
BTB maintains an operating credit facility to provide financial liquidity which can be drawn or repaid on short 
notice, reducing the need to hold liquid resources in cash and deposits. Management continues to believe 
the Trust is well positioned to manage through the pandemic based on the improved balance sheet over the 
years (total debt ratio below 60%), a short term debt maturities that are under way to be refinanced, a pool 
of assets that can be used to structure new lines of credit, and the liquidity of the portfolio in the event of 
an opportunistic asset sale.

Interest coverage ratio

For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the interest coverage ratio stood at 2.24, a decrease of 10 basis point 
from the fourth quarter of 2019. For the year, the ratio stood at 2.24, an increase of 6 basis points compared to 2019.

Periods ended December 31 
(in thousands of dollars, except for the ratios)

Net operating income

Interest expenses net of financial income(1)

Interest coverage ratio

Quarter

Year

2020

$

12,767

5,687

2.24

2019

$

14,174

6,064

2.34

2020

$

51,260

22,903

2.24

2019

$

50,897

23,402

2.18

(1)  Interest expenses excludes early repayment fees, accretion of effective interest, distribution on Class B LP units, accretion of non-derivative 
liability component of convertible debentures and the fair value adjustment on derivative financial instruments and Class B LP units.

Class B LP units

Periods ended December 31, 2020 
(in number of units)

Class B LP units outstanding, beginning of period

Exchange into Trust units

Fair value adjustment

Quarter

Year

Units

397,265

—

—

$

1,160

—

242

Units

497,265

(100,000)

—

Class B LP units outstanding, end of period

397,265

1,402

397,265

$

2,571

(391)

(778)

1,402

The Class B LP units are exchangeable at any time, at the option of the holder, for an equal number of units 
of BTB trading on the TSX. They are entitled to receive the same distributions as declared on the BTB units. 
In accordance with IFRS principles, distributions paid on Class B LP units are recorded as financial expenses 
when declared. Distributions declared are adjusted in calculating FFO and AFFO.

On May 4, 2020, at the request of the holders, 100,000 Class B LP units were exchanged for units of BTB.

The Class B LP units were issued on May 30, 2018 in payment for the acquisition of a residual portion of 
“Complexe Lebourgneuf – Phase II” in Québec City (less the portion related to the mortgage loan assumption 
by BTB). The holders of the Class B LP units were entitled to a $30 distribution during the fourth quarter of 2020, 
and a $157 distribution for the year.

Distribution reinvestment plan

A distribution reinvestment plan is in place under which unitholders may elect to receive payment of distributions 
in units, at a 3% discount on the market value of the units at the time of payment. Under the program, 214,660 units 
were issued during the fourth quarter of 2020 (2019: 178,531 units).

Page
58

Units outstanding

The following table summarizes the total number of units outstanding during the reporting quarters and years 
and the weighted number of units outstanding for the same quarters and years.

Periods ended December 31 
(in number of units)

Quarter

Year

2020

2019

2020

2019

Units outstanding, beginning of the period

63,047,077

62,036,146

62,251,558

55,317,723

Units issued

—

—

—

6,157,100

Distribution reinvestment plan

214,660

178,531

836,685

677,771

Issued – deferred unit compensation plan

Issued – employee unit purchase plan

Issued – restricted unit compensation plan

Class B LP units exchanged into Trust units

Issued – conversion of convertible debentures

—

—

8,742

—

168,956

—

—

1,881

35,000

—

2,973

11,194

68,069

100,000

168,956

—

9,253

54,711

35,000

—

Units outstanding, end of the period

63,439,435

62,251,558

63,439,435

62,251,558

Weighted average number of units outstanding

63,228,210

62,139,488

62,809,836

59,098,137

Weighted average number of Class B LP units and units outstanding

63,625,475

62,661,481

63,240,981

59,627,813

Deferred unit compensation plan

The Trust has implemented a deferred unit compensation plan for its trustees and certain executive officers. Under 
this plan, beneficiaries may elect to receive their compensation in cash, deferred units or a combination of both.

The following table summarizes deferred units outstanding during the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 
and 2019.

Periods ended December 31  
(in number of units)

Deferred units outstanding, beginning of the period

Trustees’ compensation

Distributions paid in units

Settled

Quarter

Year

2020

83,466

2,512

1,942

—

2019

56,699

1,707

1,236

—

2020

59,642

23,956

7,295

(2,973)

87,920

2019

37,055

18,071

4,516

—

59,642

Deferred units outstanding, end of the period

87,920

59,642

Restricted unit compensation plan

Under this plan, beneficiaries are awarded restricted units that become fully vested over a period of up 
to three years. The purpose of the plan is to encourage senior officers and selected employees to support 
the Trust’s growth objectives and align their interests with the interests of unitholders. The purpose of the plan 
is also an executive retention tool.

The following table summarizes restricted units outstanding during the quarters and years ended December 31, 2020 
and 2019.

Periods ended December 31, 
(in number of units)

Restricted units outstanding, beginning of the period

Granted

Cancelled

Settled

Restricted units outstanding, end of the period

Quarter

Year

2020

143,951

11,656

(7,141)

(8,742)

139,724

2019

167,892

153

(1,152)

(1,881)

165,012

2020

165,012

60,893

(18,112)

(68,069)

139,724

2019

138,919

82,622

(1,818)

(54,711)

165,012

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Employee unit purchase plan

The Trust offers its employees an optional unit purchase plan. Under this plan, the employees may contribute, 
each year, from 3% to a maximum of 7% of their base salary depending on their years of tenure with the Trust. 
Subject to the plan’s conditions, for each two units purchased by an employee, the Trust shall issue to the 
employee one unit from treasury. 

Off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual commitments 

BTB does not have any other off-balance sheet arrangement or commitment that have or are likely to have 
an impact on its operating results or financial position, specifically its cash position and sources of financing.

Sustainable Development
In line with the principles of sustainable development, BTB incorporates environmental and social considerations 
into its business practices. Under BTB’s Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Policy, its properties 
are managed and operated to integrate sustainable development values into the Trust’s activities, to promote 
the health and well-being of its employees and the communities where it operates, to manage its environmental 
footprint, and to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement of sustainability 
practices.

Ongoing improvement of properties through investment in environmental projects, among other things, is a top 
priority for BTB. The tangible results of BTB’s responsible behaviour include BOMA BEST certification for 23 properties, 
publication of the Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Policy, a sustainable development good 
practices guide for tenants, benchmarking of the real estate portfolio’s energy performance, a partnership 
with a social reintegration organization for parking lots clean-up, development of a client service and preventive 
maintenance software, and environmental risk management. 

As mentioned above, BTB contributes to sustainable development and is committed to mobilize employees, 
tenants and suppliers to make it a reality. The Trust believes that its commitment to reduce its environmental 
footprint should be reflected not only across property operation, maintenance and management, but in 
everything it does. Accordingly, since September 2015, 23 properties in BTB’s portfolio have received various 
levels of BOMA BEST certification, including Gold (2), Silver (3), Bronze (6) and Certified (12). This prestigious 
certification recognizing BTB’s excellence in environmental property management was awarded by the Building 
Owners & Managers Association - BOMA Québec, a leader in the real estate industry since 1927. 

In the future, BTB plans to continue to reduce the environmental footprint of its properties. Major projects, 
such as the Halles St-Jean energy efficiency project in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, are implemented to optimize 
overall equipment performance and to upgrade buildings. BTB also expects to keep its BOMA BEST certifications 
and achieve the highest level of performance for certain of its properties.

Initiatives 

BTB Bees – Alvéole: As an ecoresponsible landlord, BTB, in partnership with the firm Alvéole, has taken part 
in a unique initiative to help regenerate an endangered species by installing beehives on the roofs of 14 of 
its properties and this, since 2018. Alvéole’s dedicated beekeepers tend to the hives and its bees and following 
the late summer harvest, BTB distributes the packaged honey to its clients and collaborators. 

Ecosystem Protection - Grame: In early September 2019, BTB’s team, in partnership with the non-profit 
organization Grame, took part in a tree-planting event, not only to beautify the playground of a school located 
in Montréal’s West Island, but to also help purify and filter the ecosystem. More than forty-five employees 
volunteered their time to help plant more than 60 trees.

Social Reintegration - Société de Développement Social de Montréal: Since 2016, BTB has entrusted the Société 
de Développement Social de Montréal (“SDS”) with the cleaning of its indoor parking facilities. Their mission 
is to fight homelessness and the social exclusion of its members, their program, Action Méditation, provides 
psychosocial assistance to people who are or are at risk of becoming homeless, whilst facilitating cohabitation 
and collaboration among various communities located in Montréal. The foundation is based on a principle of 
social solidarity and the pooling of human, technical and economic resources to address serious societal issues. 
SDS acts as an intermediary between the business world and communities by transparently and impartially 
involving businesses in more practical and humanitarian projects. 

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Income Taxes
The Trust is taxed as a mutual fund trust for Canadian income tax purposes. The trustees intend to distribute or 
allocate all of the taxable income to its unitholders and to deduct these distributions for income tax purposes. 

A special tax regime applies to trusts that are considered specified investment flow-through (SIFT) entities as 
well as those individuals who invest in SIFT entities. Under this regime, SIFT entities must generally pay taxes 
on their income at rates that are close to those of companies. In short, a SIFT entity is an entity (including a trust) 
that resides in Canada, whose investments are listed on a stock exchange or other public market and that holds 
one or more non-portfolio properties.

However, for a given taxation year, BTB is not considered a SIFT entity and is therefore not subject to SIFT rules 
if, during that year, it constitutes a real estate investment trust (REIT).

Generally, to qualify as a REIT, a trust must be resident in Canada and meet the following conditions all year 
long: (i) the total fair market value of all the ”non-portfolio properties“ that are “qualified REIT properties” held 
by the trust is at least 90% of the total fair market value at that time of all the “non portfolio assets” held by the 
trust (ii) not less than 90% of its “gross REIT revenue” for the taxation year is from one or more of the following 
sources: rent from “real or immovable properties,” interest, dispositions of “real or immovable properties” that 
are capital properties, dividends, royalties and dispositions of “eligible resale properties” (iii) not less than 75% 
of its “gross REIT revenue” for the taxation year comes from one or more of the following sources: rent from 
“real or immovable properties,” interest from mortgages on “real or immovable properties,” and dispositions of 
“real or immovable properties” that are capital properties (iv) at each time in the taxation year, an amount that is 
equal to 75% or more of the equity value of the trust at that time, is the amount that is the total fair market value 
of all properties held by the trust, each of which is “real or immovable property” which is a capital property, an 
“eligible resale property,” the indebtedness of a Canadian corporation represented by a banker’s acceptance, cash 
or, generally, an amount receivable from the Government of Canada or from certain other public agencies; and (v) 
the investments that are made therein are, at any time in the taxation year, listed or traded on a stock exchange 
or other public market.

As at December 31, 2020, BTB met all of these conditions and qualified as a REIT. As a result, the SIFT trust tax 
rules do not apply to BTB. BTB’s management intends to take the necessary steps to meet the conditions for 
the REIT Exception on an ongoing basis in the future.

Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that BTB will continue to meet all the required conditions to be eligible 
for the REIT exception for 2020 or any other subsequent year.

Taxation of Unitholders
For Canadian unitholders, to the best of the Trust management’s knowledge, distributions are qualified as follows 
for taxation purposes: 

Periods ended December 31

Taxable as other income

Tax deferred

Total

2020

%

–

100

100

2019

%

–

100

100

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Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Estimates are based 
on historical experience and other assumptions that are considered reasonable under given circumstances. 
The result of the continual review of these estimates is the basis for exercising judgment on the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. Critical judgments made by BTB in applying significant accounting policies, the most significant of 
which is the fair value of investment properties, are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Trust used the income approach to determine fair value. Fair value is estimated by capitalizing the cash flow 
that a property can reasonably be expected to produce over its remaining economic life. The income approach 
is based on two methods: the overall capitalization rate method, whereby net operating income is capitalized at 
the requisite overall capitalization rate, or the discounted cash flow method, whereby cash flows are projected 
over the expected term of the investment plus a terminal value discounted using an appropriate discount rate.

Risks and Uncertainties
Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause BTB’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed, 
implied or projected in the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section 
of BTB’s 2020 Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by 
reference. Such risks and uncertainties include:

•  Access to Capital and to Debt Financing

•  Interest Rate Increases

•  Ownership of Immovable Property

•  Competition and Rising Property Prices

•  Availability of Immovable Property for Acquisition

•  Development Programs

•  Recruitment and Retention of Employees and Executives

•  Government Regulation

•  Limit on Activities Under the Trust Agreement

•  Tax Regulations

•  Fluctuations in Cash Distributions

•  Reliance on Single or Anchor Tenants

•  Potential Unitholder Liability

•  Conflicts of Interest

•  Market Price of Units

•  Legal Rights Relating to Units

•  Dilution

•  Environmental Matters

•  Legal Risks

•  General Uninsured Losses 

•  Retail Industry 

•  A possible economic recession

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Disclosure Controls and Procedures  
and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 
The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of BTB are responsible 
for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and internal control over financial 
reporting (“ICFR”), as those terms are defined in Canadian Securities Administrators Multilateral Instrument 52-109.

Evaluations are performed regularly to assess the effectiveness of DC&P, including this MD&A and the consolidated 
financial statements. Based on these evaluations, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive 
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the DC&P were effective as at December 31, 2020, 
and that the current controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that material information about BTB 
is made known to them during the quarter in which these filings are being prepared.

Evaluations are also performed to assess the effectiveness of ICFR. Based on those evaluations, the President 
and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BTB concluded that 
ICFR was effective as at December 31, 2020, and, more specifically, that the financial reporting is reliable and that 
the consolidated financial statements have been prepared for financial reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, management made no changes to internal control over financial reporting that 
materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. 

Appendix 1 – Performance Indicators
•  Net operating income of the same-property portfolio, which provides an indication of the profitability of existing 
portfolio operations and BTB’s ability to increase its revenues, reduce its operating costs and generate organic 
growth;

•  Funds from operations (FFO) per unit, which provide an indication of BTB’s ability to generate cash flow;

•  Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per unit, which takes into account other non-cash items as well 
as investments in rental fees and capital expenditures, and which may vary substantially from one year 
to the next;

•  The payout ratios, which enable investors to assess the stability of distributions against FFO and AFFO;

•  The debt ratio, which is used to assess BTB’s financial stability and its capacity for additional acquisitions;

•  The interest coverage ratio, which is used to measure BTB’s ability to use operating income to pay interest 

on its debt using its operating revenue;

•  The committed occupancy rate, which provides an indication of the optimization of rental space and the 

potential revenue gain from the Trust’s property portfolio. This rate takes into account occupied leasable area 
and the leasable area of leases that have been signed as of the end of the quarter but not yet started;

•  The in-place occupancy rate, which shows the percentage of total income-producing leasable area held 

at period end;

•  The retention rate, which is used to assess the Trust’s ability to renew leases and retain tenants;

•  The increase in average rate of renewed leases, which measures organic growth and the Trust’s ability 

to increase its rental revenue.

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Appendix 2 – Definitions

Class B LP Units

Class B LP units means the Class B LP limited partnership units of BTB LP, which are exchangeable for units, 
on a one for one basis.

Rental revenue

Rental revenue includes all amounts earned from tenants related to lease agreements, including basic rent and 
additional rent from operating expense recoveries. It also includes other service charges for parking and storage, 
lease termination revenues and straight-line rent adjustments.

Some of the Trust’s leases include clauses providing for the recovery of rental revenue based on amounts that 
increase every few years. These increases are negotiated when the leases are signed. Under IFRS, these increases 
must be recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses are expenses directly related to real estate operations and are generally charged back 
to tenants as provided for in the contractual terms of the leases. Operating expenses include property taxes 
and public utilities, costs related to indoor and outdoor maintenance, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, 
elevators, insurance, janitorial services and management and operating fees. The amount of operating expenses 
that BTB can recover from its tenants depends on the occupancy rate of the properties and the nature of the 
existing leases containing clauses regarding the recovery of expenses. Most of BTB’s leases are net rental leases 
under which tenants are required to pay their share of the properties’ operating expenses. BTB pays particular 
attention to compliance with existing leases and the recovery of these operating expenses.

Net operating income

Net operating income is used in the real estate industry to measure operational performance. BTB defines it as 
rental revenue from properties, less the combined operating expenses of investment properties. This definition 
may differ from that of other issuers and accordingly, BTB’s net operating income may not be comparable to 
the net operating income of other issuers.

Financial expenses

Financial expenses arise from the following loans and financings:

•  Mortgage loans payable contracted or assumed totalling approximately $486 million as at December 31, 2020, 

compared to $495 million as at December 31, 2019. 

•  Series G and H convertible debentures for a total par value of $48.3 million. 

•  Operating and acquisition lines of credit used as needed.

•  Financing costs on mortgages, convertible debentures and other loans netted against the related debt 

and amortized on an effective interest basis over the expected life of the debt.

Administration expenses

Administration expenses include administrative costs such as payroll expenses and professional fees associated 
with executive and administrative staff of the Trust, the compensation plan for trustees, legal and auditing services, 
expenses related to listed fund status, insurance costs, office expenses and expected credit losses and related 
legal fees. Administration expenses include amortization of the head office building and property and equipment, 
as well as unit-based compensation, a non-monetary item that affects the volatility of administrative expenses 
from quarter to quarter.

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Fair value adjustment on investment properties

Under IAS 40, the Trust accounts for its investment properties at fair value and recognizes the gain or loss arising 
from a change in the fair value in profit or loss for the quarters in which it arises.

The fair value of investment properties is determined using the discounted cash flow method, the capitalized net 
operating income method or the comparable method, which are generally accepted valuation methods.

Management receives quarterly capitalization rate and discount rate data from external chartered valuators and 
independent experts. The capitalization rate reports provide a range of rates for various geographic regions and 
for various types and qualities of properties within each region. The Trust utilizes capitalization and discount 
rates within ranges provided by external valuators. To the extent that the externally provided capitalization rate 
ranges change from one reporting quarter to the next or should another rate within the provided ranges be more 
appropriate than the rate previously used, the fair value of the investment properties would increase or decrease 
accordingly.

Same-property portfolio

The same-property portfolio includes all the properties owned by BTB as at January 1, 2020 and still owned as at 
December 31, 2020, but does not include the financial impacts from dispositions, acquisitions and developments 
completed in 2019 and 2020, as well as the results of subsequently sold properties.

Net property income from the same-property portfolio

Net property income from the same-property portfolio provides an indication of the profitability of existing portfolio 
operations and BTB’s ability to increase its revenues and reduce its costs. It is defined as rental revenue from 
properties from the same-property portfolio, less operating expenses and interest on mortgage financing of the 
same portfolio.

Funds from operations (FFO)

The notion of funds from operations (“FFO”) does not constitute financial and accounting information as defined by 
IFRS. It is, however, a measurement that is frequently used by real estate companies and real estate investment 
trusts. The following is a list of some of the adjustments to net income, calculated according to IFRS: 

•  Fair value adjustment on investment properties;

•  Amortization of lease incentives;

•  Fair value adjustment on derivative financial instruments;

•  Leasing payroll expenses (starting in 2016);

•  Distributions on Class B LP limited partnership units. 

Our calculation method is consistent with the method recommended by REALPAC but may differ from measures 
used by other real estate investment trusts. Consequently, this method may not be comparable to methods used 
by other issuers.

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Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO)

The notion of adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”) is widely used by real estate companies and real estate 
investment trusts. It is an additional measure to assess the Trust’s performance and its ability to maintain and 
increase distributions in the long term. However, AFFO is not a financial or accounting measure prescribed by 
IFRS. The method of computing may differ from those used by other companies or real estate investment trusts 
and may not be used for comparison purposes.

BTB defines AFFO as its FFO, adjusted to consider other non-cash items that impact comprehensive income 
and do not enter into the calculation of FFO, including:

•  Straight-line rental revenue adjustment;

•  Accretion of effective interest following amortization of financing expenses;

•  Accretion of the liability component of convertible debentures;

•  Amortization of other property and equipment;

•  Unit-based compensation expenses.

Furthermore, the Trust deducts a provision for non-recoverable capital expenditures in calculating AFFO. The Trust 
allocates significant amounts to the regular maintenance of its properties to attempt to reduce capital expenses 
as much as possible. The allocation for non-recoverable capital expenditures is calculated on the basis of 2% of 
rental revenues. 

The Trust also deducts a provision for rental fees in the amount of approximately 25¢ per square foot on an 
annualized basis. Even though quarterly rental fee disbursements vary significantly from one quarter to another, 
management considers that this provision fairly presents, in the long term, the average disbursements not recovered 
directly in establishing the rent that the Trust will undertake. These disbursements consist of inducements paid 
or granted when leases are signed that are generally amortized over the term of the lease and are subject to an 
equivalent increase in rent per square foot, and of brokerage commissions and leasing payroll expenses.

Page
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Audited 
Consolidated 
Financial 
Statements

Year ended December 31, 2020 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

72  Consolidated Statements 
of Financial Position

73  Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income

74  Consolidated Statements of 

Changes in Unitholders’ Equity

75  Consolidated Statements  

of Cash Flows

76  Notes to Consolidated Financial 

Statements

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Management’s Responsibility 
For Financial Reporting
The accompanying consolidated fi nancial statements of BTB Real Estate Investment Trust (“BTB”) were prepared 
by management, which is responsible for the integrity and fairness of the information presented, including 
the many amounts that must of necessity be based on estimates and judgments. These consolidated fi nancial 
statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). 

Financial information appearing throughout our MD&A is consistent with these consolidated fi nancial statements. 
In discharging our responsibility for the integrity and fairness of the consolidated fi nancial statements and for the 
accounting systems from which they are derived, we maintain the necessary system of internal controls designed 
to ensure that transactions are authorized, assets are safeguarded and proper records are maintained. 

As at December 31, 2020, the President and Chief Executive Offi  cer and the Vice President and Chief Financial 
Offi  cer of BTB had an evaluation carried out, under their direct supervision, of the eff ectiveness of the controls 
and procedures used for the preparation of fi lings, as defi ned in Multilateral Instrument 52-109 of the Canadian 
Securities Administrators. Based on that evaluation, they concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures 
were eff ective. 

The Board of Trustees oversees management’s responsibility for fi nancial reporting through an Audit Committee, 
which is composed entirely of Trustees who are not members of BTB’s management or personnel. This Committee 
reviews our consolidated fi nancial statements and recommends them to the Board for approval. Other key 
responsibilities of the Audit Committee include reviewing our existing internal control procedures and planned 
revisions to those procedures and advising the trustees on auditing matters and fi nancial reporting issues. 

KPMG LLP, independent auditors appointed by the unitholders of BTB upon the recommendation of the Board, 
have performed an independent audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2020 and 
2019 and their report follows. The auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee to discuss 
their audit and related fi ndings. 

Michel Léonard
President and Chief Executive Offi  cer 

Mathieu Bolté
Vice President and Chief Financial Offi  cer

Montréal, March 12, 2021

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KPMG LPP 
600 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West 
Suite 1500, Tour KPMG 
Montréal (Québec) H3A 0A3 
Canada

Telephone     (514) 840-2100 
Fax               (514) 840-2187 
Internet        www.kpmg.ca

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Unitholders of BTB Real Estate Investment Trust

Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of BTB Real Estate Investment Trust (the “Entity”), which comprise:

•  the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2020 and 2019

•  the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years then ended

•  the consolidated statements of changes in unitholders’ equity for the years then ended

•  the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended

•  and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies

(Hereinafter referred to as the “financial statements”).

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Entity as at December 31, 2020 

and 2019, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (“IFRS”).

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the 

“Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements” section of our auditors’ report.

We are independent of the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada and we have fulfilled 

our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

We have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our auditors’ report.

Evaluation of the fair value of investment properties

Description of the matter

We draw attention to Note 2 (e)(ii) and Note 4 to the financial statements. Investment properties are stated at fair value at each reporting date. The Entity has recorded 

investment properties at fair value for an amount of $903,870 thousand.

Fair value is determined by management using internally generated valuation models and by independent expert appraisers using recognized valuation techniques. The 

determination of the fair value of investment properties requires the use of estimates such as future cash flows from assets. The significant inputs used to determine 

the fair value of investment properties are capitalization rate, terminal capitalization rate and discount rate.

© 2020 KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved

Page
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Why the matt er is a key audit matt er

We identi fi ed the evaluati on of the fair value of investment properti es as a key audit matt er. This matt er represented an area of signifi cant risk of material misstatement 

given the magnitude of investment properti es and the high degree of esti mati on uncertainty in determining the fair value of investment properti es. In additi on, 

signifi cant auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge were required in performing, and evaluati ng the results of, our audit procedures due to the sensiti vity 

to the Enti ty’s determinati on fair value of investment properti es to minor changes to signifi cant inputs.

How the matt er was addressed in the audit

The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matt er included the following:

We evaluated the design and tested the operati ng eff ecti veness of certain controls over the Enti ty’s process for determining the fair values of investment 
properti es, including controls related to the development of the esti mates of future cash fl ows from assets and signifi cant inputs.

For a selecti on of investment properti es, we compared the esti mate of future cash fl ows from assets to the actual historical cash fl ows. We assessed the 
adjustments, or lack of adjustments, made in arriving at the esti mate of future cash fl ows from assets by taking into account changes in conditi ons and 
events aff ecti ng the investment properti es and the Enti ty.

For a selecti on of investment properti es, we involved valuati ons professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluati ng the 
capitalizati on rates, terminal capitalizati on rates and discount rates. These rates were evaluated by comparing them to published reports of real estate 
industry commentators and considering the features of the specifi c investment property.

We evaluated the competence, capabiliti es and objecti vity of the independent expert appraisers by:

•  Inspecti ng evidence that the appraisers are in good standing with the Appraisal Insti tute;

•  Considering whether the appraisers have appropriate knowledge in relati on to the specifi c type of investment properti es; and

•  Reading the reports of the external independent appraisers which refers to their independence

Other Informati on

Management is responsible for the other informati on. Other informati on comprises:

•  the informati on, other than the fi nancial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis fi led with the 

relevant Canadian Securiti es Commissions.

•  the informati on, other than the fi nancial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in a document likely to be enti tled “Annual Report”.

Our opinion on the fi nancial statements does not cover the other informati on and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connecti on with our audit of the fi nancial statements, our responsibility is to read the other informati on identi fi ed above and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other informati on is materially inconsistent with the fi nancial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit and remain alert for 
indicati ons that the other informati on appears to be materially misstated.

We obtained the informati on included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis fi led with the relevant Canadian Securiti es Commissions as at the date of 
this auditors’ report. If, based on the work we have performed on this other informati on, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
informati on, we are required to report that fact in the auditors’ report.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

The informati on, other than the fi nancial statements and the auditors’ report thereon, included in a document likely to be enti tled “Annual Report” is 
expected to be made available to us aft er the date of this auditors’ report. If, based on the work we will perform on this other informati on, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other informati on, we are required to report that fact to those charged with governance.

Responsibiliti es of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparati on and fair presentati on of the fi nancial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such internal control as 
management determines is necessary to enable the preparati on of fi nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error.

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In preparing the fi nancial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Enti ty’s ability to conti nue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, 
matt ers related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounti ng unless management either intends to liquidate the Enti ty or to cease 
operati ons, or has no realisti c alternati ve but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Enti ty’s fi nancial reporti ng process.

Auditors’ Responsibiliti es for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objecti ves are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditi ng 
standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to infl uence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the fi nancial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditi ng standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional 
skepti cism throughout the audit.

We also:

•  Identi fy and assess the risks of material misstatement of the fi nancial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures 

responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is suffi  cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

The risk of not detecti ng a material misstatement resulti ng from fraud is higher than for one resulti ng from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, 
intenti onal omissions, misrepresentati ons, or the override of internal control.

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for 

the purpose of expressing an opinion on the eff ecti veness of the Enti ty’s internal control.

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounti ng policies used and the reasonableness of accounti ng esti mates and related disclosures made by management.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounti ng and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether 
a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditi ons that may cast signifi cant doubt on the Enti ty’s ability to conti nue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw att enti on in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the fi nancial statements 
or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ 
report. However, future events or conditi ons may cause the Enti ty to cease to conti nue as a going concern.

•  Evaluate the overall presentati on, structure and content of the fi nancial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the fi nancial statements 

represent the underlying transacti ons and events in a manner that achieves fair presentati on.

•  Communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matt ers, the planned scope and ti ming of the audit and signifi cant audit 

fi ndings, including any signifi cant defi ciencies in internal control that we identi fy during our audit.

•  Provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate 

with them all relati onships and other matt ers that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

The engagement partner on the audit resulti ng in this auditors’ report is Philippe Grubert.

Montréal, Canada 
March 12, 2021

*CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A120220

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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of CAD dollars)

Notes

2020

 $

2019

 $

4

11

5

4

6

7

8

9

23

10

12

11

903,870

924,320

334

—

2,154

6,034

5,212

9,062

263

304

2,596

6,035

3,809

1,803

926,666

939,130

484,639

48,316

15,300

4,232

1,402

810

10,017

18,297

1,586

584,599

342,067

926,666

493,152

49,096

12,460

4,454

2,571

1,050

45

17,984

2,179

582,991

356,139

939,130

ASSETS

Investment properties

Property and equipment

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets

Balance of sale

Receivables

Cash and cash equivalent

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Mortgage loans payable

Convertible debentures

Bank loans

Lease liabilities

Class B LP Units

Unit-based compensation

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other payables

Distribution payable to unitholders

Total liabilities

Unitholders’ equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board on March 12, 2021.

Michel Léonard, Trustee 

Jocelyn Proteau, Trustee

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of CAD dollars)

Operating revenue

Rental revenue

Operating expenses

Public utilities and other operating expenses

Property taxes and insurance expenses

Total Operating expenses

Résultat d’exploitation net

Financial income

Expenses

Financial expenses

Distribution - Class B LP Units

Fair value adjustment – Class B LP Units

Net adjustment to fair value of derivative financial instruments

Net financial expenses

Administration expenses

Prepayment penalties

10

10

15

Net change in fair value of investment properties and disposition expenses

4

Net income being total comprehensive income for the year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Notes

2020

 $

2019

 $

14

92,969

93,602

19,444

22,265

41,709

20,558

22,147

42,705

51,260

50,897

564

475

24,894

157

(778)

7,642

31,915

6,750

—

10,240

2,919

25,115

224

430

1,340

27,109

5,515

176

(33,309)

51,881

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Unitholders’ Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of CAD dollars)

Balance as at January 1, 2020

305,029

(134,596)

185,706

Notes

Unitholders’
contributions

Cumulative 
distribution

Cumulative
comprehensive
income

Issuance of units, net of issuance expenses

Distribution to unitholders

Comprehensive income

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Balance as at January 1, 2019

Issuance of units, net of issuance expenses

Distribution to unitholders

Comprehensive income

13

13

13

13

4,365

—

309,394

—

—

(21,356)

(155,952)

—

—

—

185,706

2,919

309,394

(155,952)

188,625

342,067

Total

356,139

4,365

(21,356)

339,148

2,919

(109,679)

133,825

298,377

274,231

30,798

—

305,029

—

—

(24,917)

(134,596)

—

—

—

133,825

51,881

185,706

30,798

(24,917)

304,258

51,881

356,139

Balance as at December 31, 2019

305,029

(134,596)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of CAD dollars)

Operating activities

Net income for the year

Adjustment for:

Net change in fair value of investment properties and disposition expenses

Depreciation of property and equipment

Unit-based compensation

Straight-line lease adjustment

Lease incentive amortization

Financial income

Net financial expenses

Adjustments for changes in other working capital items

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities

Additions to investment properties

Net proceeds from disposition of investment properties

Acquisition of property and equipment

Net cash from (used in) investing activities

Financing activities

Mortgage loans, net of financing expenses

Repayment of mortgage loans

Bank loans

Repayment of bank loans

Lease liability payments

Net proceeds from convertible debentures issue

Repayment of convertible debentures

Net proceeds from unit issue

Net distribution to unitholders

Net distribution – Class B LP units

Interest paid

Net cash (used in) financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalent

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Notes

4

12

14

14

15

4

4

10

2020

 $

2,919

2019

 $

51,881

10,240

(33,309)

100

181

(249)

3,068

(564)

31,915

47,610

(1,465)

46,145

(24,973)

37,274

(171)

12,130

25,297

(39,846)

6,860

(4,020)

(56)

28,407

(26,700)

—

(19,014)

(157)

(21,787)

(51,016)

7,259

1,803

9,062

106

676

(703)

3,003

(475)

27,109

48,288

(1,065)

47,223

(35,082)

16,556

(40)

(18,566)

17,841

(32,604)

14,560

(17,100)

(42)

22,678

(23,000)

27,220

(21,565)

(224)

(23,442)

(35,678)

(7,021)

8,824

1,803

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Notes Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands of CAD dollars, except per unit amounts)

1.  Reporting Entity

BTB Real Estate Investment Trust (“BTB”) is an unincorporated open-ended real estate investment trust formed 
and governed under the Civil code of Quebec pursuant to a trust agreement and is domiciled in Canada. The address 
of BTB’s registered office is 1411 Crescent Street, Suite 300, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. The consolidated financial 
statements of BTB for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 comprise BTB and its wholly-owned subsidiaries 
(together referred to as the “Trust”) and the Trust’s interest in joint operations.

2.  Basis of Preparation

a)  Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standard (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on March 12, 2021. 

b)  Basis of presentation and measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following 
material items in the statement of financial position which are measured at fair value:

•  Investment properties (including right-of-use assets); 

•  Derivative financial instruments;

•  Unit-based compensation;

•  Class B LP Units.

The Trust presents its consolidated statements of financial position based on the liquidity method, whereby all 
assets and liabilities are presented in increasing order of liquidity.

c)  Risks and uncertainties related to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the federal and provincial governments enacting emergency measures to 
combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which included the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed 
quarantine periods, restrictions on or closures of non-essential businesses and social distancing, have caused an 
economic slowdown and material disruption to businesses in Canada and globally. Given the continuously evolving 
circumstances surrounding COVID-19, it is difficult to predict with certainty the nature, extent and duration of 
COVID-19, and the duration and intensity of resulting business disruptions and related financial, social and public 
health impacts. Such effects could be adverse and material, including their potential effects on the Trust’s business, 
operations and financial performance both in the short-term and long-term. Estimates and assumptions that are 
most subject to increased uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 relate to the valuation of investment properties 
and the determination of expected credit losses on receivables (Note 4 and Note 6). The amounts recorded in 
these consolidated financial statements are based on the latest reliable information available to management 
at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared where that information reflects conditions at 
the date of the consolidated financial statements. However, given the heightened level of uncertainty caused by 
COVID-19, these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment 
to the carrying amount of the affected asset or liability in the future.

d)  Functional and presentation currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is BTB’s functional currency. 
All financial information has been rounded to the nearest thousand, except per unit amounts.

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e)  Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make 
judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date 
of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s experience and 
other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any 
future periods affected. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and the differences may be material.

i)  Critical judgements in applying accounting policies

The following are critical judgements that management has made in the process of applying accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial 
statements:

Business combinations

The Trust acquires entities that own real estate. At the time of acquisition, the Trust considers whether 
the acquisition represents the acquisition of a business, i.e., where an integrated set of activities is acquired 
in addition to the investment property. More specifically, the following criteria are considered:

•  The extent to which an acquired process (or group of processes) is considered substantive and in particular 

the extent of ancillary services provided by the acquiree.

•  Whether the acquiree has allocated its own staff to manage the investment property and/or to deploy 

any processes.

•  The number and types of investment properties acquired.

•  In addition, the Trust can elect for each transaction or other event to apply the optional test 

(the concentration test) to permit a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities 
and assets is not a business.

An acquisition of a business is accounted for as a business combination under IFRS 3, Business Combinations.

When the acquisition does not represent a business, it is accounted for as an acquisition of assets and 
liabilities in which case, the cost of the acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based 
upon their relative fair values. 

Operating lease contracts – Trust as lessor

The Trust enters into commercial property leases on its investment properties. The Trust has determined, 
based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, that it retains all the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership of these properties and therefore accounts for the leases as operating leases.

Partially owner-occupied property

The Trust owns a property which is partially owner-occupied with the rest being held for rental income 
and capital appreciation. The Trust has determined that only an insignificant portion is owner-occupied 
and therefore the entire property has been accounted for as an investment property. In determining whether 
the portion is insignificant the Trust used a 10% threshold on the fair value of the property at acquisition date.

ii)  Significant sources of estimation uncertainty

The following are significant assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation 
uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets 
and liabilities within the next financial year:

Valuation of investment properties

Investment properties are stated at fair value at each reporting date. Gains or losses arising from changes 
in the fair values are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Fair value is determined 
by management using internally generated valuation models and by independent external appraisers using 
recognized valuation techniques. These models and techniques comprise the Discounted Cash Flow Method 
and the Direct Capitalization method and in some cases, the Comparable method.

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The determination of the fair value of investment properties requires the use of estimates such as future 
cash flows from assets (including lease income and costs, future revenue streams, capital expenditures 
of fixtures and fittings, any environmental matters and the overall repair and condition of the property or 
stabilized net operating income) and discount, capitalization and terminal capitalization rates applicable 
to those cash flows. These estimates are based on local market conditions existing at the reporting date. 
The carrying value for the Trust’s investment properties reflects its best estimate for the highest and best 
use as at December 31, 2020 taking into account the expected impact of COVID-19 at that date (see Note 4).

The significant methods and assumptions used by management and the independent external appraisers 
in estimating the fair value of investment properties are set out below:

Techniques used for valuing investment properties

The Discounted Cash Flow method involves the projection of a series of periodic cash flows either to an 
operating investment property or a development investment property. To this projected cash flow series, 
an appropriate, market-derived discount rate is applied to establish an indication of the present value of 
the income stream associated with the investment property. The calculated periodic cash flow is typically 
estimated as gross income less vacancy and collection losses and less operating expenses/outgoings. 
A series of periodic net operating income along with an estimate of the reversion/terminal/exit value 
anticipated at the end of the projection period, are discounted to present value. The aggregate of the net 
present values equals the estimated fair value of the investment property.

The Direct Capitalization method converts anticipated future cash flow benefits in the form of rental 
income into present value. This approach requires estimation of normalized annual future cash inflows 
and application of investor yield or return requirements in the form of capitalization rates. 

The Comparable method involves the comparison of the Trust’s investment properties to similar investment 
properties that have transacted within a recent time frame from which a fair value is estimated based on 
the price per square foot of these comparable sales.

Determination of expected credit losses on receivables

As a result of COVID-19, the Trust has received numerous requests from tenants asking for rental concessions 
or payment deferrals. The Trust has agreed to assist some of its tenants with rent deferrals, rent abatements 
and has participated in the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (‘’CECRA’’) Program. In determining 
its allowance for expected credit losses as at December 31, 2020, the Trust has considered the credit profile 
of its tenants, historical loss rates as well as the current economic environment.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivatives, are recognized on the consolidated statement 
of financial position at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, these derivatives are measured at fair value. 
The fair value of derivative instruments is based on forward rates considering the market price, rate of interest 
and volatility and takes into account the credit risk of the financial instrument. Changes in estimated fair value 
at each reporting date are included in profit and loss. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract 
and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and the embedded 
derivative are not closely related and if the entire contract is not measured at fair value with changes in fair 
value recognized in profit and loss.

3.  Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated 
financial statements.

a)  Basis of consolidation

i)  Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Accordingly, the consideration transferred 
for the acquisition of a business is the fair value of the assets transferred, and any debt and trust units issued 
by the Trust on the date control of the acquired entity is obtained. Acquisition-related costs, other than those 
associated with the issue of debt or trust units, are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and 

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liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are generally measured at their fair 
values at the acquisition date. The Trust measures goodwill as the fair value of the consideration transferred 
including the recognized amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, generally at fair value, all measured as of the acquisition date. When the 
excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss. 

The Trust elects on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether to measure non-controlling interest 
at its fairvalue, or at its proportionate share of the recognized amount of the identifiable net assets, 
at the acquisition date. 

ii)  Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Trust. Control exists when the Trust has the existing rights 
that give it the current ability to direct the activities that significantly affect the entities’ returns. 
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

iii) Joint operations

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have 
rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Those parties are called 
joint operators. The consolidated financial statements include the Trust’s proportionate share of the joint 
operations’ assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses with items of a similar nature on a line-by-line basis, 
from the date that joint control commences until the date that joint control ceases.

b)  Financial instruments

i)  Recognition and initial measurement

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Trust becomes party to the contractual provisions 
of the financial instrument. Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value, and 
their subsequent measurement is dependent on their classification as described below. If a financial asset 
or liability is not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), the initial measurement 
includes transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position 
when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle 
on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

ii)  Classification and subsequent measurement

The Trust classifies its financial assets and financial liabilities in the following measurement categories:

•  those to be measured subsequently at FVTPL; and

•  those to be measured at amortized cost.

The classification of financial assets depends on the business model for managing the financial assets 
and the contractual terms of the cash flows, and on the Trust’s designation of such instruments. 
Financial liabilities are classified as those to be measured at amortized cost unless they are designated 
as those to be measured subsequently at FVTPL.

Financial instruments are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition, unless the Trust identifies 
changes in its business model in managing financial assets and would reassess the classification of financial 
instruments.

The Trust’s business model objective is to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual cash flows are 
solely payments of principal and/or interest, and as such financial assets are generally subsequently measured 
at amortized cost using the effective interest method net of any impairment loss. All other financial assets, 
including derivatives, are subsequently measured at FVTPL. 

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Financial assets measured at amortized cost comprise cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables 
and deposits.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and term deposits with original maturities of three 
months or less. 

Restricted cash

Restricted cash mainly includes amounts which are held in interest-bearing reserve accounts 
and are expected to be utilized over the coming years to fund certain expenses related to investments, 
as well as amounts provided in guarantee of mortgage loans.

The Trust derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, 
or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. 

Financial liabilities are generally subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method 
unless they are held for trading, they are derivatives or they have been designated as those to be measured 
subsequently at FVTPL.

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost comprise mortgage loans payable, convertible debentures, 
bank loans, trade and other payables and distributions payable to unitholders.

The Trust derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.

Derivative financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized 
immediately in profit or loss.

Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether 
their cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. Embedded derivatives in financial liabilities 
are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those 
of the host contract, a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative meets the 
definition of a derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss. 
Changes in the fair value of separable embedded derivatives are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

The following table summarizes the classification under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘’IFRS 9’’):

Asset/Liability

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Mortgage loans payable

Convertible debentures

Bank loans

Trade and other payables

Distribution payable to unitholders

Derivative financial instruments

Class B LP Units

iii) Impairment

Classification under IFRS 9

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Amortized cost

Fair value through profit and loss

Fair value through profit and loss

The Trust uses the expected credit loss (ECL) model for calculating impairment and recognizes expected credit 
losses as a loss allowance in the consolidated statement of financial position if they relate to a financial asset 
measured at amortized cost. For trade receivables, the Trust applies the simplified approach as permitted by 
IFRS 9 which requires lifetime expected credit losses be recognized from initial recognition of receivables. 
The carrying amount of these assets in the consolidated statement of financial position is stated net of any 
loss allowance.

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Impairment losses are recorded in the Trust administration expenses in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income with the carrying amount of the financial asset or group of financial assets reduced 
through the use of impairment allowance accounts. In periods subsequent to the impairment where the 
impairment loss has decreased, and such decrease can be related objectively to conditions and changes 
in factors occurring after the impairment was initially recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss 
would be reversed through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The impairment reversal 
would be limited to the lesser of the decrease in impairment or the extent that the carrying amount of the 
financial asset at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have 
been had the impairment not been recognized, after the reversal.

iv) Trust units

Trust units are redeemable at the option of the holder and, therefore, are considered puttable instruments. 
Puttable instruments are required to be accounted for as financial liabilities, except where certain conditions 
are met in accordance with lAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (“IAS 32”), in which case, the puttable 
instruments may be presented as equity. 

BTB’s trust units meet the conditions of lAS 32 and are therefore presented as equity.

v)  Convertible debentures

The convertible debentures, which are considered financial liabilities, are convertible into Trust units. Since BTB’s 
trust units meet the definition of a financial liability, the conversion and redemption options are considered 
embedded derivatives. As the conversion and redemption options are not considered closely related to the 
debt contract host, the non-derivative and derivative components of the convertible debentures are separated 
upon initial recognition using the residual fair value approach. Subsequently, the non-derivative liability 
component is measured at amortized cost.

vi) Class B LP Units

The Class B LP Units issued by one of the limited partnerships that the Trust controls, are classified as 
“financial liabilities”, as they are exchangeable into Trust units on a one-for-one basis at any time at the 
option of the holder. The Class B LP Units are measured at fair value and presented as part of the liabilities 
in the statement of financial position, with changes in fair value recorded in the statement of comprehensive 
income. The fair value of the Class B LP Units is determined with reference to the market price of the Trust 
units on the date of measurement. Distributions on the Class B LP Units are recognized in the statement 
of comprehensive income when declared.

c)  Investment properties

Investment properties are held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation or for both, but not for 
sale in the ordinary course of business, use in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative 
purposes. Investment properties are measured at cost on initial recognition and subsequently at fair value 
with any change therein recognized in profit or loss. The Trust capitalizes the costs incurred to increase capacity, 
replace certain components and make improvements after the acquisition date. The Trust also capitalizes major 
maintenance and repair expenses providing benefits that will last far beyond the end of the reporting period. 
Investment properties includes income properties, properties under development and land held for future 
development if necessary.

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the investment properties.

The Trust makes payments to agents for services in connection with negotiating lease contracts with the Trust’s 
lessees. These leasing fees are capitalized within the carrying amount of the related investment properties 
and then considered in the fair value adjustment of the investment properties at the next reporting period. 

Should the use of an investment property change and be reclassified as property and equipment, its fair value 
at the date of reclassification would become its cost for subsequent accounting.

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d)  Property and equipment

i)  Recognition and measurement

Property and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment 
losses.

When parts of an item of property and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as 
separate items (major components).

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds 
from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment, and are recognized within profit or loss 
on a net basis.

ii)  Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated over the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, less its residual value.

Depreciation is recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part 
of an item of property and equipment, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption 
of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:

Equipment, furniture and fixtures 
Rolling stock 

3 - 10 years 
3 - 5 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each annual reporting date and adjusted 
when appropriate.

iii) Impairment

The carrying amount of the Trust’s property and equipment is reviewed at each reporting date to determine 
whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable 
amount is estimated. The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its value in use and its fair value 
less costs to sell. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss.

e)  Leases

At contract inception, the Trust assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition 
of a lease. Under IFRS 16 Leases (‘’IFRS 16’’), a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys  
a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration

At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Trust allocates the consideration 
in the contract to each lease and non-lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices. 

i)  As a lessor

The Trust leases out its investment properties, including right-of-use assets. The Trust has classified these 
leases as operating leases. The Trust has applied IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to allocate 
consideration in the contract to each lease and non-lease component.

ii)  As a lessee

The Trust recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. Right-of-use 
assets that meet the definition of investment property are presented within investment properties. These 
right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value, in accordance 
with the Trust’s accounting policies.

However, the Trust has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for some leases 
of low-value assets (e.g., equipment). The Trust recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases 
as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

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The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the 
commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily 
determined, the Trust’s incremental borrowing rate for similar assets. Generally, the Trust uses its incremental 
borrowing rate as the discount rate.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease 
payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an 
index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, 
or as appropriate, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension option is reasonably 
certain to be exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

f)  Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Trust has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past 
event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the 
obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Trust expects some 
or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset. The expense relating 
to any provision is presented in profit or loss, net of any reimbursement. If the effect of the time value of money 
is material, provisions are discounted using a current rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. Where 
discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.

g)  Revenue recognition

i)  Rental revenue – lease components

Rental revenue for lease components is recognized when the service has been rendered and the amount 
of expected consideration can be reliably estimated, which is over the term of the related lease. 

In most cases, revenue recognition under a lease begins when the tenant takes possession of, or controls, 
the physical use of the leased property. Generally, this occurs on the lease commencement date, or when 
the Trust is required to make additions to the leased property in the form of tenant improvements, upon 
substantial completion of the additions. Certain leases provide for tenant occupancy during periods for which 
no rent is due (“free rent period”) or where minimum rent payments change during the term of the lease. 
Accordingly, rental revenue is recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease 
unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which user’s benefit derived 
from the leased asset is diminished. Any deferred amounts related to straight-line lease adjustments are 
recognized within investment properties. Lease incentives which are mostly leasehold improvements and 
payments of monetary allowances to tenants, are amortized over the lease term as a reduction of rental 
revenue and are recognized as adjustments to the carrying amount of investment properties. The lease 
term is the non-cancellable period of the lease together with any further extension for which the tenant 
has the option to continue the lease, where, at the inception of the lease, the Trust is reasonably certain 
that the tenant will exercise that option.

Cancellation fees or premiums received to terminate leases are recognized in profit and loss at the effective 
date of the lease termination and when the Trust no longer has any performance obligations under the related 
lease.

ii)  Rental revenue – non-lease components

Leases generally provide for the tenants’ payment of maintenance expenses of common elements and other 
operating costs. These services are considered to be a single performance obligation rendered to tenants over 
time. These recoveries are accounted for as variable consideration and are recognized as operating revenues 
in the periods in which the services are provided.

h)  Government grants

Government grants are recognized initially as deferred income at fair value when there is reasonable assurance 
that they will be received and the Trust will comply with the conditions associated with the grant. Grants that 
compensate the Trust for expenses incurred are recognized in profit or loss on a systematic basis in the same 
periods in which the expenses are recognized. Grants that compensate the Trust for the cost of an asset are 
deducted from the carrying amount of the asset.

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84

i)  Earnings per unit

The Trust presents basic earnings per unit data for its Trust units. Basic earnings per unit are calculated by dividing 
the profit or loss attributable to unit holders of the Trust by the weighted average number of Trust units outstanding 
during the period.

j)  Financial income and financial expenses

Financial income comprises interest income on funds invested and balance of sale. Interest income is recognized 
as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. 

Financial expenses comprise interest on mortgage loans payable, convertible debentures, bank loans, lease liabilities 
and other payables, as well as accretion of the non-derivative liability component of convertible debentures, and 
accretion of effective interest on mortgage loans payable and convertible debentures.

Net financial expenses comprise financial expenses, distributions to Class B LP unitholders, fair value adjustment 
on Class B LP Units and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments.

k)  Operating segment

An operating segment is a component of the Trust that engages in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Trust’s 
other components. All operating segments’ operating results are reviewed regularly by the Trust’s Chief Executive 
Officer (‘’CEO’’) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, 
and for which discrete financial information is available. Segment results that are reported to the CEO include 
items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

l)  Unit-based compensation

i)  Deferred unit compensation plan for trustees and certain executive officers

Compensation costs related to the deferred unit compensation plan for trustees and certain executive officers 
are recognized at the time they are granted. These units are initially measured at fair value based on the trading 
price of the Trust units and are revalued at the end of each reporting period, until settlement. Any changes in 
fair value are recognized as compensation expense in profit or loss.

ii)  Employee unit purchase plan

Compensation costs related to the employee unit purchase plan are recognized at the time they are granted. 
These units are initially measured at fair value based on the trading price of the Trust units and are revalued 
at settlement date. Any changes in fair value are recognized as compensation expense in profit or loss.

iii) Restricted unit compensation plan

Compensation costs related to the restricted unit compensation plan are recognized at the time they are granted. 
These units are initially measured at fair value based on the trading price of the Trust units and are revalued 
at the end of each reporting period, until settlement. Any changes in fair value are recognized as compensation 
expense in profit or loss. The compensation expense is amortized using the graded vesting method.

m) Income taxes

BTB is a mutual fund trust and a Real Estate Investment Trust (‘’REIT’’) pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada). 
Under current tax legislation, a REIT is entitled to deduct distributions of taxable income such that, it is not 
liable to pay income tax provided that its taxable income is fully distributed to unitholders. BTB has reviewed 
the proscribed conditions under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and has determined that it qualifies as a REIT 
for the year. BTB intends to continue to qualify as a REIT and to make distributions not less than the amount 
necessary to ensure that BTB will not be liable to pay income taxes. Accordingly, no current or deferred income 
taxes have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

BTB 
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2020  
Annual Report

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85

n)  Fair value measurement

The Trust measures financial instruments, such as derivatives, and non-financial assets, such as investment properties 
(including right-of-use assets), at fair value at each reporting date. Fair value is the price that would be received 
to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the 
measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption 
that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:

•  In the principal market for the asset or liability, or

•  In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Trust. The fair value of an asset or a 
liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability 
assuming that market participants act in their economic best interests. A fair value measurement of a non-financial 
asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in 
its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest 
and best use.

The Trust uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data 
are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use 
of unobservable inputs. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial 
statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input 
that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

•  Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

•  Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 

is directly or indirectly observable

•  Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 

is unobservable

For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Trust determines 
whether transfers have occurred between Levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorization (based on the lowest 
level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Trust has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the 
basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy 
as explained above. 

4.  Investment Properties

For the years ended December 31,

Balance beginning of year

Initial recognition of right-of-use assets

Adjustments to right-of-use assets

Acquisitions of investment properties (note 4(a))

Dispositions of investment properties (note 4(b))

Capital expenditures

Capitalized leasing fees

Capitalized lease incentives

Lease incentives amortization

Straight-line lease adjustment

Net changes in fair value of investment properties (note 4 (c))

Balance end of year

2020

 $

924,320

—

291

30,560

(48,765)

2,765

1,280

4,613

(3,068)

249

(8,375)

903,870

2019

 $

839,015

3,900

—

75,658

(35,950)

5,491

1,301

3,093

(3,004)

703

34,113

924,320

Page
86

The fair value of a subset of the Trust’s investment properties comprised of a selection of the most significant 
investment properties and approximately 1/3 of the remaining investment properties is determined annually on 
the basis of valuations made by independent external appraisers having appropriate professional qualifications, 
using recognized valuation techniques, comprising the Discounted Cash Flow, the Direct Capitalization and 
Comparable methods. The selection of investment properties subject to independent external appraisal is 
determined by management based on its assessment of circumstances that in its view, may impact the value 
of a particular individual investment property. The fair value of the remaining investment properties is determined 
by management using internally generated valuation models based on the Direct Capitalization method.

In determining the fair value of investment properties, the Trust has considered the effects of COVID-19 on 
assumptions such as rent growth, vacancy loss assumptions, credit loss assumptions, as well as valuation 
metrics. The Trust has adjusted cash flow assumptions for its estimate of near-term disruptions to cash flows 
to reflect collections, vacancy and assumptions on new leasing. The Trust undertook a process to assess the 
appropriateness of the rates considering changes to property level cash flows and any risk premium inherent 
in such cash flow changes. These considerations are reflected in the fair value adjustments of investment 
properties.

At December 31, 2020, independent external appraisals were obtained for investment properties with an aggregate 
fair value of $584,745 (December 31, 2019 - $581,420). 

The fair value of investment properties is based on Level 3 inputs. There have been no transfers during the 
period between levels. The significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Trust’s investment 
properties are as follows:

As at December 31, 2020

Capitalization rate

Terminal capitalization rate

Discount rate

As at December 31, 2019

Capitalization rate

Terminal capitalization rate

Discount rate

Retail

Office

Industrial

5.25% – 8.00%

5.00% – 8.50%

5.00% – 8.50%

5.50% – 8.00%

6.00% – 7.50%

5.50% – 7.00%

6.25% – 8.75%

6.75% – 8.25%

6.25% – 7.75%

6.00% – 7.75%

5.00% – 8.25%

5.75% – 8.50%

6.25% – 7.25%

5.25% – 7.50%

6.00% – 7.25%

7.25% – 7.75%

6.25% – 8.00%

6.50% – 8.00%

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the six investment properties classified as Mixed use were designated 
by the management as Office. Consequently, the “mixed-use” category is no longer used by management. 
The comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis of the fair value of investment properties for changes in 
the weighted average capitalization rate as at December 31, 2020, which is representative of the sensitivity 
to changes in the discount rate and terminal capitalization rate as at December 31, 2020.

Capitalization rate sensitivity 
Increase (decrease)

(0.50%)

(0.25%)

Base rate

0.25%

0.50%

Fair Value

 $

980,565

940,523

903,870

870,140

838,378

Change in 
fair value

 $

76,695

36,653

—

(33,730)

(65,492)

 
BTB 
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2020  
Annual Report

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87

a)  Acquisitions

The fair value of the assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position  
on the date of the acquisition during years ended December 31, were as follows:

i) Acquisitions in 2020

Fair value recognized on acquisition

Investment 
properties, 
including 
transaction 
costs

Mortgage 
loan

 $

 $

21,750

(13,684)

Receivable 
/ (Trade 
and other 
payables), 
including 
transaction 
costs

 $

(587)

Total cash 
consideration 
paid

 $

7,479

8,100

710

—

(8)

8,092

30,560

(13,684)

(710)

(1,305)

—

15,571

Fair value recognized on acquisition

Investment 
properties, 
including 
transaction 
costs

 $

11,790

19,238

42,931

1,699

75,658

Mortgage 
loan

 $

(8,050)

(12,700)

(28,000)

—

(48,750)

Receivable 
/ (Trade 
and other 
payables), 
including 
transaction 
costs

 $

33

301

(32)

(1,699)

(1,397)

Total cash 
consideration 
paid

 $

3,773

6,839

14,899

—

25,511

Acquisition 
date

Property 
type

Location

Interest 
acquired

 %

100

100

February 2020

Office

Ottawa, ON

Industrial

Laval, QC

November 
2020

Transaction 
costs

Total

ii) Acquisitions in 2019

Acquisition 
date

Property 
type

Location

Interest 
acquired

Industrial

St-Laurent, QC

Mixed use

St-Hilaire, QC

Retail

St-Bruno, QC

 %

100

100

100

May 2019

June 2019

June 2019

Transaction 
costs

Total

b)  Dispositions

i) Dispositions in 2020

Disposal date

Property 
type

Location

January 2020

Industrial

Ingersoll, ON

February 2020

Industrial

Montréal, QC

June 2020

October 2020

Office

Office

Montréal, QC

Montréal, QC

Transaction costs 
(note 4(c))

Total

Gross 
proceeds

 $

13,300

9,250

22,082

4,133

Purchaser’s 
Mortgage 
assumption

 $

(9,068)

—

—

—

48,765

(9,068)

Receivable 
/ (Trade and 
other payables), 
including 
transaction costs

 $

(103)

(57)

(576)

178

(1,865)

(2,423)

Net 
proceeds

 $

4,129

9,193

21,506

4,311

(1,865)

37,274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
88

ii) Dispositions in 2019

Disposal date

Property 
type

Location

February 2019

March 2019

May 2019

Retail

Retail

Retail

Delson, QC

Delson, QC

Montréal, QC

August 2019

Office

Saguenay, QC

Transaction costs 
(note 4(c))

Total

Gross 
proceeds

$

Purchaser’s 
Mortgage 
assumption

Balance 
of sale

$

$

22,500

(12,533)

(6,000)

1,950

7,100

4,400

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

35,950

(12,533)

(6,000)

Receivable 
/ (Trade and 
other payables), 
including 
transaction costs

$

(20)

(5)

(31)

(1)

(804)

(861)

Net 
proceeds

$

3,947

1,945

7,069

4,399

(804)

16,556

The balance of sale consists of a loan receivable due January 31, 2024, bearing interest at 7% for the first 
3 years, at 7.50% for the 4th year, and at 8% for the 5th year. The balance of sale as at December 31, 2020 
is $6,034 (December 31, 2019 - $6,035).

c)  Net changes in fair value of investment properties and disposition expenses

Year ended December 31,

Net changes in fair value of investment properties (note 4)

Disposition expenses (note 4 (b))

2020

 $

8,375

1,865

10,240

2019

 $

(34,113)

804

(33,309)

Net changes in fair value of investment properties includes the net changes in fair value of right-of-use assets 
related to the investment properties to which a lease is attached.

The disposition expenses include mainly commissions and debt prepayment penalties on mortgage loans related 
to disposed properties.

5.  Other Assets

As at December 31,

Prepaid expenses

Deposits

Total

6.  Receivables

As at December 31,

Rents receivable

Allowance for expected credit losses

Net rents receivable

Unbilled recoveries

Other receivables

Total

2020

 $

1,498

656

2,154

2020

 $

4,259

(1,132)

3,127

665

1,420

5,212

2019

 $

1,921

675

2,596

2019

 $

2,801

(716)

2,085

776

948

3,809

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
Reit

2020  
Annual Report

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89

Credit risk arises from the possibility that tenants may experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill 
their lease commitments. The Trust mitigates this risk by varying its tenant mix and staggering lease terms; 
avoiding dependence on a single tenant for a significant portion of the Trust’s operating revenues and conducting 
credit assessments for all major new tenants. The Trust analyzes its trade receivable on a regular basis and 
establishes an allowance for expected credit losses that represents its estimate of lifetime expected credit 
losses to be incurred in respect of its trade receivables. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for 
expected credit losses on tenant receivables, management has considered the likelihood of collection of 
current receivables given the impact on tenant operations of COVID-19 restrictions imposed by various levels 
of government and the expected eligibility of those tenants to government programs. 

The Trust’s assessment of expected credit losses is inherently subjective due to the forward-looking nature 
of the assessments. As a result, the value of the expected credit loss is subject to a degree of uncertainty and 
is made on the basis of assumptions which may not prove to be accurate with the unprecedented uncertainty 
caused by COVID-19.

7.  Mortgage Loans Payable

Mortgage loans payable are secured by immovable hypothecs on investment properties having a fair value 
of approximately $ 890,020 as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – $913,620).

As at December 31,

Fixed rate mortgage loans payable

Floating rate mortgage loans payable

Unamortized fair value assumption adjustments

Unamortized financing expenses

Mortgage loans payable

Short-term portion

Weighted average interest rate

Weighted average term to maturity (years)

Range of annual rates

2020

 $

381,665

104,577

576

(2,179)

484,639

119,252

3.57%

4.69

2019

 $

387,029

108,218

628

(2,723)

493,152

87,589

3.92%

5.12

2.37 % – 6.80%

2.77% – 6.80%

As at December 31, 2020, the mortgage loan scheduled repayments are as follows:

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Unamortized fair value assumption adjustments

Unamortized financing expenses

Scheduled
repayments

 $

15,597

13,604

11,166

8,813

7,537

29,195

85,912

Principal
maturity

 $

103,655

31,627

32,624

73,493

37,655

121,276

Total

 $

119,252

45,231

43,790

82,306

45,192

150,471

400,330

486,242

576

(2,179)

484,639

 
Page
90

The Trust may enter into floating-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements on floating interest rate mortgages 
to hedge the variability in cash flows attributed to fluctuating interest rates. The Trust does not apply hedge 
accounting to such cash flow hedging relationships (see Note 11). The following table presents relevant 
information on interest rate swap agreements:

Transaction 
date

Original 
principal 
amount

Effective 
fixed 
interest rate

Settlement 
basis

Maturity 
date

March 2013

June 2016

November 2017

November 2017

Total

 $

7,150

13,000

23,200

23,075

66,425

8.  Convertible Debentures

 %

4.12

3.45

3.8825

3.905

Monthly

Quarterly

April 2023

June 2026

Monthly

November 2027

Monthly

December 2027

Outstanding amount

As at December 
31, 2020

As at December 
31, 2019

 $

5,162

11,433

22,673

21,342

60,610

 $

5,391

11,628

23,098

21,943

62,060

As at December 31, 2020, the Trust had two series of subordinated, convertible, redeemable debentures 
outstanding. 

Capital

24,000

29,385

Series G

Series H

Interest rates

Coupon

Effective

 %

6.00

7.00

 %

7.30

8.28

Unit
conversion
price

 $

5.42

3.64

Interest 
payments

Maturity

Semi-annual

Semi-annual

October 2024

October 2025

As at December 31, 2020

Non-derivative liability component upon issuance

Accretion of non-derivative liability component

Conversion options exercised by holders

Unamortized financing expenses

Non-derivative liability component

Series G

Series H

 $

 $

24,000

—

24,000

—

24,000

(1,046)

22,954

27,309

104

27,413

(561)

26,852

(1,490)

25,362

Total

 $

51,309

104

51,413

(561)

50,852

(2,536)

48,316

Conversion and redemption options liability component 
at fair value

12

6,474

6,486

As at December 31, 2019

Non-derivative liability component upon issuance

Charges de financement non amorties

Non-derivative liability component

Series F

Series G

 $

 $

26,700

(336)

26,364

24,000

(1,268)

22,732

Total

 $

50,700

(1,604)

49,096

Conversion and redemption options liability component 
at fair value

45

—

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTB 
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2020  
Annual Report

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91

Series F

In December 2015, the Trust issued Series F subordinated convertible, redeemable, unsecured debentures bearing 
7.15% interest payable semi-annually and maturing in December 2020, in the amount of $26,700. The debentures 
were redeemed for their nominal value on October 26, 2020.

Series G

In October 2019, the Trust issued Series G subordinated convertible, redeemable, unsecured debentures bearing 
6.00% interest payable semi-annually and maturing in October 2024, in the amount of $24,000. The debentures 
are convertible at the holder’s option at any time before October 2024, at a conversion price of $5.42 per unit 
(“Series G Conversion Price”).

These debentures are not redeemable before October 31, 2024, except in the case of a change in control. 
As of October 31, 2022, but before October 31, 2023, under certain conditions, the debentures will be redeemable 
by the Trust at a redemption price equal to their principal amount plus accrued, unpaid interest, provided that 
the average weighted price based on the volume of units traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange during a period 
of 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the date on which an advanced notice of 
redemption is given (the “current market price”) is at least 125% of the conversion price. 

As of October 31, 2023, but before October 31, 2024, under certain conditions, the debentures will be redeemable 
by the Trust, in whole or in part at any time and for a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof 
plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Trust may, under certain conditions, elect to satisfy its obligation to pay 
the principal amount of the debentures that are to be redeemed or that have matured by issuing a number of units 
obtained by dividing the principal amount of the debentures by 95% of the current market price on the date of 
redemption or maturity.

Series H

In September 2020, the Trust issued Series H subordinated convertible, redeemable, unsecured debentures 
bearing 7.00% interest payable semi-annually and maturing on October 31, 2025, in the amount of $30,000. 
The debentures are convertible at the holder’s option at any time before October 31, 2025, at a conversion 
price of $3.64 per unit (“Series H Conversion Price”).

These debentures are not redeemable before October 31, 2023, except in the case of a change in control. 
As of October 31, 2023, but before October 31, 2024, under certain conditions, the debentures will be redeemable 
by the Trust at a redemption price equal to their principal amount plus accrued, unpaid interest, provided that 
the average weighted price based on the volume of units traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange during a period 
of 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the date on which an advanced notice of 
redemption is given (the “current market price”) is at least 125% of the conversion price. 

As of October 31, 2024, but before October 31, 2025, under certain conditions, the debentures will be redeemable 
by the Trust, in whole or in part at any time and for a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof 
plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Trust may, under certain conditions, elect to satisfy its obligation to pay 
the principal amount of the debentures that are to be redeemed or that have matured by issuing a number of 
units obtained by dividing the principal amount of the debentures by 95% of the current market price on the date 
of redemption or maturity.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, conversion options have been exercised by holders on debentures representing 
a nominal amount of $618.

9.  Bank Loans

The Trust has access to an acquisition line of credit in the amount of $19,000. This line of credit bears interest 
at a rate of 3.25% above the prime rate. As at December 31, 2020, $15,300 was due under the acquisition line of 
credit (December 31, 2019 – $10,200).

The Trust also has access to an operating credit facility for a maximum amount of $3,000. This facility bears 
interest at a rate of 0.75% above the prime rate. As at December 31, 2020, no amount was due under the 
operating credit facility (December 31, 2019 – $2,260).

Page
92

The acquisition line of credit and the operating credit facility are secured by an immoveable first rank hypothec 
on two properties having a fair value of $5,700 and by an immoveable second rank hypothec on six properties 
having a fair value of $133,750. 

10. Class B LP Units

Units outstanding, beginning of year

Exchange into Trust units (note 13)

Fair value adjustment

Units outstanding, end of year

Year ended 
December 31, 2020

Year ended 
December 31, 2019

Units

497,265

(100,000)

397,265

 $

2,571

(391)

(778)

1,402

Units

532,265

(35,000)

497,265

 $

2,315

(174)

430

2,571

The Class B LP Units are exchangeable into Trust units on a one-for-one basis at any time at the option 
of the holder. 

The Class B LP Units are entitled to distribution equal to distribution declared on Trust units, on a one-to-one 
basis. Distribution on Class B LP Units are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income when declared. 

Distribution to Class B LP unitholders

Distribution per Class B LP unit

11. Fair Value Measurement

Year ended December 31,

2020

$

157

0.34

2019

$

224

0.42

The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities, including 
their levels in the fair value hierarchy. They do not include the fair value of cash and cash equivalent, restricted 
cash, receivables, balance of sale, trade and other payables and distribution payable to unitholders, which 
approximated their carrying amount as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 because of their short-term 
maturity or because they bear interest at current market rates.

As at December 31, 2020

Measured at fair value

Conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures 
(note 8)

Interest rate swap liability

Class B LP Units (note 10)

For which fair values are disclosed

Mortgage loans payable (note 7)

Convertible debentures, including their conversion 
and redemption features (note 8)

Bank loans (note 9)

Carrying 
amount

 $

6,486

3,531

1,402

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

 $

 $

 $

—

—

1,402

—

3,531

—

484,639

—

507,807

54,802

15,300

53,703

—

—

15,300

6,486

—

—

—

—

—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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As at December 31, 2019

Measured at fair value

Conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures 
(note 8)

Interest rate swap asset

Class B LP Units (note 10)

For which fair values are disclosed

Mortgage loans payable (note 7)

Convertible debentures, including their conversion 
and redemption features (note 8)

Bank loans (note 9)

Carrying 
amount

 $

45

(304)

2,571

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

 $

—

—

2,571

 $

—

(304)

—

493,152

—

506,430

49,141

12,460

52,827

—

—

12,460

 $

45

—

—

—

—

—

The fair value of mortgage loans payable was calculated by discounting cash flows from future payments of 
principal and interest using the period end market rate for various loans with similar risk and credit profiles. 
The period end market rates have been estimated by reference to published mortgage rates by major financial 
institutions for similar maturities.

The fair value of convertible debentures, including their conversion and redemption features, was determined 
with reference to the last quoted trading price preceding the period end.

The fair value of the Class B LP Units is determined with reference to the market price of the Trust units 
as at period end.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments, which comprise the conversion and redemption options 
of convertible debentures and an interest rate swap, are based respectively on the partial differential equation 
method and the discounted future cash flows method. The assumptions used in the partial differential equation 
method are estimated by reference to the market price of the Trust units and its volatility, and take into account 
the credit risk of the financial instrument. The assumptions used in the discounted future cash flows method are 
estimated by reference to the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) forward rates.

Such fair value estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Trust might pay or receive in actual 
market transactions. Potential transaction costs have also not been considered in estimating fair value.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements on the consolidated statements 
of financial position: 

Conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures

Year ended December 31, 2020

Balance beginning of year

Issue of Series H subordinated convertible redeemable debentures

Conversion options exercised by holders

Change for the period recognized in profit or loss under Net adjustment to fair value 
of derivative financial instruments

Balance end of year

 $

45

2,691

(57)

3,807

6,486

Conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures

Year ended December 31, 2019

Balance beginning of year

Change for the year recognized in profit or loss under Net adjustment to fair value 
of derivative financial instruments

Balance end of year

 $

(45)

90

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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94

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis for the volatility applied in fair value measurement  
of the conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures at December 31, 2020:

Conversion and redemption options of convertible debentures

Volatility

Volatility sensitivity 

Increase (decrease)

(0.50%)

December 31, 2020

0.50%

 $

 %

6,422

6,486

6,664

28.59

29.09

29.59

As shown in the sensitivity analysis above, the fair value of the conversion and redemption options of convertible 
debentures is impacted by a change in the volatility used in the valuation model. Generally, an increase in the 
volatility, other things being equal, will result in an increase in fair value of the conversion and redemption 
options of convertible debentures and vice-versa.

12. Unit-based Compensation

a)  Deferred unit compensation plan for trustees and certain executive officers

The Trust offers a deferred unit compensation plan for its trustees and certain executive officers. Under this plan, 
the trustees and certain executive officers may elect to receive as compensation either cash, deferred units, 
or a combination of both.

The following table presents relevant information on changes in the number of deferred units:

For the years ended December 31,

Outstanding, beginning of year

Trustees’ compensation

Distribution paid in units

Settled

Outstanding, end of year

2020

2019

Deferred units

Deferred units

59,642

23,956

7,295

(2,973)

87,920

37,055

18,071

4,516

—

59,642

As at December 31, 2020, the liability related to the plan was $306 (December 31, 2019 - $306). The related 
expense recorded in profit or loss amounted to $16 for year ended December 31, 2020 ($153 for the year ended 
December 31, 2019).

b)  Employee unit purchase plan

The Trust offers an optional employee unit purchase plan to all its employees. Under this plan, the employees 
may contribute, each year, pursuant to a maximum of 3% to 7% of their base salary depending of their years of 
service with the Trust. For each two units purchased by an employee, the Trust issues one unit from treasury. 

As at December 31, 2020, the liability related to the plan was $47 representing a total of 14,351 units to issue 
(December 31, 2019 - $58, representing a total of 11,194 units to issue). The related expense recorded in profit 
and loss amounted to $49 for the year ended December 31, 2020 (for year ended December 31, 2019 - $61). 
The 14,351 units related to 2020 purchases were issued in February 2021 (11,194 units related to 2019 purchases - 
February 2020).

Garder 

avec la 

paragraphe 

précédent

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c)  Restricted unit compensation plan

The Trust offers a restricted unit compensation plan for all executive officers and key employees. Under this plan, 
the executive officers and key employees are eligible to receive restricted units.

The following table presents relevant information on changes in the restricted units:

For the years ended December 31,

Outstanding, beginning of year

Granted

Cancelled

Settled

Outstanding, end of year

2020

2019

Restricted units

Restricted units

165,012

60,893

(18,112)

(68,069)

139,724

138,919

82,622

(1,818)

(54,711)

165,012

As at December 31, 2020, the liability related to the plan was $457 (December 31, 2019 - $686). The related 
expense recorded in profit and loss amounted to $116 for the year ended December 31, 2020 (for the year ended 
December 31, 2019 – $462). 

13. Trust Units Issued and Outstanding

BTB is authorized to issue an unlimited number of trust units. Each trust unit represents a single vote at any 
meeting of unitholders and entitles the unitholder to receive a pro rata share of all distributions. The unitholders 
have the right to require BTB to redeem their trust units on demand. Upon receipt of the redemption notice, 
all rights to and under the trust units tendered for redemption are surrendered and the holder thereof is entitled 
to receive a price per trust unit (“Redemption Price”), as determined by a market formula. The Redemption 
Price is to be paid in accordance with the conditions provided for in the Declaration of Trust. BTB trust units are 
considered liability instruments under IFRS because the trust units are redeemable at the option of the holder, 
however they are presented as equity in accordance with IAS 32.

Trust units issued and outstanding are as follows:

For the years ended December 31,

Units

2020

 $

Units

Trust units outstanding, beginning of year

62,251,558

305,029

55,317,723

Issue pursuant to a public issue

Trust unit issuance costs

—

—

—

—

6,157,100

—

62,251,558

305,029

61,474,823

Issue pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan (a)

836,685

2,935

677,771

Issue pursuant to the deferred unit compensation plan (note 12 
(a))

Issue pursuant to the employee unit purchase plan (note 12 (b))

Issue pursuant to the restricted unit compensation plan (note 12 
(c))

Class B LP units exchange into Trust units

Issue pursuant to conversion of convertible debentures (note 8)

2,973

11,194

68,069

100,000

168,956

16

60

345

391

618

—

9,253

54,711

35,000

2019

 $

274,231

28,754

(1,534)

301,451

3,110

—

43

251

174

Trust units outstanding, end of year

63,439,435

309,394

62,251,558

305,029

a)  Distribution reinvestment plan

BTB offers a distribution reinvestment plan for its trust unitholders. Participation in the plan is optional and under 
the terms of the plan, cash distribution on trust units are used to purchase additional trust units. The trust units 
are issued from BTB’s treasury at a price based on the volume-weighted average of the trading prices on the 
Toronto Stock Exchange for the last five trading days before the distribution date, less a 3% discount.

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b)  Distribution

For the years ended December 31,

Distribution to unitholders

Distribution per Trust unit

14. Rental Revenues

For the years ended December 31,

Base rent and other lease generated revenues

Lease cancellation fees

Property tax and insurance recoveries

Operating expenses recoveries and other revenues

Government assistance programs related rent abatements

Government assistance programs

Lease incentive amortization

Straight-line lease adjustment

2020

 $

21,356

0.34

2020

 $

58,053

—

19,218

77,271

18,797

(2,122)

1,842

(3,068)

249

92,969

2019

 $

24,917

0.42

2019

 $

56,844

1,062

18,434

76,340

19,562

—

—

(3,003)

703

93,602

On May 25, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the CECRA program which provides relief for eligible 
businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Under the CECRA program, the Trust abated 75% 
of gross rents due for April to September 2020 for CECRA-eligible tenants. In exchange of the abatements 
granted, the Trust was granted forgivable interest free loans from the Government of Canada amounting to 50% 
of gross rents due for April to September 2020, resulting in net abatements of 25%. In order to maximize the 
participation of commercial building owners in the CECRA program, the Government of Québec compensated 
50% of the property owners’ loss. These owners, who were to commit to absorb a 25% loss by enrolling in 
this program, were eligible to receive an amount equivalent to 12.5% of the total cost of rent thereby reducing 
their loss by half. As at December 31, 2020, the Trust has met all the criteria under the CECRA program for 
the loans to be forgiven. 

The Trust as lessor enters into leases on its investment properties. Initial lease terms are generally between 
three and ten years and include clauses to enable periodic upward revision of the rental charge according 
to prevailing market conditions. Some leases contain options to terminate before the end of the lease term. 
The Trust has classified these leases as operating leases, because they do not transfer substantially all of 
the risks and rewards incidental to the ownership of the assets.

Future minimum base rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at December 31, 2020  
are as follows:

Within one year

Beyond one year but within two years

Beyond two year but within three years

Beyond three year but within four years

Beyond four year but within five years

Beyond five years

2020

 $

57,833

52,437

44,532

38,775

33,484

88,050

315,111

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15. Net Financial Expenses

For the years ended December 31,

Interest on mortgage loans payable

Interest on convertible debentures

Interest on bank loans

Interest on lease liabilities (note 23)

Other interest expense

Accretion of non-derivative liability component of convertible debentures (note 8)

Accretion of effective interest on mortgage loans payable and convertible 
debentures
Distribution - Class B LP Units (note 10)

Fair value adjustment – Class B LP Units (note 10)

Impact of early redemption of convertible debenture series E

Early repayment fees of a mortgage loan

Net adjustment to fair value of derivative financial instruments

16. Expenses by Nature

For the years ended December 31,

Depreciation

Employee compensation and benefits expense

17. Earnings per Unit 

2020

 $

18,786

3,542

836

216

87

104

1,244
157

(778)

—

79

7,642

31,915

2020

 $

100

7,752

2019

 $

18,941

3,577

915

271

173

43

1,078
224

430

117

—

1,340

27,109

2019

 $

106

7,367

BTB’s trust units being puttable financial instruments presented as equity in accordance with IAS 32, the Trust 
is not required to report a profit or loss per trust unit figure on its consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income. However, for disclosure purposes only, the Trust has determined basic earnings per unit using the same 
basis that would apply in accordance with lAS 33, Earnings per Share.

Net earnings per unit are calculated based on the weighted average number of trust units outstanding as follows:

For the years ended December 31,

Net income

Weighted average number of trust units outstanding – basic

Earnings per unit – basic

18. Capital and Financial Risk Management

2020

 $

2,919

2019

 $

51,881

62,809,836

59,098,137

0.05

0.88

This note presents information about the Trust’s management of capital and the Trust’s exposure to financial risk 
and its objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk. 

a)  Capital Management

The Trust’s capital consists of contributions by unitholders, convertible debentures, mortgage loans and bank 
loans, excluding issuance costs. In managing its capital, the Trust’s objectives are to ensure that it has adequate 
resources for its operations and development, while maximizing returns for unitholders and maintaining a balance 
between debt and equity.

 
 
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98

The Trust manages its capital structure based on changes in its operations, the economic climate and the availability 
of capital.

The Trust’s capital is as follows:

As at December 31,

Cash and cash equivalents

Mortgage loans payable(1)

Convertible debentures(1)

Acquisition line of credit

Mortgage loans payable, Convertible debentures and Acquisition line of credit 
adjusted for Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Accumulated depreciation on Property and equipment

Cash and cash equivalents

Totals assets adjusted for accumulated depreciation and cash and cash equivalents

(1) Excluding issue costs

As at December 31,

Mortgage loans payable, Convertible debentures and Acquisition line of credit 
adjusted for Cash and cash equivalents / total assets adjusted for accumulated 
depreciation and cash and cash equivalents ratio

Mortgage loans payable / total assets adjusted for accumulated depreciation 
and cash and cash equivalents ratio

b)  Financial Risk Management

The Trust has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

•  credit risk

•  interest rate risk 

•  liquidity risk

•  fair value risk (see note 11)

2020

 $

(9,062)

486,242

53,385

15,300

545,865

926,666

904

(9,062)

918,508

2020

 %

59.4

52.9

2019

 $

(1,803)

495,247

50,700

10,200

554,344

939,130

804

(1,803)

938,131

2019

 %

59.1

52.8

This note presents information about the Trust’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Trust’s objectives, 
policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Trust’s management of capital. Further 
quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

i)  Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the possibility that tenants may experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill 
their lease commitments. The Trust mitigates this risk by varying its tenant mix and staggering lease terms; 
avoiding dependence on a single tenant for a significant portion of the Trust’s operating revenues and conducting 
credit assessments for all major new tenants. The Trust analyzes its trade receivable on a regular basis and 
establishes an allowance for expected credit losses that represents its estimate of lifetime expected credit 
losses to be incurred in respect of its trade receivables. As at December 31, 2020, overdue rent receivable 
amounted to $2,051 (December 31, 2019 - $1,959), for which an allowance for expected credit losses of $1,132 
(December 31, 2019 - $716) has been recorded. Management expects to recover the amounts not provisioned 
as all lease agreements are signed, and they are in continuous discussions for collections with the tenants.

The Trust places its cash and cash equivalents with Canadian financial institutions with high credit ratings. 
Credit ratings are actively monitored and these financial institutions are expected to meet their obligations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The Trust is also exposed to credit risk with respect to derivative financial instruments that are in an unrealized 
gain position, for which the credit exposure is equal to the positive fair value of the outstanding contracts. The 
Trust only enters into derivative financial instruments with Canadian financial institutions with high credit ratings.

ii)  Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk reflects the risk of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument 
because of fluctuations in market interest rates.

Except for five mortgage loans outstanding of $43,967 as at December 31, 2020, all other mortgage loans payable 
and convertible debentures bear interest at fixed rates or are covered by a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap 
agreement. Accordingly a 100-basis point increase or decrease in the average interest rates for the fiscal year, 
assuming that all other variables remain constant, would have an impact of approximately $4,397 on the Trust’s 
comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2020.

iii) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Trust will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come due. 
Liquidity risk is managed by:

•  maximizing cash flows from operations;

•  adopting an investment property acquisition and improvement program that takes into account available liquidity;

•  using credit facilities;

•  staggering mortgage loan maturities;

•  maximizing the value of investment properties, thus increasing mortgage financing on renewal of loans; and

•  issuing debt securities or BTB’s units on the financial markets.

Management believes that the Trust will be able to obtain the financing required to make the payments coming 
due in the next year. However, there is a risk that changes affecting market conditions and access to financing 
may invalidate this assumption.

Some mortgage loans include subjective and restrictive covenant clauses under which the Trust must comply 
with financial conditions and ratios. As at December 31, 2020, the Trust was in compliance with all the covenants 
to which it was subject.

The Trust’s cash position is regularly monitored by management. The following are the contractual maturities 
of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments:

As at December 31, 2020

Estimated payment schedule

Carrying
amount

Total
contractual
cash flows

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

 $

 $

 $

18,297

18,355

18,327

1,586

10,333

15,300

1,586

224

15,300

 $

16

—

226

—

 $

12

—

228

—

 $

—

—

231

—

 $

—

—

237

—

2026  
and 
thereafter

 $

—

—

9,187

—

640,965

139,003

62,138

58,579

117,805

83,596

686,539

174,440

62,380

58,819

118,036

83,833

179,844

189,031

Trade and other 
payables

Distributions payable 
to unitholders

Lease liabilities

Bank loans

Mortgage loans 
payable and 
convertible debentures

1,586

4,232

15,300

532,955

572,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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As at December 31, 2019

Estimated payment schedule

Carrying
amount

Total
contractual
cash flows

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

 $

 $

 $

17,984

18,110

18,028

2,179

4,454

2,179

10,594

2,179

322

12,460

12,460

12,460

 $

67

—

330

—

 $

9

—

332

—

 $

6

—

334

—

2026  
and 
thereafter

 $

—

—

 $

—

—

294

8,982

—

—

542,248

579,325

637,567

135,746

93,462

680,910

168,735

93,859

53,371

53,712

41,021

117,764

41,361

118,058

196,203

205,185

Trade and other 
payables

Distributions payable 
to unitholders

Lease liabilities

Bank loans

Mortgage loans 
payable and 
convertible debentures

19. Subsidiaries and Joint Arrangements

a)  Subsidiaries

The principal entities included in the Trust’s consolidated financial statements are as follows:

Entity

BTB, Acquisition and operating Trust (“BTB A&OT”)

BTB Real Estate Management Inc.

Immeuble BTB Crescent Sainte-Catherine Inc

Cagim Real Estate Corporation (“CREC”)

Type

Trust

Corporation

Corporation

Corporation

Relationship

100% owned by BTB Real Estate 
Investment Trust

100% owned by BTB A&OT

100% owned by BTB A&OT

100% owned by BTB A&OT

BTB Real Estate Limited Partnership

Limited Partnership

100% owned by BTB A&OT

Lombard

Limited Partnership

Place d’affaire Lebourgneuf Phase II (“PAL II”)

General Partnership

Société immobilière Cagim

Limited Partnership

99.9% owned by BTB A&OT 
0.1% owned by CREC

99.9% owned by BTB A&OT 
0.1% owned by CREC

70.4% owned by BTB A&OT 
29.5% owned by PAL II 
0.1% owned by CREC

b)  Joint arrangements

The Trust has investments in joint arrangements whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangements 
have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangements. Therefore, the joint 
arrangements are classified as joint operations. The joint operations included in the Trust’s consolidated financial 
statement are as follows:

As at December 31,

Property

Immeuble BTB/Laplaine

Huntington/BTB Montclair

Location

Terrebonne, QC

Gatineau, QC

2020

 %

50

50

2019

 %

50

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The consolidated financial statements include the Trust’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, revenues 
and expenses of these joint arrangements. Summarised financial information is as follows:

As at and for the years ended December 31,

Assets

Liabilities

Revenues

Expenses

20. Operating Segments

2020

 $

19,157

9,941

1,957

(2,561)

2019

 $

20,007

10,141

2,372

1,420

For investment properties, discrete financial information is provided to the CEO on an aggregated investment 
property basis. The information provided is net rentals (including gross rent and property expenses), the change 
in fair value of investment properties and fair value of investment properties. The individual investment properties 
are aggregated into segments with similar economic characteristics. The CEO considers that this is best achieved 
by aggregating into retail, office and industrial segments.

Consequently, the Trust is considered to have three operating segments, as follows:

•  Retail 

•  Office

•  Industrial

Year ended December 31, 2020

Investment properties

Rental revenue from properties

Net operating income

Year ended December 31, 2019

Investment properties

Rental revenue from properties 

Net operating income

Retail

 $

246,415

27,476

16,177

265,487

26,935

16,102

Office

 $

493,800

54,018

27,686

500,113

53,815

26,559

Industrial

 $

Total

 $

163,655

903,870

11,475

7,397

92,969

51,260

158,720

924,320

12,852

8,236

93,602

50,897

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the six investment properties classified as Mixed use were designated 
by management as Office. Consequently, the “mixed-use” category is no longer used by management. 
The comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 
 
 
 
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21. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table provides a reconciliation of movements of liabilities to cash flows arising from financing 
activities:

Convertible debentures

Mortgage loans payable

Year ended December 31,2019

Balance beginning of year

Mortgage loans, net of financing costs

Capitalized interest on mortgage loans

Repayment of mortgage loans

Asset acquisitions mortgage assumption 

Asset dispositions mortgage assumption

Net proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures

Initial recognition of conversion and redemption options liability 
component

Repayment of convertible debentures

Conversion of convertible debentures

Fair value assumption adjustments and financing costs 
amortization

Accretion of non-derivative liability component

Balance end of year

 $

49,096

—

—

—

—

—

28,407

(2,691)

(26,700)

(561)

661

104

48,316

22. Compensation of Key Management Personnel and Trustees

Key management personnel and trustees compensation is as follows:

For the years ended December 31,

Salaries and short-term benefits

Unit-based compensation

Total

Key management personnel are comprised of the Company’s executive officers.

23. Leases, Commitments and Contingencies

a)  Leases

Lease liabilities

As at December 31,

Maturity analysis – contractual undiscounted cash flows

Within one year

Beyond one year but within five years

Beyond five years

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

Lease liabilities included in the statement of financial position

Current

Non-current

2020

 $

2,572

103

2,675

2020

 $

224

922

9,187

10,333

4,232

13

4,219

 $

493,152

25,297

837

(39,846)

13,684

(9,068)

—

—

—

—

583

—

484,639

2019

 $

2,191

604

2,795

2019

 $

322

1,290

8,982

10,594

4,454

105

4,349

 
 
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Amounts recognised in profit and loss and statement of cash flow

As at December 31,

Profit and loss

Interest on lease liabilities (Note 15)

Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets

Statement of cash flow

Total cash outflow for leases

b)  Litigation

2020

2019

 $

216

108

372

271

105

418

The Trust is involved in litigation and claims which arise from time to time in the normal course of business. 
These litigation and claims are generally covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, any liability that 
may arise from such contingencies will not have a significant adverse effect on the Trust’s consolidated financial 
statements.

24. Comparatives Figures

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

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e
t
a
r
o
p
r
o
C

n
o
i
t
a
m
r
o
f
n
I

Board  
of Trustees

Jocelyn Proteau(2) 
Chairman of the Board  
of Trustees and Trustee

Jean-Pierre Janson(2) 
Vice President of the Board  
of Trustees and Trustee

Michel Léonard 
President and Chief Executive  
Officer and Trustee

Luc Martin(1) 
President of the Audit  
Committee and Trustee

 
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Fernand Perreault(3) 
President of the Investment  
Committee and Trustee

Lucie Ducharme(1)(2) 
President of the Human  
Resources and Governance  
Committee and Trustee

Luc Lachapelle(1) 
Trustee

Sylvie Lachance(3) 
Trustee

Peter Polatos 
Trustee

Executive  
Team

Michel Léonard 
President and Chief Executive  
Officer and Trustee

Mathieu Bolté 
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

(1) Member of the Audit Committee
(2) Member of the Human Resources and Governance Committee 
(3) Member of the investments Committee

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Head office
BTB Real Estate Investment Trust 
1411 Crescent, Suite 300 
Montréal, Québec, H3G 2B3 
T 514 286 0188 
www.btbreit.com

Listing
The units and debentures of 
BTB Real Estate Investment Trust  
are listed on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange under the trading symbols: 
BTB.UN 
BTB.DB.G
BTB.DB.H

Transfer Agent
Computershare Investor Services 
1500 Robert-Bourassa Blvd 
7th floor, Montréal, Québec, H3A 3S8 
Canada 
T 514 982 7555 
T Toll free: 1 800 564 6253 
F 514 982 7850 
service@computershare.com

Taxability of distributions
In 2020, for all Canadian unitholders, 
the distributions were fiscally treated 
as follow:
•  Other revenues: 0%
•  Fiscal Deferral: 100%

Auditors
KPMG LLP. 
600 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West 
Suite 1500 
Montréal, Québec, H3A 0A3

Legal counsel
De Grandpré Chait LLP. 
800 Rene-Lévesque Boulevard West 
Suite 2600 
Montréal, Québec, H3B 1X9

Annual Meeting of Unitholders
June 15th 2021
10:00 a.m. (EDT) 
Virtual Webinar 
Montréal, Québec, H3B 2E3

Unitholders distribution  
reinvestment plan
BTB Real Estate Investment Trust 
offers a distribution reinvestment 
plan to unitholders whereby the 
participants may elect to have their 
monthly cash distribution reinvested 
in additional units of BTB at a price 
based on the weighted average price 
for BTB’s Units on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange for the five trading days 
immediately preceding the distribution 
date, discounted by 3%.

For further information about the 
Distribution Reinvestment Plan, please 
refer to the Investor relations section 
of our website at www.btbreit.com or 
contact the Plan agent: Computershare 
Investor Services.

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