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Dream Industrial REIT

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FY2020 Annual Report · Dream Industrial REIT
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Dream Industrial REIT

Annual Report 2020

1602 Tricont Avenue, 
Whitby, ON

Dream Industrial REIT’s strategy is to invest in 
high-quality assets and markets that provide stable 
cash flow and net asset value growth over the long 
term to its unitholders.

Dream  Industrial  REIT  is  an  unincorporated,  open-ended  real 

estate investment trust. As at December 31, 2020, the Trust owns 

and operates a portfolio of 177 assets (271 industrial buildings) 

comprising approximately 27.3 million square feet of gross leasable 

area in key markets across North America and a growing presence 

in strong European industrial markets. The Trust’s objective is to 

continue to grow and upgrade the quality of its portfolio and to 

provide attractive overall returns to its unitholders.

Dream Industrial REIT

Letter to Unitholders

2020 marked a transformative year for Dream Industrial 

On the operating front, we believe that the COVID-19 

REIT as we achieved significant milestones across all 

pandemic  has  dramatically  accelerated  the  trend 

aspects  of  the  business  amidst  an  unprecedented 

of  growing  e-commerce  penetration,  significantly 

operating environment. Despite the market disruption, 

increasing  demand  for  industrial  space.  With  the 

we acquired over $620 million of high-quality industrial 

continued evolution of supply chains, the importance 

product, which expanded our portfolio by over 25%. In 

and advantages of owning a well-located urban portfolio 

just over a year of announcing our European expansion, 

in close proximity to major population centres has never 

we  have  a  European  asset  base  totalling  nearly 

been  greater.  Our  well-located  portfolio  continues 

$475 million, illustrating the strength of our global 

to  attract  major  national  and  global  e-commerce 

acquisitions platform. We carried the momentum into 

occupiers. Overall, since the beginning of 2020, we 

2021 with over $355 million of additional acquisitions 

have signed 1.6 million square feet of new leases at an 

that have been completed, are under contract, or in 

average rental spread of 18% over prior rents and 2.9 

exclusive negotiations. 

We have also made significant progress on the balance 

sheet and financing front. We were assigned a BBB 

(mid) investment grade credit rating from DBRS, which 

reflected a strong and flexible balance sheet as well 

as superior portfolio and tenant diversification. Our 

million square feet of renewals at an average rental 

spread of 10%. On these leases, we have also achieved 

average annual contractual rental rate growth of 3%. 

This  robust  leasing  performance  has  significantly 

improved the outlook for our operating results in 2021 

and future years. 

European asset base provides access to borrowing rates 

The REIT accomplished several significant initiatives 

that are currently well below 1%.  In the fourth quarter 

in  2020,  despite  a  challenging  and  unpredictable 

of 2020, we raised nearly $450 million of unsecured 

environment,  and  is  poised  to  capitalize  on  many 

debt at an average fixed interest rate of only 0.65%. In 

opportunities in 2021 and beyond. We continue to take 

just one year, we reduced the average in-place interest 

significant strides in creating value for our unitholders 

rate on our total outstanding debt by 28% or over 100 

over the long term. On behalf of our management team 

basis points. 

We  remain  focused  on  improving  portfolio  quality 

and have made significant progress on a development 

pipeline geared towards adding high quality product 

across our target markets. The pre-development work on 

our inaugural development project in North Las Vegas 

is nearing completion and we expect to commence 

and our Board of Trustees, I would like to thank you for 

your interest in and support of our business.

Sincerely,

construction in 2021. The 24.5 acre site will support the 

Brian Pauls 

construction of a modern 460,000 square foot Class A 

Chief Executive Officer

distribution facility with a clear ceiling height of 36 feet. 

In addition, we have identified several sites within our 

portfolio that could accommodate significant additional 

density over time. Including the development project in 

Las Vegas, we expect to be in a position to commence 

construction on  one million square feet of projects 

in 2021, paving the way for meaningful NAV per unit 

growth over the long term.

February 16th, 2021

Sustainability Report

Sustainability is ingrained in how we 

run our business both internally and 

externally. It fits naturally with Dream’s 

purpose to “Build Better Communities” 

and with our focus on impact investing. 

See  our  2019  Sustainability  Report 

under the Sustainability section of our 
website at dream.ca/industrial ↗

2–20 Exportweg, 
Waddinxveen, Netherlands

Dream Industrial REIT

At a Glance*

Dream Industrial REIT owns and operates a $3.2 billion global portfolio 
totalling 27.3 million square feet of well-located, diversified industrial properties 
across North America and Europe. We have access to highly experienced local 
investments and asset management platforms that have a proven track record 
of long-term value creation.

$3.2 billion

investment properties value

177

total assets

27.3 million

95.6%

square feet of gross leasable area (GLA)

in-place and committed occupancy 

21.2%

31.3%

5-year annualized total return

net total debt-to-assets

BBB(mid)

DBRS issuer rating

5.3%

distribution yield

All figures as at December 31st, 2020. 

860 Marine Drive, 
Charlotte, NC

Dream Industrial REIT

Our Portfolio

High quality functional assets well suited for e-commerce use

52%

OF IP VALUE

36%

OF IP VALUE

12%

OF IP VALUE

Distribution

Urban Logistics

Light Industrial

Property Name, 
City, Location

Geographically diverse portfolio

$3.2B Total Investment Properties Value

15+

67%

Canada

Europe

15%

67 18%

U.S

67%

Canada

30% GTA

14% GMA

12% Calgary

11% Other

High-grading portfolio

 — Opportunity to add incremental density 

within current portfolio

Over 67 acres of excess land could add nearly 
1.5 million square feet to the portfolio over the 
medium term; In addition, there are several 
properties with redevelopment potential. These 
properties comprise ~1.0 million square feet of 
GLA on over 70 acres and can accommodate 
substantially greater density and more 
valuable uses.

 — Pursuing greenfield development in target 

markets

24.5-acre site located in North Las Vegas 
should support a ~460,000 square foot, 36 
foot clear height Class A distribution facility; 
construction expected to commence in 2021.

Range Road Project, 
North Las Vegas, NV

18
+
 401 Marie Curie Boulevard, 
Montréal, QC

Dream Industrial REIT

Table of Contents

Section I

Section VI

Risks and Our Strategy to Manage 

45

Section VII

Critical Accounting Judgments

Changes in Accounting Policies 
and Disclosures and Future Account-
ing Policy Changes 

Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Responsibility 
for the Consolidated Financial 
Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of 
Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of 
Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

Trustees and Management Team

Corporate Information

51

52

53

54

58

59

60

61

62

IBC

IBC

Key Performance Indicators

Business Update

Basis of Presentation

Background

Our Strategy

Section II

Our Assets

Our Operations

Our Results of Operations

Section III

Investment Properties

Our Financing

Our Equity

Section IV

Selected Annual information

Quarterly Information

Non-GAAP Measures and 
Other Disclosures

Section V

Disclosure Controls and Our 
Procedures and Internal Control Over 
Financial Reporting

1

2

4

5

5

7

10

18

23

27

31

36

37

39

45

Management’s discussion and analysis   
(All dollar amounts in our tables are presented in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per square foot amounts, per Unit amounts, or unless otherwise stated.) 

SECTION I 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
Performance is measured by these and other key indicators: 

Total portfolio 
Number of assets(1) 
Investment properties fair value 
Gross leasable area (“GLA”) (in millions of sq. ft.) 
Occupancy rate – in-place and committed (year-end) 
Occupancy rate – in-place (year-end) 
Average in-place and committed base rent per sq. ft. (year-end) 

Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (US$) 
European portfolio (€) 

Estimated market rent to in-place and committed base rent spread (%) (year-end) 

Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio  
European portfolio 

Weighted average lease term (“WALT”) (years) 

December 31, 
2020  

177  

3,241,601  $ 
27.3 
95.6% 
94.7% 

7.48  $ 
4.01  $ 
5.11  

$ 

$ 
$ 
€ 

As at 
December 31, 
2019 

130 
2,428,664 
21.9 
95.8% 
94.9% 

7.43 
3.87 
—  

8.2% 
11.4% 
—  
4.1 

9.4%  
6.5%  
6.7%  
4.1  
Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  

Operating results 
Net income 
Funds from operations (“FFO”)(2) 
Net rental income 
Comparative properties net operating income (“NOI”) 

(constant currency basis)(2)(3) 

Per Unit amounts 
Distribution rate 
FFO – diluted(2)(4) 
Financing(5) 
Net total debt-to-assets ratio(2) 

End of period 
Beginning of period 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   

2020  

$ 

$ 
$ 

81,513  $ 
31,935  
44,512  

36,554  

0.17  $ 
0.19  $ 

106,642   $ 
25,809   
36,224   

200,136  $ 
119,646  
168,883  

36,012   

123,825  

0.17   $ 
0.18   $ 

0.70  $ 
0.71  $ 

31.3%  
29.6%  

23.7%   
31.4%   

31.3%  
23.7%  

179,432 
105,036 
139,026 

124,131 

0.70 
0.78 

23.7% 
43.5% 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 
2020  

As at 
December 31, 
2019 

Financing(5) 
Credit rating – DBRS 
Net total debt-to-assets ratio(2) 
Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV (years)(2) 
Interest coverage ratio (times)(2) 
Weighted average term to maturity on debt (years) 
Secured debt, percentage of total assets(2)(6) 
Unencumbered assets, percentage of total assets(2) 
Available liquidity(2) 
Capital 
153,354 
Total number of Units (in thousands)(7) 
11.76 
Net asset value (“NAV”) per Unit(2) 
13.14 
Unit price  
(1) The term “Number of properties” in prior period has been renamed to “Number of assets” and redefined in Q3 2020 as a building, or a cluster of buildings in 
close proximity to one another attracting similar tenants. Accordingly, the number of assets in prior period has been revised to reflect the change in definition.  
(2) FFO, comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis), diluted FFO per Unit, net total debt-to-assets ratio, net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV, interest 
coverage  ratio,  unencumbered  assets,  secured  debt,  available  liquidity,  and  NAV  per  Unit  are  non-GAAP  measures.  See  “Non-GAAP  Measures  and  Other 
Disclosures” for a description of these non-GAAP measures. 

BBB (mid)  
31.3%  
6.2  
4.4  
4.8  
23.3%  
44.5%  
573,235  $ 

— 
23.7% 
4.3 
3.8 
5.5 
35.1% 
4.0% 
591,537 

171,231   
12.55  $ 
13.15   

$ 

$ 

(3) Comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 excludes properties acquired 
after  October  1,  2019  and  properties  disposed  of  prior  to  the  current  quarter.  Comparative  properties  NOI  (constant  currency  basis)  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 excludes properties acquired after January 1, 2019 and properties disposed of prior to December 31, 2020. 
(4) A description of the determination of diluted amounts per Unit can be found in the section “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures” under the heading 

“Weighted average number of Units”. 

(5) Financing metrics include income (loss) from discontinued operations as applicable. 
(6) Secured debt is comprised of mortgages in Canada and the U.S., net of deferred financing costs, and is inclusive of the secured credit facility in 2019. 
(7) Total number of Units includes 18.6 million LP B Units which are classified as a liability under IFRS. 

BUSINESS UPDATE  
Dream  Industrial  REIT's  portfolio  displayed  resilience  during  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in  2020.  Leasing  momentum  within  our 
portfolio accelerated throughout the second half of the year, we closed on over $600 million of acquisitions during the year in our 
key markets including the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”) and Montréal, and expanded into the strong industrial European markets 
of Germany and the Netherlands. Our focus on portfolio high-grading as well as the strength of our strategic platforms and local 
relationships continue to drive strong operational and financial results.  

Operations update 
Robust leasing momentum at attractive rental spreads – Since the end of Q3 2020, the Trust has signed over 1.9 million square 
feet of new leases and renewals. These leases comprised over 1 million square feet of new leases that were signed at an average 
spread of 20% over prior rates. In addition, over this period, the Trust completed approximately 900,000 square feet of renewals 
at rates approximately 10% above expiring rents. Leasing highlights include: 

(i)  At the Trust’s 302,500 square foot property in Louisville, a subsidiary of Amazon Inc. has agreed to occupy the entire building 
with rent payments commencing in Q2 2021. Pro forma this lease and other U.S. leases signed thus far in 2021, in-place and 
committed occupancy in the Trust’s U.S. portfolio is expected to increase by approximately 400 basis points to about 97%.  

(ii)  In London, Ontario, the Trust, a subsidiary of Amazon Inc., and the current tenant have agreed to a lease assignment for the 
entire property with no change to the lease term, which currently expires in early 2028. The London property totals 114,000 
square feet of GLA and sits on an approximately 13 acre site, allowing the Trust to add significant additional density over time.  

(iii)  At the recently acquired 6701 Financial Drive asset in Mississauga, the Trust signed an 89,000 square foot lease for a vacancy 
that was anticipated at the time of acquisition. The Trust signed a seven-year lease and achieved a 100% increase on the 
starting rental rate, and an additional 3.5% increase annually thereafter for the remainder of the term. 

(iv)  The Trust signed two five-year new leases in Oakville for a total of 104,000 square feet, at a 44% spread over the expiring rent 
along with average annual contractual rental growth of 3.5% over the respective terms. One of the leases commenced in 
February 2021 with the other commencing in April 2021.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(v)  The Trust signed a renewal with a tenant occupying 47,000 square feet in Mississauga, at a 27% spread over the expiring rent 

along with average contractual rental growth of 3.5% over the term. The renewal is effective March 1, 2021. 

Strong rent collection – The Trust’s portfolio has remained resilient through the pandemic related market disruption and rent 
collections have essentially returned to pre-pandemic levels. The Trust has collected approximately 99% of recurring contractual 
gross  rent  during  Q4  2020.  In  addition,  the  Trust  has  collected  substantially  all  of  the  contractual  gross  rent  for  Q3  2020  and  
Q2  2020,  after  adjusting  for  the  impact  of  rent  deferral  agreements  and  the  Canada  Emergency  Commercial  Rent  Assistance 
(“CECRA”) program. In the month of January 2021, the Trust has collected over 97.7% of contractual gross rent with the remainder 
expected to be collected in the near term. The Trust has not entered into any rent deferral arrangements subsequent to Q2 2020. 
To date, the Trust has received over 90% of the $2.3 million of contractual gross rent deferred during Q2 2020.  

The  following  table  summarizes  selected  operational  statistics  with  respect  to  the  past  three  quarters  and  January  2021,  all 
presented as a percentage of recurring contractual gross rent as at February 16, 2021: 

Selected operational statistics 

Cash collected from tenants 
CECRA cash collected from government  
Sub-total of cash collected from tenants and government(1) 
Deferrals granted (with defined repayment schedule) 
Cash collected on deferrals granted 
Sub-total of deferrals granted (net of cash collected)(1) 
CECRA (the Trust’s portion) 
Sub-total of cash collected, adjusted for CECRA and deferrals granted(1) 
Remaining to be collected 
Total(1) 

(1) Includes applicable taxes. 

Q2 2020 
95.8 % 
2.4 % 
98.2 % 
3.5 % 
(3.2 %) 
0.3 % 
1.2 % 
99.7 % 
0.3 % 
100.0 % 

Q3 2020 
96.3 % 
2.0 % 
98.3 % 
— % 
— % 
— % 
1.0 % 
99.3 % 
0.7 % 
100.0 % 

Q4 2020 
99.0 % 
— % 
99.0 % 
— % 
— % 
— % 
— % 
99.0 % 
1.0 % 
100.0 % 

January 2021 
97.7 % 
— % 
97.7 % 
— % 
— % 
— % 
— % 
97.7 % 
2.3 % 
100.0 % 

Acquisitions, development and finance update  
During the quarter, the Trust completed five acquisitions in Europe totalling $112 million. For the full year, the Trust completed 
$623  million  of  acquisitions,  and  has  closed,  is  under  contract  for  or  in  exclusivity  on  $355  million  of  assets  in  Germany,  the 
Netherlands, the United States, and our target Canadian  markets.  These acquisitions allow the Trust to add scale in its target 
markets adding approximately 7.5 million square feet of high-quality, well-located and functional logistics space to the Trust’s 
portfolio. Built on average in the late 2000s, these assets are above the average quality of our portfolio, with an average clear 
ceiling height of over 30 feet and occupied by high-quality tenants mainly in the logistics and consumer goods sectors. Thus far in 
2021, the Trust has closed on $138 million of assets in Québec, Germany, and the U.S., with the remainder expected to close in 
the next 30 to 60 days.  

Capital strategy – The Trust’s strong and flexible balance sheet, along with its superior portfolio and tenant diversification, resulted 
in  the  Trust  receiving  a  BBB  (mid)  issuer  rating  from  DBRS  during  Q4  2020.  The  investment  grade  rating  immediately  lowers 
borrowing  costs  for  the  Trust  and  enhances  access  to  debt  capital  markets.  During  the  quarter,  the  Trust  obtained  nearly  
$450 million of unsecured debt at an average interest rate of approximately 0.65%, and lowered its average in-place interest rate 
by 100 bps over the year to 2.6%. On January 29, 2021, the Trust closed on a $259 million equity offering, and utilized the proceeds 
for early repayment of $130 million of Canadian mortgages with an average interest rate of 3.59% on February 1, 2021, increasing 
the Trust’s unencumbered asset pool to approximately $2.0 billion, or approximately 58% of investment properties fair value, after 
factoring in the $355 million of acquisitions that are firm, under contract or in exclusive negotiations.   

The Trust also intends to establish an at-the-market equity program (the “ATM Program”) that would allow the Trust to issue REIT 
Units to the public from time to time at prevailing market prices, directly on the Toronto Stock Exchange or on other marketplaces 
to  the  extent  permitted.  The  Trust  intends  to  use  the  net  proceeds  from  the  ATM  Program,  if  any,  to  fund  acquisitions,  for 
repayment of indebtedness, and for general trust purposes. Given the current acquisition capacity available to the Trust, the Trust 
does not anticipate using the ATM Program while that acquisition capacity is being deployed.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  3 

 
 
 
 
Developments – The Trust continues to build and execute on a development pipeline across its target markets. Within its existing 
portfolio, the Trust has identified 21 sites in its portfolio with over 67.2 acres of excess land. The Trust estimates that this excess 
land could accommodate up to 1.5 million square feet of additional GLA over the medium term. Furthermore, the Trust identified 
several properties with redevelopment potential. These properties comprise approximately 1.0 million square feet of GLA on over 
70 acres. The Trust estimates that, over time, these sites can accommodate substantially greater densities and more valuable uses. 
The Trust has provided some highlights on our near-term development activities below.  

The Trust is nearing completion of pre-development work at its 24.5 acre project in North Las Vegas and expects to commence 
construction in mid-2021. The site should support a 460,000 square foot Class A distribution facility with an expected yield on cost 
of over 6%.  

Recently, the Trust closed on the previously announced acquisition of 401 Marie Curie Boulevard, a 527,000 square foot Class A 
distribution facility in the Greater Montréal Area. The property is situated on 38.4 acres of land with site coverage of 31%, offering 
the opportunity to increase the property’s footprint by approximately 221,000 square feet. We expect the intensification to occur 
over two phases, with the first phase forecast to commence in 2021. We expect to achieve a yield on construction costs of over 
6.5%, which would result in meaningful accretion to our net asset value.  

In the near term, the Trust intends to expand an existing 110,000 square foot property in the GTA, located in close proximity to 
Highways 404 and 407. The Trust has the opportunity to add 40,000 square feet in the next 12 months, with an expected yield on 
construction cost of over 8.0%.  

Impact of COVID-19 
The duration and full scope of the economic impact of COVID-19 are unknown at this time. We will continue to assess the impact 
of COVID-19 while monitoring the various government assistance programs as more information becomes available. We are well-
positioned to perform well operationally and financially with a diversified, high-quality and resilient portfolio, as well as a strong 
balance sheet with ample liquidity. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to control it have affected the Trust’s risk 
exposure  and  led  to  elevated  uncertainties  in  the  estimates  used  in  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Refer  to 
Section VI for a discussion of the risks associated with COVID-19. 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION 
Our discussion and analysis of the financial position and results of operations of Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust 
(“Dream Industrial REIT” or the “Trust”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Dream 
Industrial REIT and the accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2020. Such consolidated financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards  Board.  The  Canadian  dollar  is  the  functional  and  reporting  currency  for  purposes  of  preparing  the  consolidated  
financial statements. 

This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is dated as at February 16, 2021. 

For simplicity, throughout this discussion, we may make reference to the following:  

• 

• 

• 

“REIT Units”, meaning units of the Trust, excluding Special Trust Units; 

“LP B Units” and “subsidiary redeemable units”, meaning the Class B limited partnership units of Dream Industrial LP; and 

“Units”, meaning REIT Units and LP B Units. 

When we use terms such as “we”, “us” and “our”, we are referring to Dream Industrial REIT and its subsidiaries. 

Estimated market rents disclosed throughout the MD&A are management’s estimates at a point in time and are subject to change 
based on future market conditions.  

On  June  30,  2019,  the  Trust  classified  all  of  the  investment  properties  in  the  Eastern  Canada  region  as  assets  held  for  sale. 
Subsequently, on July 31, 2019, the Trust completed the sale of the Eastern Canada portfolio. Given that the entire Eastern Canada 
region was included in assets held for sale and subsequently disposed of, the associated results of operations were presented 
separately as income (loss) from discontinued operations. Certain key performance indicators disclosed throughout the MD&A 
exclude the Eastern Canada region in the current period.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  4 

 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER 
Certain information herein contains or incorporates comments that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of 
applicable securities legislation, including but not limited to statements relating to the Trust’s objectives and strategies to achieve 
those objectives; the Trust’s expectations relating to the benefits to be realized from demand drivers for industrial space; the effect 
of  acquisitions  on  our  leverage  levels;  the  anticipated  timing  of  closing  of  acquisitions;  the  expected  going-in  cap  rate  of 
acquisitions; our acquisition pipeline; the pro forma composition of our portfolio after the completion of the acquisitions and 
potential  development  opportunities;  our  development  and  redevelopment  plans,  including  timing  of  construction,  timing  of 
completion  of  our  developments  and  anticipated  development  yields;  anticipated  density  and  GLA  that  our  excess  land  can 
accommodate; the Trust’s ability to access debt markets more efficiently in order to continue to execute on its strategy to grow 
and upgrade the quality of the portfolio; expected interest rates and costs of debt; the intended use of proceeds of the U.S. term 
loan and other debt; expected debt and liquidity levels and unencumbered asset pool; the Trust’s expectations of the extent of 
rent deferrals and repayment from tenants; the Trust’s ability to perform well operationally and financially through the COVID-19 
pandemic;  the  amount  by  which  market  rents  exceed  in-place  rents;  the  Trust's  intent  to  establish  the  ATM  Program  and  the 
intended  use  of  proceeds  from  such  program;  the  Trust’s  beliefs,  plans,  estimates,  projections  and  intentions;  and  similar 
statements concerning anticipated future events, future growth, future leasing activity, including those associated with the ability 
to lease vacant space and rental rates on future leases, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, 
acquisitions  or  divestitures,  tenant  base,  rent  collection,  future  maintenance  and  development  plans,  capital  investments, 
financing, income taxes, litigation and the real estate industry in general  – in each case they are not historical facts. Forward-
looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “outlook”, “objective”, “strategy”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “expect”, 
“intend”,  “estimate”,  “anticipate”,  “believe”,  “should”,  “could”,  “likely”,  “plan”,  “project”,  “budget”,  “continue”,  or  similar 
expressions  suggesting  future  outcomes  or  events.  Forward-looking  information  is  based  on  a  number  of  assumptions  and  is 
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Trust’s control, which could cause actual results to 
differ materially from those disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but 
are not limited to, general and local economic and business conditions; employment levels; the uncertainties around the timing 
and  amount  of  future  financings;  uncertainties  surrounding  the  COVID-19  pandemic;  the  financial  condition  of  tenants  and 
borrowers;  leasing  risks;  interest  rate  and  currency  rate  fluctuations;  regulatory  risks;  environmental  risks;  our  ability  to  sell 
investment properties at a price that reflects fair value; our ability to source and complete accretive acquisitions. 

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based on what we believe are reasonable assumptions, 
there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not 
limited to, general economic conditions; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Trust; government measures to contain the 
COVID-19 pandemic; local real estate conditions; timely leasing of vacant space and re-leasing of occupied space upon expiry; 
dependence on tenants’ financial condition; the uncertainties of acquisition activity; the ability to integrate acquisitions; interest 
rates; availability of equity and debt financing; our continued compliance with the real estate investment trust (“REIT”) exemption 
under the specified investment flow-through trust (“SIFT”) legislation; and other risks and factors described from time to time in 
the documents filed by the Trust with securities regulators.  

All forward-looking information is as of February 16, 2021. Dream Industrial REIT does not undertake to update any such forward-
looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. 
Additional  information  about  these  assumptions,  risks  and  uncertainties  is  contained  in  our  filings  with  securities  regulators. 
Certain filings are also available on our website at www.dreamindustrialreit.ca. 

BACKGROUND 
Dream Industrial REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. As at December 31, 2020, the Trust owns 
and  operates  a  portfolio  comprising  177  assets  totalling  approximately  27.3  million  square  feet  of  gross  leasable  area  in  key 
markets across North America and increasingly in strong European industrial markets. The Trust's goal is to grow and upgrade the 
quality  of  its  portfolio  which primarily  consists  of  distribution  and  urban  logistics  properties.  Our  REIT  Units  are  listed  on  the 
Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the trading symbol DIR.UN. 

OUR STRATEGY 
Dream Industrial REIT owns and operates a diversified portfolio of distribution, urban logistics and light industrial properties across 
key markets in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. We are committed to: 

•  owning and operating a high-quality portfolio of industrial assets in markets with strong operating fundamentals; 

• 

investing in our key markets in industrial assets offering long-term cash flow and net asset value growth prospects; 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  5 

 
•  maximizing the value of our industrial assets through innovative asset management strategies; 

•  providing compelling total returns to our unitholders, anchored by sustainable cash distributions; and 

• 

integrating sustainability at the corporate and property levels. 

Value enhancing growth 
With a global acquisition platform, we have local, on-the-ground teams  who have a strong track record of  sourcing  attractive 
industrial assets across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. We  have strong established relationships  in all our local  markets, which 
allows us to source high-quality and accretive acquisitions with long-term cash flow and net asset value growth potential. When 
evaluating potential acquisitions, we consider a variety of criteria, including expected cash flow returns; replacement cost of the 
asset; its location, functionality and appeal to future tenants; sustainability attributes of the asset and how the asset complements 
our existing portfolio; and per Unit accretion. 

Continuous portfolio optimization 
We regularly evaluate and benchmark each individual asset in our portfolio, assessing historical and future performance as well 
as value growth potential. We identify opportunities to recycle assets within our portfolio and reinvest the proceeds into higher 
quality assets that are less management and capital intensive.  

Active asset management 
Through creative asset management strategies, such as initiating and executing on development projects, we are able to unlock 
organic net operating income and net asset value growth. We actively manage our assets to optimize performance, maintain value, 
and attract and retain tenants. We have local teams across our portfolio with over 80 real estate professionals highly experienced 
in leasing, operations and portfolio management operating out of nine regional offices in our key markets. We strive to ensure 
that our assets are the most attractive, efficient and cost-effective premises for our tenants.  

Conservative financial policy  
We operate our business in a disciplined manner with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity position. We 
seek to maintain a conservative leverage, naturally hedge foreign currency investments, and build up a high-quality unencumbered 
asset pool, while reducing borrowing costs and preserving liquidity.  

Focus on environmental, social and governance  
We focus on promoting the highest standards of corporate governance, social responsibility and ethical behaviour throughout our 
organization. Our sustainability practices are primarily focused on: i) energy efficiency  throughout our portfolio by integrating 
sustainable building technology; ii) increasing tenant engagement; and iii) incorporating energy management initiatives into our 
capital expenditure planning. Our social initiatives encompass three key areas: i) commitment to the development of employees 
through continuous learning and promotion of healthy workplaces and lifestyles; ii) active commitment to the community and 
local  charitable  organizations;  and  iii)  commitment  to  tenant  satisfaction  and  engagement.  We  continuously  apply  sound  and 
effective  corporate  governance  practices  in  the  day-to-day  decisions  and  actions  of  our  business.  Our  governance  highlights 
include: i) a diverse and experienced board with a majority of independent trustees; and ii) strong governance and transparency 
in all aspects of our business. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  6 

 
 
 
SECTION II 

OUR ASSETS 
Dream Industrial REIT owns and operates a portfolio of 177 assets (271 industrial buildings) totalling approximately 27.3 million 
square feet of gross leasable area in key markets across Canada, the U.S. and Europe as at December 31, 2020.  

Across our regions, our portfolio consists of distribution, urban logistics and light industrial buildings.  

•  Distribution buildings – are highly functional large-bay buildings located in close proximity to major transportation corridors. 

Most tenants at these buildings have e-commerce operations or are in the third-party logistics industry.  

•  Urban logistics buildings – are small- to mid-bay buildings located in close proximity to major population centres and are 
ideally suited to meet last mile distribution needs. They are typically multi-let with shorter lease terms and lower average 
tenant size.  

• 

Light industrial buildings – have a large footprint and are typically single-tenants. Tenants have typically invested significant 
capital at these properties and have signed long-term leases or have taken occupancy for a long period of time.   

Focused portfolio strategy 
In Canada, our focus is on mid- to large-bay properties primarily in the GTA and the Greater Montréal Area where we expect to 
benefit from increased user demand relative to supply of quality industrial product, and where in-place rental rates are generally 
below market rental rates and the outlook for rental rate growth is robust. The Trust is also targeting to increase scale in our 
existing sub-markets and add to our large urban logistics clusters. 

In the U.S., our strategy is to acquire larger bay distribution properties in major markets within the Midwestern U.S., capitalizing 
on strong e-commerce demand for distribution assets, steady contractual rent growth and attractive going-in capitalization rates. 

In Europe, our goal is to acquire mid- to large-bay properties in major markets in the Netherlands and Germany. Across these 
markets there is growing demand for urban logistics space, increased user demand relative to supply of quality industrial product, 
attractive going-in capitalization rates and upside potential from growth in market rents. 

As at December 31, 2020, our investment property value by building type allocated by region is as follows: 

* All dollar amounts in these charts are presented in millions. 

Key property statistics by building type as at December 31, 2020 are summarized in the table below:  

Number of assets(1) 
Owned GLA (thousands of square feet)  
Site area (in acres)  
(1) Number of assets comprise a building, or a cluster of buildings in close proximity to one another attracting similar tenants.  

Distribution 
81 
15,919 
922 

Urban logistics 
75 
9,104 
586 

December 31, 2020 
Light industrial 
21 
2,253 
138 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tenant base profile  
Our portfolio comprises primarily functional distribution and warehousing space occupied by tenants from various industries, with 
no one industry accounting for more than 15% of annualized gross rent. As at December 31, 2020, the Trust had over 1,100 tenants. 

The following charts show the industries in which our tenants operate, and their use of space based on annualized gross rental 
revenue as at December 31, 2020: 

The following charts show the tenant size breakdown by annualized gross rental revenue and the tenant size breakdown by number 
of tenants as at December 31, 2020: 

Approximately 77% of our annualized gross rental revenue is derived from over 290 tenants each occupying over 15,000 square 
feet with an average size of approximately 70,000 square feet. The remaining annualized gross rental revenue is derived from over 
800 smaller tenants primarily located in the urban logistics assets. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  8 

 
 
 
 
 
The following table outlines the contributions of our top ten tenants to our annualized gross rental revenue as at December 31, 2020:  
WALT 
(years) 
Tenant 
4.0 
Nissan North America Inc. 
3.1 
Spectra Premium Industries Inc.(1) 
4.3 
TC Transcontinental 
8.4 
Gienow Windows & Doors Inc. 
3.0 
ODW Logistics 
5.5 
Accel Inc. 
2.7 
United Agri Products Canada Inc. 
2.0 
Molson Breweries Properties 
2.0 
West Marine Products Inc. 
9.8 
Toyota Material Handling Netherlands 
4.2 
Total 
(1) On January 1, 2021, Spectra Premium Industries Inc. vacated approximately 184,000 square feet at the Laval, Québec, location which will reduce its contribution 
to 1.3% of annualized gross rental revenue. No impact is expected on the other two properties they currently occupy totalling 472,000 square feet. The Trust 
continues to actively market the vacant space and expects it will be re-let in early 2021 at higher rental rates, allowing access to market rents earlier than 
anticipated.  

Use of space 
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing, light industrial  
Distribution and warehousing, light industrial  
Distribution and warehousing, light industrial  
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing  
Distribution and warehousing  

Gross rental  Thousands of  
sq. ft.  
1,189  
656  
523  
371  
343  
417  
275  
225  
472  
191  
4,662   

revenue  
2.9 %  
1.9 %  
1.7 %  
1.5 %  
1.3 %  
1.2 %  
1.1 %  
1.0 %  
0.9 %  
0.8 %  
14.3 %  

Subsequent  to  year-end,  the  Trust  has  signed  leases  with  subsidiaries  of  Amazon  Inc.  (“Amazon”)  at  the  Trust's  buildings  in 
Louisville, Kentucky, and London, Ontario, totalling 416,000 square feet. Amazon is expected to become the Trust's sixth largest 
tenant by GLA and amongst the top ten tenants by annualized gross rental revenue.  

Assets  (also  known  as  investment  properties)  comprise  a  building,  or  a  cluster  of  buildings  in  close  proximity  to  one  another 
attracting similar tenants. Many of our buildings form parts of larger clusters and business parks. As part of our asset management 
strategy, we approach these clusters as a single asset for the purposes of capital allocation, leasing and property management 
initiatives.  

The table below summarizes the grouping of buildings into property clusters by region as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 
2019: 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio 
European portfolio 
Total portfolio 

December 31, 2019 
Owned GLA 
Number of   Number of  (thousands of    Number of  Number of  (thousands of  
sq. ft.) 
buildings 
5,420 
79 
4,121 
40 
5,081 
81 
14,622 
200 
7,275 
29 
42 
— 
21,897 
271 

December 31, 2020    
Owned GLA    
sq. ft.)  
6,758  
4,278  
5,079  
16,115  
7,276  
3,885  
27,276  

buildings 
61 
38 
81 
180 
29 
— 
209 

assets 
47 
29 
43 
119 
18 
40 
177 

assets 
42 
27 
43 
112 
18 
— 
130 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR OPERATIONS 
The following key performance indicators related to our operations influence the cash generated from operating activities. 

Total portfolio in-place and committed occupancy 
Our in-place and committed occupancy includes lease commitments totalling approximately 256,000 square feet for space that is 
being readied for occupancy but for which rental revenue is not yet recognized.  During the current quarter, our leasing team 
remained  focused  on  working  with  existing  and  prospective  tenants  and  secured  an  additional  130,000  square  feet  of  lease 
commitments relative to the prior quarter. 

The following table details our total portfolio in-place and committed occupancy by region:  

(percentage) 
Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio 
European portfolio 
Total 

December 31, 
2020 
97.8 
98.1 
94.8 
96.9 
92.6 
96.1 
95.6 

September 30, 
2020 
96.9 
98.0 
93.7 
96.2 
92.2  
96.0  
95.1 

Total portfolio 
December 31, 
2019 
96.9 
99.2 
94.4 
96.7 
93.9 
—  
95.8 

In-place and committed occupancy for our Canadian portfolio increased by 70 basis points (“bps”) and 20 bps when compared to 
September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, driven by improvements in occupancy for all regions in the quarter. 

In-place and committed occupancy in Ontario increased by 90 bps for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, when 
compared to September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. This was as a result of securing new lease commitments 
totalling 77,000 square feet in the GTA. 

In-place and committed occupancy in Québec increased by 10 bps during the quarter, due to an additional 12,400 square feet of 
lease commitments on currently vacant space relative to the prior quarter. The Trust continues its negotiations with a prospective 
tenant for the 34,000 square foot space that expired in Q3 2020, and expects to finalize the lease commitment in early 2021. On 
a year-over-year basis, occupancy decreased by 110 bps primarily due to net negative leasing absorption. The Trust continues to 
actively market the vacant spaces and sees this as an opportunity to bring prior expiring net rents to market rent levels. 

In-place  and  committed  occupancy  in  Western  Canada  increased  by  110  bps  compared  to  the  prior  quarter,  mainly  due  to  
42,300 square feet of lease commitments on currently vacant space. On a year-over-year basis, in-place and committed occupancy 
increased by 40 bps mainly due to the positive leasing absorption during the year. 

In-place and committed occupancy in the U.S. increased by 40 bps compared to the prior quarter and decreased by 130 bps on a 
year-over-year basis, mainly due to an expiry of an 81,000 square foot unit and a lease termination of 52,000 square feet, both 
located in Columbus, Ohio, in the third quarter. During Q4 2020, 27,000 square feet of lease commitments were secured in relation 
to this vacant space. While there continues to be some near-term impact on our occupancy, we view this as an opportunity to 
bring expiring rents to market levels and to improve our tenant base. We estimate that the market rents on these vacancies exceed 
prior rents by over 10%.  

In-place and committed occupancy in Europe was relatively flat quarter-over-quarter, with the marginal increase due to higher 
occupancy at our acquired properties during the quarter, with a weighted average occupancy of approximately 97%. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  10 

 
 
 
 
 
Total portfolio occupancy continuity 
The following tables detail the change in in-place and committed occupancy across our Canadian, U.S. and European portfolios for 
the three months and year ended December 31, 2020: 

Canadian portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA  

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

U.S. portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA  

Three months ended December 31, 2020 
Total portfolio 
Percentage 
of GLA 

European portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA  

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

Occupancy (in-place and committed) at 

beginning of period 

Vacancy committed for future occupancy 
Occupancy (in-place) at beginning of period 
Occupancy related to acquired properties 
Occupancy (in-place) at beginning of 

period – adjusted 

Natural expiries and relocations 
Early terminations 
New leases 
Renewals and relocations 
Occupancy (in-place) at end of year 
Vacancy committed for future occupancy 
Occupancy (in-place and committed) at 

end of year 

15,500   
(269)  
15,231   
—   

15,231   
(346)  
(100)  
299   
307   
15,391   
229   

96.2 %  
(1.7 %)  
94.5 %  
— %  

94.5 %  
(2.1 %)  
(0.6 %)  
1.8 %  
1.9 %  
95.5 %  
1.4 %  

6,708    
—    
6,708    
—    

6,708    
—    
—    
—    
—    
6,708    
27    

92.2 %  
— %  
92.2 %  
— %  

92.2 %  
— %  
— %  
— %  
— %  
92.2 %  
0.4 %  

3,049   
—   
3,049   
688   

3,737   
(39)  
—   
7   
27   
3,732   
—   

96.0 %  
— %  
96.0 %  
0.2 %  

96.2 %  
(1.0 %)  
— %  
0.2 %  
0.7 %  
96.1 %  
— %  

25,257   
(269)  
24,988   
688   

25,676   
(385)  
(100)  
306   
334   
25,831   
256   

95.1 % 
(1.0 %) 
94.1 % 
0.02 % 

94.1 % 
(1.4 %) 
(0.3 %) 
1.1 % 
1.2 % 
94.7 % 
0.9 % 

15,620   

96.9 %  

6,735    

92.6 %  

3,732   

96.1 %  

26,087   

95.6 % 

Occupancy (in-place and committed) at 

beginning of year 

Vacancy committed for future occupancy 
Occupancy (in-place) at beginning of year 
Occupancy related to acquired 

properties and remeasurements 
Occupancy (in-place) at beginning of  

year – adjusted 

Natural expiries and relocations 
Early terminations 
New leases 
Renewals and relocations 
Occupancy (in-place) at end of year 
Vacancy committed for future occupancy 
Occupancy (in-place and committed) at 

end of year 

Canadian portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

U.S. portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA 

European portfolio  
Percentage 
of GLA 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Total portfolio 
Percentage 
of GLA 

Thousands 
of sq. ft. 

14,137   
(183)  
13,954   

96.7 %  
(1.3%)  
95.4 %  

6,830   
(11)  
6,819   

93.9 %  
(0.2%)  
93.7 %  

—   
—   
—   

— %  
— %  
— %  

20,967   
(194)  
20,773   

95.8 % 
(0.9%) 
94.9 % 

1,480   

0.3 %  

—   

0.0 %  

3,725   

95.9 %  

5,205   

0.3 % 

15,434   
(2,663)  
(259)  
791   
2,088   
15,391   
229   

95.7 %  
(16.5%)  
(1.6%)  
4.9 %  
13.0 %  
95.5 %  
1.4 %  

6,819   
(612)  
(52)  
130   
423   
6,708   
27   

93.7 %  
(8.4%)  
(0.7%)  
1.8 %  
5.8 %  
92.2 %  
0.4 %  

3,725   
(110)  
—   
71   
46   
3,732   
—   

95.9 %  
(2.8%)  
— %  
1.8 %  
1.2 %  
96.1 %  
— %  

25,978   
(3,385)  
(311)  
992   
2,557   
25,831   
256   

95.2 % 
(12.4%) 
(1.1%) 
3.6 % 
9.4 % 
94.7 % 
0.9 % 

15,620   

96.9 %  

6,735   

92.6 %  

3,732   

96.1 %  

26,087   

95.6 % 

The overall tenant retention ratio across our portfolio for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 was 86.8% and 
75.5%, respectively.  Tenant  retention ratio is  calculated as the ratio of total  square feet of renewed and relocated space over 
natural expiries and relocations. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New lease, renewal and relocation spreads  
The  following  table  details  the  new  lease,  renewal  and  relocation  spreads  for  deals  transacted  since  October  1,  2020  to  
February 8, 2021 across our total portfolio that took occupancy during the quarter and beyond:  

Rental rate spread(1) 
43.5 % 
Ontario 
14.0 % 
Québec 
(5.3 %) 
Western Canada 
17.8 % 
Canadian portfolio 
10.7 % 
U.S. portfolio  
6.7 % 
European portfolio  
(1) Rental rate spread (%) is calculated as the ratio of rental rate spread (per sq. ft.) divided by the weighted average prior and expiring rate (per sq. ft.). Rental rate 
spread (per sq. ft.) is calculated as the difference between the weighted average new, renewal and relocation rate and the weighted average prior and expiring 
rate. Rental rate spread excludes deals on leased space that has been vacant upon acquisition.   

Thousands of sq. ft. 
436 
426 
313 
1,175 
676 
89 

The  following  table  details  the  new  lease,  renewal  and  relocation  spreads  for  deals  transacted  from  January  1,  2020  to  
February 8, 2021 across our total portfolio and that took occupancy in 2020 and beyond: 

Rental rate spread(1) 
29.1 % 
Ontario 
12.4 % 
Québec 
(4.9 %) 
Western Canada 
11.9 % 
Canadian portfolio 
14.8 % 
U.S. portfolio  
15.3 % 
European portfolio  
(1) Rental rate spread (%) is calculated as the ratio of rental rate spread (per sq. ft.) divided by the weighted average prior and expiring rate (per sq. ft.). Rental rate 
spread (per sq. ft.) is calculated as the difference between the weighted average new, renewal and relocation rate and the weighted average prior and expiring 
rate. Rental rate spread excludes deals on leased space that has been vacant upon acquisition.   

Thousands of sq. ft. 
1,343 
912 
980 
3,235 
1,002 
323 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, our leasing team completed over 3.7 million square feet of leasing activity. Rental spreads 
were positive across all regions except for Western Canada, overall reflecting continued demand for industrial space. 

Total portfolio rental rates  
Average in-place and committed base rent is contractual base rent and excludes recoveries and recoverable tenant inducements.  

The following table details the average in-place and committed base rent by region for our total portfolio: 

Total portfolio 
Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (US$) 
European portfolio (€) 

$ 

$ 
$ 
€ 

December 31, 2020   

September 30, 2020   

Average in-place and committed base rent (per sq. ft.) 
December 31, 2019 
6.86 
6.53 
8.83 
7.43 
3.87 
—    

6.99   $ 
6.60   
8.77    
7.43   $ 
4.00   $ 
4.89   

7.09   $ 
6.65   
8.74    
7.48   $ 
4.01   $ 
5.11   € 

As at December 31, 2020, the average in-place and committed base rent for our Canadian portfolio was $7.48 per square foot, 
compared to $7.43 per square foot as at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The increase in the Canadian portfolio is 
driven by lease rollovers, rent escalations and future lease commitments capturing strong positive rental rate spreads primarily in 
the Ontario and Québec regions, partially offset by negative rental rate spreads in our Western Canada region. 

As  at  December  31,  2020,  the  average  in-place  and  committed  base  rent  for  our  U.S.  portfolio  was  US$4.01  per  square  foot, 
compared  to  US$4.00  per  square  foot  as  at  September 30,  2020  and  US$3.87  per  square  foot  as  at  December 31,  2019.  The 
increase is due to strong rental spreads on lease rollovers in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, during 2020.  

As at December 31, 2020, the average in-place and committed base rent for our European portfolio was €5.11 per square foot, 
compared to €4.89 per square foot as at September 30, 2020. The increase resulted from crystallizing the positive rental income 
spread on new leases signed during Q4 2020. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table compares the average in-place and committed base rent per square foot with our estimated market rent per 
square foot by region for our total portfolio as at December 31, 2020: 

December 31, 2020 

Average in-place and 
committed base rent 
(per sq. ft.) 

Total portfolio 
Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (US$) 
European portfolio (€) 
Total portfolio WALT (years) 
(1) Estimate only; based on current market rents with no allowance for increases in future years. Subject to changes in market conditions in respective regions. 

7.09  $ 
6.65  
8.74   
7.48  $ 
4.01  $ 
5.11  € 

Estimated market 
rent/average in-place and 
committed base rent 
20.3 % 
7.8 % 
(1.7 %) 
9.4 % 
6.5 % 
6.7 % 

Estimated  
market rent(1)  
(per sq. ft.) 
8.53 
7.17 
8.59 
8.18 
4.27 
5.45 

WALT  
(years) 
4.6 
3.1 
3.4 
3.8 
3.8 
5.7 
4.1 

$ 
$ 
€ 

$ 

Estimated market rent represents management’s best estimate of the base rent that would be achieved in a new arm’s length 
lease in the event that a unit becomes vacant after a reasonable marketing period, with an inducement and lease term appropriate 
for the particular space. Market rent by property is reviewed regularly by our leasing and portfolio management teams. Market 
rents may differ by property or by unit and depend upon a number of factors. Some of the factors considered include the condition 
of the space, the location within the building, the amount of office build-out for the units, the lease term and a normal level of 
tenant inducements. Market rental rates are also compared against independent external appraisal information, which is gathered 
on a quarterly basis, as well as other external market data. The current estimated market rents are at a point in time and are 
subject to change based on future market conditions. 

As  a  result  of  when  leases  are  executed,  there  is  typically  a  lag  between  estimated  market  rents  and  average  in-place  and 
committed base rent. 

Lease maturity profile, net of lease commitments  
The following table details our total portfolio lease maturity profile by region, net of renewals and new leases completed as at 
December 31, 2020: 
Total portfolio 
(in thousands of sq. ft.) 
Ontario  
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio 
European portfolio 
Total GLA 
Percentage of total GLA 

Vacancy, net of 
commitments 
146 
83 
266 
495 
541 
153 
1,189 
4.4% 

Total 
6,758 
4,278 
5,079 
16,115 
7,276 
3,885 
27,276 
100.0% 

2026+ 
2,576 
448 
979 
4,003 
2,607 
2,072 
8,682 
31.8% 

2023 
903 
819 
1,083 
2,805 
2,005 
605 
5,415 
19.9% 

2022 
753 
926 
789 
2,468 
757 
424 
3,649 
13.4% 

2025 
1,156 
845 
538 
2,539 
492 
283 
3,314 
12.1% 

2024 
599 
750 
633 
1,982 
630 
101 
2,713 
9.9% 

2021 
625 
407 
791 
1,823 
244 
247 
2,314 
8.5% 

Lease expiry profile for 2021 
The following table details our total portfolio lease maturity profile for 2021 by region, net of renewals and net of committed new 
leases on vacant space: 
Total portfolio 
(in thousands of sq. ft.) 
2021 expiries (as at December 31, 2020) 
Expiries committed for renewals 
Expiries, net of committed renewals 
Commitment as a % of expiries 
Current vacancies 
Current vacancies committed for future occupancy 
Current vacancies, net of commitments for future occupancy  

U.S.  European  
portfolio 
portfolio 
(467) 
(780) 
220 
536 
(247) 
(244) 
47.1 % 
68.7 % 
(153) 
(568) 
— 
27 
(153) 
(541) 

Western  Canadian 
portfolio 
Canada 
(2,828) 
(1,003) 
1,005 
212 
(1,823) 
(791) 
35.5 % 
21.1 % 
(724) 
(308) 
229 
42 
(495) 
(266) 

Québec 
(922) 
515 
(407) 
55.9 % 
(95) 
12 
(83) 

Ontario 
(903) 
278 
(625) 
30.8 % 
(321) 
175 
(146) 

Total 
(4,075) 
1,761 
(2,314) 
43.2 % 
(1,445) 
256 
(1,189) 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net rental income from continuing operations 
Net rental income is defined by the Trust as total investment properties revenue less investment properties operating expenses 
from continuing operations. 

For a detailed discussion about investment properties revenue and operating expenses from continuing operations for the three 
months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, refer to the section “Our Results of Operations”. 

$ 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio 
European portfolio 
Properties sold(1) 
Net rental income from continuing operations  $ 
(1) Excludes discontinued operations. 

Amount 
12,290   
7,198   
10,494   
29,982   
9,058   
5,474   
(2)  
44,512   

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
Amount 
%   
45,979   
26 %   $ 
27,849   
19 %   
41,178   
30 %    
115,006   
75 %   
36,633   
25 %   
17,269   
— %   
— %   
(25)  
100 %   $  168,883   

Amount 
9,223   
6,820   
11,008   
27,051   
9,207   
—   
(34)  
36,224   

2020  
%  
28 % $ 
16 %  
24 %  
68 %  
20 %  
12 %  
— %  
100 % $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
% 
26 % 
18 % 
32 % 
76 % 
24 % 
— % 
— % 
100 % 

2020  
Amount 
%  
36,703   
27 % $ 
25,635   
17 %  
43,829   
24 %  
106,167   
68 %  
32,857   
22 %  
—   
10 %  
— %  
2   
100 % $  139,026   

Net rental income from continuing operations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $8.3 million, 
or 22.9%, over the prior year comparative quarter and $29.9 million, or 21.5%, over the prior year. The increase was mainly driven 
by the impact of acquired investment properties throughout 2019 and 2020, as well as comparative properties NOI growth in the 
fourth quarter, partially offset by COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions.  

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust recorded COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions totalling $2.1 million, 
while for the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Trust recorded a reversal of provisions totalling $0.09 million, all of 
which were included in net rental income. These amounts represent an estimate of potential credit losses (reversal of credit losses) 
on our trade receivables for all uncollected rent as at December 31, 2020, along with the 25% of recurring gross contractual rent 
that the Trust has forgiven in relation to the CECRA program covering the period from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. 

Comparative properties NOI and comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis)  
Quarter-over-quarter comparison 
Comparative  properties  NOI  on  a  quarter-over-quarter  basis  is  a  non-GAAP  measure  used  by  management  in  evaluating  the 
performance  of  properties  fully  owned  by  the  Trust  in  the  current  and  prior  quarter.  When  the  Trust  compares  comparative 
properties NOI on a quarter-over-quarter basis, the Trust excludes investment properties acquired after July 1, 2020 and properties 
disposed of prior to December 31, 2020. The Trust also excludes the 40 European properties acquired in the year as this is a new 
geographic region for the Trust in 2020. The results of the Trust’s European operations have been separately shown in the table 
below  under  the  entry  “NOI from  acquired  properties  –  Europe”.  Comparative  properties  NOI  also  excludes  straight-line  rent, 
amortization  of  lease  incentives,  lease  termination  fees  and  other  rental  income,  and  COVID-19  related  adjustments  and 
provisions.  This  measure  is  not  defined  by  IFRS,  does  not  have  a  standard  meaning  and  may  not  be  comparable  with  similar 
measures presented by other income trusts. 

Comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) is a non-GAAP measure used by management in evaluating the performance 
of properties owned by the Trust in the current and prior quarter on a constant currency basis. It is calculated by taking comparative 
properties NOI as defined above and excluding the impact of foreign currency translation by converting the comparative properties 
NOI denominated in foreign currency in the respective periods at the current period average exchange rates. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below details the comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) and comparative properties NOI by region, as 
well as other items to assist in understanding the impact each component has on net rental income from continuing operations 
for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020. 

$ 

December 31,  September 30,  
2020    
11,495   $ 
7,153    
10,695     
29,343    
8,565    

2020    
11,832   $ 
7,228    
10,958    
30,018    
8,750    

Three months ended 
Change 
Change 
in $ 
in % 
2.9 % 
337    
1.0 % 
75    
2.5 % 
263    
675    
2.3 % 
2.2 % 
185    

Change in 
weighted 
average 
occupancy % 
(0.3 %) 
(0.2 %) 
0.6 % 
0.1 % 
(0.1 %) 

Change in in-
place base 
rent % 
2.4 % 
0.8 % 
0.9 % 
1.5 % 
0.4 % 

Owned GLA 
(thousands 
of sq. ft.) 
6,642 
4,201 
5,079 
15,922 
7,276 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (constant currency basis) 
Comparative properties NOI (constant 

currency basis) 

2.3 % 

— % 

1.2 % 

23,198 

Impact of foreign currency translation 
Comparative properties NOI 
NOI from acquired properties – Canada 
NOI from acquired properties – Europe 
Straight-line rent 
Amortization of lease incentives 
Lease termination fees and other rental income   
COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions(1)   
NOI from sold properties 
Net rental income from continuing operations  $ 
(1) For  the  three  months  ended  December  31,  2020,  COVID-19  related  adjustments  and  provisions  were  $37,  offset  by  a  CECRA  recovery  of  $89  previously 

860    
(189)   
671    
210     
583     
39     
21     
(156)    
891     
1     
42,252   $  2,260    

38,768    
—    
38,768    
271    
5,461    
263    
(436)   
135    
52    
(2)   
44,512   $ 

37,908    
189    
38,097    
61    
4,878    
224    
(457)   
291    
(839)   
(3)   

23,198 

5.3 %  

1.8 % 

1.2 % 

— % 

provisioned for.  

For the three months ended December 31, 2020, comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) increased by $0.9 million, 
or 2.3%, with increases across all regions in North America. The increase was a result of higher rental rates on new and renewed 
leases, rent escalations, and free rent periods ending in the current quarter. 

Comparative properties NOI for the fourth quarter reflects a negative cash adjustment of approximately $0.1 million relating to 
free rents granted to tenants as part of lease agreements in Western Canada, compared to $0.3 million recorded during the third 
quarter of 2020. Free rents for the quarter are included in straight-line rent. Substantially all the free rent periods impacting the 
fourth quarter are expected to end December 31, 2020. 

Ontario recorded 2.9% comparative properties NOI growth quarter-over-quarter as the impact of higher rental rate spreads took 
effect on both new leases and renewals, as well as rent escalations on existing tenants. This was partially offset by a marginal 
decline  in  occupancy  which  reflects  the  remaining  impact  of  transitory  vacancy.  During  the  quarter,  the  Trust  entered  into 
additional future commitments to address over 32,000 square feet of these vacancies.  

In Québec, comparative properties NOI increased on a quarter-over-quarter basis by 1.0%, mainly attributable to higher rental 
rates on new and renewed leases despite a slight decrease in occupancy. 

Western Canada comparative properties NOI growth was  2.5% quarter-over-quarter in  2020, primarily drive  by an increase in 
occupancy of 60 bps, as well as the end of free rent periods during the current quarter. 

In the U.S., comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) increased by 2.2% on a quarter-over-quarter basis, mainly due 
to a leasing expansion of 95,000 square feet, and a renewal of 21,000 square feet with rental rates 25% higher than expiring rents. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  15 

 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-over-year comparison 
Comparative  properties  NOI  on  a  year-over-year  basis  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  
December 31, 2019 are non-GAAP measures used by management in evaluating the performance of properties fully owned by 
the Trust in the current and prior year comparative periods. When the Trust compares comparative properties NOI on a year-over-
year basis for the three  months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December  31, 2019, the  Trust excludes investment 
properties acquired after October 1, 2019 and January 1, 2019, respectively, and properties disposed of prior to December 31, 
2020.  Comparative  properties  NOI  on  a  year-over-year  basis  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019 also excludes straight-line rent, amortization of lease incentives, expected credit loss, lease termination fees 
and other rental income, as well as COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions. These measures are not defined by IFRS, do not 
have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

Given that the entire Eastern Canada region was classified as assets held for sale at the end of June 30, 2019 and subsequently 
sold  on  July  31,  2019,  the  associated  results  of  operations  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31,  2019  have  been  presented  separately  as  income  from  discontinued  operations  and  excluded  from  comparative 
properties NOI in the current and prior year comparative periods.  

Comparative  properties  NOI  (constant  currency  basis)  on  a  year-over-year  basis  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are non-GAAP measures used  by  management in evaluating the performance of 
properties  owned  by the Trust in the current and comparative periods on a constant currency basis. It  is  calculated by taking 
comparative properties NOI on a year-over-year basis as defined above and excluding the impact of foreign currency translation 
by converting the comparative properties NOI denominated in foreign currency in the respective periods at the respective current 
period average exchange rates. 

The tables below detail the comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) and comparative properties NOI by region and 
other items to assist in understanding the impact each component has on net rental income from continuing operations for the 
three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

$ 

December 31,  December 31,   
2019   
9,272   $ 
6,888   
11,308    
27,468   
8,544   

2020   
9,712   $ 
7,134   
10,958    
27,804   
8,750   

Three months ended 
Change 
Change 
in % 
in $ 
4.7 % 
440  
3.6 % 
246  
(3.1 %) 
(350) 
1.2 % 
336  
2.4 % 
206  

Change in 
weighted 
average 
occupancy % 
(2.0 %) 
(1.5 %) 
(1.8 %) 
(1.7 %) 
(1.6 %) 

Change in in-
place base 
rent % 
7.3 % 
4.7 % 
0.2 % 
3.7 % 
4.1 % 

Owned GLA 
(thousands 
of sq. ft.) 
5,323 
4,121 
5,079 
14,523 
7,276 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (constant currency basis) 
Comparative properties NOI (constant 

currency basis) 

1.5 % 

(1.7 %) 

3.8 % 

21,799 

Impact of foreign currency translation 
Comparative properties NOI 
NOI from acquired properties – Canada 
NOI from acquired properties – Europe 
Straight-line rent 
Amortization of lease incentives 
Expected credit loss 
Lease termination fees and other rental income  
COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions(1)   
NOI from sold properties 
Net rental income from continuing operations $ 
(1) For  the  three  months  ended  December  31,  2020,  COVID-19  related  adjustments  and  provisions  were  $37,  offset  by  a  CECRA  recovery  of  $89  which  was 

22.9 %  

21,799 

(1.7 %) 

1.2 % 

3.8 % 

36,554   
—   
36,554   
2,485   
5,461   
263   
(436)  
—   
135   
52   
(2)  
44,512   $ 

36,012   
113   
36,125   
37   
—   
287   
(400)  
(92)  
301   
—   
(34)  
36,224   $ 

542  
(113) 
429  
2,448   
5,461   
(24)  
(36)  
92   
(166)  
52   
32   
8,288  

previously provisioned for. 

For the three months ended December 31, 2020, comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) increased by $0.5 million, 
or 1.5%, compared to the prior year comparative quarter. The Canadian portfolio had a 1.2% increase in comparative properties 
NOI, driven primarily by significant increases in weighted average in-place rents for Ontario and Québec, despite a small decline 
in average occupancy across the portfolio.   

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  16 

 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparative properties NOI for the fourth quarter reflects a negative cash adjustment of approximately $0.1 million relating to 
free rents granted to tenants as part of lease agreements in Western Canada, compared to $0.3 million recorded during the third 
quarter of 2020. Free rents for the quarter are included in straight-line rent. Similar to above, substantially all the free rent periods 
impacting the fourth quarter are expected to end December 31, 2020. 

In Ontario and Québec, rental spreads over prior or expiring rents on occupied space were at 23.0% in both regions. The overall 
increase in U.S. comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) was primarily due to higher rental rates partially offset by 
lower average occupancy. 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (constant currency basis) 
Comparative properties NOI (constant 

$ 

Change 
December 31,  December 31,  
in $ 
2019    
414   
35,149   $ 
25,297    
1,123   
44,640      (2,189)  
(652)  
105,086    
346   
19,045    

2020     
35,563    $ 
26,420     
42,451      
104,434     
19,391     

Year ended 
Change 
in % 
1.2 % 
4.4 % 
(4.9 %) 
(0.6 %) 
1.8 % 

Change in 
weighted 
average 
occupancy % 
(3.1 %) 
(0.1 %) 
(1.4 %) 
(1.7 %) 
— % 

Change in in-
place base 
rent % 
6.3 % 
3.2 % 
(1.7 %) 
2.1 % 
2.2 % 

Owned GLA 
(thousands 
of sq. ft.) 
5,021 
3,888 
5,028 
13,937 
3,488 

2.1 % 

(1.4 %) 

(0.2 %) 

currency basis) 

(306)  
201   
Impact of foreign currency translation 
(105)  
Comparative properties NOI 
10,735    
NOI from acquired properties – Canada 
3,589    
NOI from acquired properties – U.S. 
17,262    
NOI from acquired properties – Europe 
501    
Straight-line rent 
(184)   
Amortization of lease incentives 
21    
Expected credit loss 
117    
Lease termination fees and other rental income  
(2,064)   
COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions(1)   
NOI from sold properties 
(15)   
Net rental income from continuing operations $  168,883    $  139,026   $  29,857   
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2020, COVID-19 related adjustments  and provisions include $1,345 related to the CECRA program, and $808 related to 

123,825     
—     
123,825     
13,390     
16,285     
17,262     
1,674     
(1,645)    
(312)    
493     
(2,064)    
(25)    

124,131    
(201)   
123,930    
2,655    
12,696    
—    
1,173    
(1,461)   
(333)   
376    
—    
(10)   

21.5 %  

17,425 

17,425 

(0.1 %) 

(1.4 %) 

2.1 % 

expected credit losses during the COVID-19 period, net of a $89 recovery in Q4 2020 of CECRA related amounts previously provisioned for. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  comparative  properties  NOI  (constant  currency  basis)  decreased  by  a  marginal  
$0.3  million,  or  0.2%,  primarily  due  to  the  same  reasons  discussed  above  in  the  quarter-over-prior  year  comparative  
quarter section. 

Comparative  properties  NOI  (constant  currency  basis)  was  positively  impacted  by  increasing  average  in-place  rental  rates  of 
approximately 3.8% and 2.1%, respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020. The rental rate growth was 
offset by the timing of lease-up of vacancy. As of the date of this report, the Trust has signed lease commitments for over 600,000 
square feet of its current vacancy. Excluding spaces vacant upon acquisition, committed rents exceeded the prior rents by over 
30%. The majority of these leases are scheduled to commence in the first half of 2021. 

Comparative  properties  NOI  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020  reflects  a  negative  cash  adjustment  of  approximately  
$1.3  million  of  free  rent  granted  to  tenants  as  part  of  lease  agreements  entered  into  throughout  the  portfolio,  compared  to  
$0.9 million during the prior year. Free rents for the year are included in straight-line rent; they comprise three leases totalling 
317,700 square feet with one-to-two months of free rents earlier in 2020, and the remaining amounts relate to short free rent 
periods on a series of tenants across all portfolios. Substantially all free rent periods are expected to end in the fourth quarter  
of 2020. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  17 

 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating expenses 
Net rental income 
Other income 
Interest, fee income and other 

Other expenses 
General and administrative 
Interest: 

Debt and other financing costs(1) 
Subsidiary redeemable units 

Debt settlement costs 

Fair value adjustments and net loss on transactions and other 

activities 

Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
Fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Net loss on transactions and other activities 

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations 
Deferred and current income taxes expense, net 
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net income: 

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation of foreign 

operations, net of taxes 

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments, net of taxes 
Share of other comprehensive loss from equity accounted 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,   
2019    
50,984    $ 
(14,760)   
36,224    

2020    
61,323    $ 
(16,811)   
44,512    

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020     
195,331  
235,946    $ 
(56,305) 
(67,063)    
139,026  
168,883     

(22)   
(22)   

959    
959    

891     
891     

(4,508)   

(3,203)   

(16,888)    

(8,501)   
(3,247)   
—    
(16,256)   

(8,686)   
(3,344)   
(372)   
(15,605)   

91,855    
(36,489)   
(308)   
55,058    
83,292    
(1,779)   
81,513    
—    
81,513    $ 

89,768    
4,314    
(3,470)   
90,612    
112,190    
(5,404)   
106,786    
(144)   
106,642    $ 

(34,338)    
(13,051)    
(4,324)    
(68,601)    

120,079     
(10,915)    
(1,504)    
107,660     
208,833     
(8,678)    
200,155     
(19)    
200,136    $ 

1,910  
1,910  

(12,060) 

(34,956) 
(13,376) 
(372) 
(60,764) 

180,488  
(70,817) 
(4,612) 
105,059  
185,231  
(8,458) 
176,773  
2,659  
179,432  

(6,753)   $ 
(4,054)   

(5,921)   $ 
—    

22,344    $ 
(4,054)    

(11,346) 
(36) 

$ 

$ 

investment 

—  
(11,382) 
168,050  
$ 
(1) For the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, the mark-to-market amortization netted against interest expense was $73 and $347, respectively 

(234)     
18,056     
218,192    $ 

—    
(5,921)   
100,721    $ 

(427)   
(11,234)   
70,279    $ 

Comprehensive income 

(for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 – $157 and $645, respectively). 

Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties revenue includes base rent from investment properties, recovery of operating costs, property taxes and 
capital expenditures from tenants, the impact of straight-line rent adjustments, lease termination fees and other adjustments, as 
well as fees earned from property management.  

Investment properties revenue for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $10.3 million, or 20.3%, 
and by $40.6 million, or 20.8%, respectively, when compared to the prior year comparative periods. The increase in the respective 
periods was mainly due to the impact of acquired properties in 2020 and 2019. 

Investment properties operating expenses 
Investment properties operating expenses comprise operating costs and property taxes as well as certain expenses that are not 
recoverable from tenants. Operating expenses fluctuate with changes in occupancy levels, expenses that are seasonal in nature, 
and the level of repairs and maintenance incurred during the period. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties operating expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $2.1 million, or 
13.9%, and by $10.8 million, or 19.1%, respectively, when compared to the prior year comparative periods. The increase in the 
respective periods was mainly due to the impact of acquired properties in 2020 and 2019 and COVID-19 related adjustments  
and provisions. 

General and administrative expenses 
The  following  table  summarizes  our  general  and  administrative  (“G&A”)  expenses  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Asset management fee 
General corporate expenses(1) 
Deferred compensation expenses 
Total 
(1) Includes professional fees, corporate management and overhead related costs, public reporting costs, and Board of Trustees’ fees and expenses. 

$ 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,   
2019    
(1,250)   $ 
(1,487)   
(466)   
(3,203)   $ 

2020   
(1,606)  $ 
(2,372)  
(530)  
(4,508)  $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(4,775) 
(6,063)  $ 
(5,129) 
(8,628)  
(2,156) 
(2,197)  
(12,060) 
(16,888)  $ 

G&A expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $1.3 million, or 40.7%, and by $4.8 million, or 
40.0%, respectively, when compared to the prior year comparative periods. Asset management fees to Dream Asset Management 
Corporate  (“DAM”),  a  related  party  to  the  Trust,  increased  year-over-year  due  to  the  acquisitions  completed  in  2020  and  2019. 
General  corporate  expenses  increased  year-over-year  primarily  due  to  costs  associated  with  setting  up  our  platform  in  Europe, 
additional U.S. portfolio management time, as well as technology development costs and other costs not expected to be recurring in 
nature. Deferred compensation expenses increased slightly compared to the prior year comparative quarter due to more deferred 
trust units that vested during the quarter. On a full-year basis, deferred compensation expenses remained relatively stable. 

Interest expense on debt and other financing costs 
Interest  expense  on  debt  and  other  financing  costs  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December  31,  2020  decreased  by  
$0.2 million, or 2.1%, and by $0.6 million, or 1.8%, respectively, when compared to the prior year comparative periods.  

Interest  expense  decreased  primarily  due  to  lower  outstanding  debt  after  the  prepayment  of  Canadian  mortgages  in  the  first 
quarter  of  2020  and  repayment  of  borrowings  on  the  secured  credit  facility  during  the  prior  year.  This  was  partially  offset  by 
interest on short-term draws on the unsecured credit facility, and interest on the U.S. term loan and unsecured debentures entered 
into in the latter part of the fourth quarter.  

Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
Refer to the section “Investment Properties” under the heading “Fair value adjustments to investment properties” for a discussion 
of fair value changes to investment properties for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

Fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
The fair value adjustments to subsidiary redeemable units and deferred trust units are dependent on the change in the Trust’s unit 
price and the adjustments may vary significantly year-over-year.  

The fair value adjustments on the interest rate swaps are valued by qualified independent valuation professionals, while the cross-
currency interest rate swaps are valued internally, based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows determined using 
observable yield curves, and the adjustments may vary significantly year-over-year.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  our  fair  value  adjustments  to  financial  instruments  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Three months ended December 31,   
2019    

2020   

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   

Unrealized remeasurement of carrying value of subsidiary redeemable 

units 

$ 

Unrealized remeasurement of carrying value of deferred trust units 
Unrealized remeasurement of interest rate swaps 
Unrealized remeasurement of cross-currency interest rate swap(1) 
Total unrealized fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Realized remeasurement of cross-currency interest rate swap(1) 
Realized remeasurement of foreign currency swaps 
Total 
(1) Hedge accounting was not applied to the cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding from January 1, 2020 to November 18, 2020. 

(1,031)  
(5,711)  
—   
(6,928)  $ 
(572)  
(3,415)  
(10,915)  $ 

$ 

$ 

(34,136)  $ 
(1,822)  
704   
257   
(34,997)  $ 
(1,492)  
—   
(36,489)  $ 

1,670    $ 
(90)   
2,734    
—    
4,314    $ 
—    
—    
4,314   $ 

(186)  $ 

(67,158) 
(3,140) 
(519) 
— 
(70,817) 
— 
— 
(70,817) 

Net loss on transactions and other activities 
The  following  table  summarizes  our  net  loss  on  transactions  and  other  activities  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(2,321) 
(3,067)  $ 
Internal leasing costs 
(1,572) 
1,582  
Foreign exchange gain (loss)(1) 
(19)  
(55) 
Depreciation and amortization 
(438) 
—   
Costs on sale of investment properties 
(226) 
—   
Other 
(4,612) 
(1,504)  $ 
$ 
Total 
(1) The  foreign  exchange  gain  (loss)  relates  to  (i)  capital  transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currency  with  foreign  wholly  owned  subsidiaries;  and  (ii)  debt 
denominated in a foreign currency which forms part of an economically effective hedge that does not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, the impact of 
such foreign exchange adjustments was added back in the determination of FFO (a non-GAAP measure). 

Three months ended December 31,   
2019    
(596)   $ 
(2,219)   
(20)   
(409)   
(226)   
(3,470)   $ 

2020   
(772)  $ 
469  
(5)  
—   
—   
(308)  $ 

$ 

Deferred and current income taxes expense, net 
Net  deferred  and  current  income  taxes  expense  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December  31,  2020  decreased  by  
$3.6 million and increased by $0.2 million, respectively, when compared to the prior year comparative periods. Substantially all of 
the net deferred and current income taxes expense for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 
2019 are deferred income taxes.   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes   
Given that the entire Eastern Canada region was included in assets held for sale at June 30, 2019 and subsequently disposed of on 
July 31, 2019, the associated results of operations for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 
2019 have been presented separately as income (loss) from discontinued operations.  

No income was recorded in discontinued operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The activity for the year 
ended December 31, 2020 represented post-close adjustments and additional costs on sale of the investment properties.   

Other comprehensive income 
Other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  comprise  unrealized  gain  (loss)  on  foreign  currency  translation,  unrealized  gain  (loss)  on 
hedging instruments, net of taxes, and currency translation resulting from our equity accounted investment. The unrealized gain 
(loss) on foreign currency translation may vary significantly year-over-year depending on the value of the Canadian dollar relative 
to the U.S. dollar and euro. The unrealized gain (loss) on hedging instruments may vary significantly year-over-year depending on 
the fair value adjustments on the cross-currency interest rate swaps designated as hedges. 

Funds from operations (“FFO”) 
FFO (including diluted FFO per Unit) is a non-GAAP measure used by management in evaluating the Trust’s operating performance.  
FFO per Unit is calculated as FFO divided by the weighted average number of Units. FFO and weighted average number of Units 
are further defined in the section “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures”. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FFO and diluted FFO per Unit for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are shown in the 
table below:  

FFO 
Weighted average number of Units (in thousands) 
FFO per Unit – diluted 

$ 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
25,809   $ 
143,175   

2020  
31,935  $ 
171,670  

0.19  $ 

0.18   $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
105,036 
119,646  $ 
134,211 
169,550  
0.78 

0.71  $ 

Diluted FFO per Unit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 was $0.19 and $0.71, respectively, compared to 
$0.18  and  $0.78,  respectively,  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December 31,  2019.  For  the  three  months  ended  
December 31, 2020, FFO per Unit increased as a result of comparative properties NOI growth, and income from acquisitions closed 
in the year, partially offset by a slight increase in G&A expenses from the set-up of our European platform. FFO per Unit for the 
year ended December 31, 2020 decreased when compared to the prior year, due to dilution from timing of deployment of the 
Trust’s excess liquidity. Other items recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020 included the impact of CECRA and higher  
COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions totalling $2.1 million, as well as G&A expenses as discussed above. 

Related party transactions 
From  time  to  time,  Dream  Industrial  REIT  and  its  subsidiaries  enter  into  transactions  with  related  parties  that  are  generally 
conducted on a cost-recovery basis or under normal commercial terms.  

Agreements with DAM 
The following table summarizes our fees paid to or received from DAM, including both continuing and discontinued operations, 
for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Incurred under the Asset Management Agreement: 

Asset management fee (included in general and administrative 

expenses) 

Acquisition fee (included in investment properties) 
Expense reimbursements related to financing arrangements 
Total costs incurred under the Asset Management Agreement 
Total costs reimbursed under the Shared Services and Cost Sharing 

Agreement 

Total property management fees earned under the Property 

Management Agreement 

Three months ended December 31,   
2019    

2020   

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1,606)  $ 
(1,141)  
(248)  
(2,995)  $ 

(1,250)   $ 
(214)   
(110)   
(1,574)   $ 

(6,063)  $ 
(4,319)  
(962)  
(11,344)  $ 

(5,190) 
(2,662) 
(380) 
(8,232) 

(226)  $ 

(207)   $ 

(1,219)  $ 

(716) 

—  $ 

—    $ 

—  $ 

7 

The Asset Management Agreement (“AMA”) with DAM provides for an incentive fee payable in an amount equal to 15% of the 
Trust’s adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”) per Unit as defined in the AMA, which includes gains on the disposition of any 
properties in the year in excess of the hurdle amount, which was initially set at $0.80 per Unit and increases annually by 50% of 
the increase in the consumer price index (the “Hurdle Amount”). 

The AMA has an initial term ending October 3, 2022 and is automatically renewed for further five-year terms unless and until 
terminated in accordance with its terms. The AMA may be terminated by DAM at any time after the initial term. Other than in 
respect of termination resulting from certain events of insolvency of DAM, on termination of the AMA, all accrued fees under the 
AMA,  including  the  incentive  fee,  are  payable  to  DAM.  In  such  circumstances  or  if  the  Trust  is  acquired,  the  incentive  fee  is 
calculated as if all the Trust’s properties were sold on the applicable date.  

Disposition  gains  in  the  AFFO  calculation  used  for  determining  the  incentive  fee  are  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  Trust’s 
investment  properties,  at  the  applicable  date,  relative  to  their  historic  purchase  price.  As  at  December  31,  2020,  the  historic 
purchase price for the Trust’s investment portfolio was $2.6 billion (December 31, 2019 – $2.0 billion). 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
For the most recently completed fiscal year ended October 3, 2020 for the AMA, the Hurdle Amount for the purpose of calculating 
the incentive fee  was  $0.86  per Unit. As at  December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, no incentive  fees have been paid or 
payable by the Trust to DAM. 

The amount of the incentive fee payable by the Trust on any date will be contingent upon various factors, including, but not limited 
to, changes in the Trust’s AFFO as defined in the AMA, movements in the fair value of investment properties, acquisitions and 
dispositions, future foreign exchange rates, and changes in the total number of outstanding Units of the Trust.  

Agreements with Dream Impact Trust 
The following table summarizes our fees received from Dream Impact Trust (formerly known as Dream Hard Asset Alternatives 
Trust) for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Total revenue under lease agreements and the Property  

Management Agreement 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   

2020  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  

$ 

—  $ 

8   $ 

—  $ 

119 

Agreements with Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust (“Dream Office REIT”) 
The following table summarizes the costs reimbursed to Dream Office REIT for the three months and years ended December 31, 
2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Total costs reimbursed under the Services Agreement 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
(996)   $ 

2020  
(2,333)  $ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
(4,037) 
(6,169)  $ 

As discussed in “Our Equity”, subsidiaries of Dream Office REIT are the holders of 100% of the outstanding LP B Units. Generally, 
each subsidiary redeemable  unit entitles the holder to a distribution equal to distributions declared on our REIT Units. In our 
consolidated financial statements, distributions paid and payable on LP B Units are included as interest expense. 

The following table summarizes our interest paid and payable to subsidiaries of Dream Office REIT on its subsidiary redeemable 
units for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Interest paid and payable to Dream Office REIT on subsidiary 

redeemable units 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   

2020  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  

$ 

(3,247)  $ 

(3,344)   $ 

(13,051)  $ 

(13,376) 

Agreements with PAULS Corp 
The following table summarizes our fees paid and costs reimbursed to an affiliate of PAULS Corp for the three months and years 
ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Property management 
Portfolio management 
Leasing costs 
Financing costs 
Pre-development cost recovery 
Total costs incurred under the Property Management Agreement 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019    
(202)   $ 
(159)    
(92)    
(55)    
—     
(508)   $ 

2020  
(199)  $ 
(253)  
(461)  
—   
(20)   
(933)  $ 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
(733) 
(812)  $ 
(439) 
(955)  
(133) 
(508)  
(85) 
(10)  
(214)   
— 
(1,390) 
(2,499)  $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION III 

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES  
Investment properties continuity 
Changes  in  the  value  of  our  investment  properties  by  region  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December  31,  2020  are 
summarized in the following tables: 

Three months ended 

Building 
improvements, 
lease incentives 
and initial direct 
leasing costs  

Amortization of 
lease incentives, 
foreign currency 
translation(2)  
and other 
adjustments  

$ 

Property 
acquisitions  

September 30, 
2020  

December 31, 
2020 
1,076,343 
Ontario 
493,228 
Québec 
613,301 
Western Canada 
2,182,872 
Canadian portfolio 
585,388 
U.S. portfolio 
473,341 
European portfolio 
Total investment properties 
3,241,601 
(1) During  the  three  months  ended  December  31,  2020,  the  Trust  wrote  off  acquisition  related  costs  totalling  $8,226  included  in  fair  value  adjustments  on 

1,024,919  $ 
447,867  
613,188   
2,085,974  
612,824  
352,799  
3,051,597  $ 

—  $ 
—  
—   
—  
—  
120,158  
120,158  $ 

193  $ 
(209)  
(419)  
(435)  
(27,657)  
(370)  
(28,462) $ 

48,769  $ 
44,636  
(350)  
93,055  
(1,306)  
106  
91,855  $ 

2,462  $ 
934  
882   
4,278  
1,527  
648  
6,453  $ 

Fair value 
adjustments(1)  

$ 

investment properties located in the European region. 

(2) Included in the U.S. and European portfolios are foreign currency translation adjustments totalling $(27,896) and $(393), respectively. 

Year ended 

Building 
improvements,  
lease incentives  
and initial direct 
leasing costs   

Amortization of 
lease incentives, 
foreign currency 
translation(2)  
and other 
adjustments 

$ 

January 1, 

Property 
acquisitions 

December 31, 
2020 
1,076,343   
Ontario 
493,228   
Québec 
613,301   
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
2,182,872   
U.S. portfolio 
585,388   
European portfolio 
473,341   
Total investment properties 
3,241,601   
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust wrote off acquisition related costs totalling $38,378 included in fair value adjustments on investment 

2020   
817,061   $ 
414,085    
621,946   $ 
1,853,092    
575,572    
—    

73,196   $ 
58,319    
(12,627)  $ 
118,888    
18,928    
(17,737)   
120,079    $ 

772   $ 
(609)   
(1,007)  $ 
(844)   
(11,452)   
22,948    
10,652    $ 

6,906   $ 
3,009    
4,989   $ 
14,904    
2,340    
1,291    
18,535   $ 

196,832    
—    
466,839    
663,671   $ 

178,408   $ 
18,424    

Fair value 
adjustments(1) 

2,428,664   $ 

—   $ 

$ 

properties located in Ontario, Québec and Europe regions. 

(2) Included in the U.S. and European portfolios are foreign currency translation adjustments totalling $(12,308) and $22,931, respectively. 

Significant assumptions used in the valuation of investment properties  
The fair value of the investment properties as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 represents the Trust’s best estimate 
based on internally and externally available information as at the end of the reporting period. 

The Trust values its investment properties using both the direct cap rate method and the discounted cash flow method. The results 
of both methods are evaluated by considering the range of values calculated under both methods on a property by property basis. 

The duration and full scope of the economic impact of COVID-19 are unknown at this time. Key valuation assumptions that could 
be impacted over the long term include: market rents, leasing costs, vacancy rates, discount rates and cap rates. The Trust will 
continue to monitor the effect of the economic environment on the valuation of its investment properties. If there are any changes 
in the critical and key assumptions used in valuing the investment properties, or in regional, national or international economic 
conditions, or new developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair value of investment properties may change materially. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The significant valuation metrics used in the cap rate method are stabilized cap rates. The following table summarizes stabilized 
cap rates by region as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Stabilized cap rates 
Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio 
European portfolio 
Total portfolio 
(1) Excludes investment properties acquired during the quarter as applicable. 
(2) Weighted average percentage based on investment property fair value.  

December 31, 2020  
Weighted 
average (%)(2)  
5.04   
5.56   
6.61   
5.60   
5.93   
6.41   
5.75   

Range (%)  
4.50–7.50  
5.00–6.75  
6.00–7.75  
4.50–7.75  
5.25–6.75  
5.00–9.00  
4.50–9.00  

Total portfolio(1) 
December 31, 2019 
Weighted 
average (%)(2) 
5.23  
6.13  
6.60  
5.90  
6.12  
—  
5.95  

Range (%)  
4.50–7.50  
5.50–6.50  
5.75–7.50  
4.50–7.50  
5.75–6.75  
—   
4.50-7.50  

The significant valuation metrics used in the discounted cash flow method as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are 
set out in the table below: 

Discount rate 
Terminal cap rate 
(1) Excludes investment properties acquired during the quarter as applicable. 
(2) Weighted average percentage based on investment property fair value. 

December 31, 2020  
Weighted 
average (%)(2)  
6.55   
6.03   

Range (%)  
5.50–8.50  
4.75–9.00  

Total portfolio(1) 
December 31, 2019 
Weighted 
average (%)(2) 
6.92  
6.28  

Range (%)  
5.38–8.75  
5.00–8.00  

Other valuation metrics  
The  COVID-19  pandemic  has  created  significant  uncertainty  in  the  general  economy  including  the  real  estate  market.  During 
uncertain times, the underlying unobservable valuation assumptions used in underwriting the fair value of investment properties 
such as discount rates and terminal cap rates may vary greatly between different market participants based on their investment 
objectives and risk tolerance levels.  

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, numerous sales of industrial properties have transacted in certain of the key 
markets  in  which  the  Trust  currently  holds  investment  properties.  Accordingly,  the  Trust's  valuation  team  obtained  externally 
available information from these transactions, such as cap rates, market rents compared to in-place rents, availability of excess 
land, and transacted value per square foot, and compared these to our portfolio as applicable on a property-by-property basis to 
corroborate our internal values as determined using the direct cap rate and discounted cash flow methods. 

The Trust believes other inputted valuation metrics such as implied weighted average cap rate by region may enable users to better 
understand how specific operating metrics as disclosed elsewhere in the MD&A, such as in-place rents versus market rents and 
in-place  versus  in-place  and  committed  occupancy  levels  in  the  respective  regions,  may  impact  our  values.  Implied  weighted 
average  cap  rate  is  determined  using  the  annualized  three  months  ended  December  31,  2020  net  rental  income  by  property, 
excluding the net rental income of properties acquired during the quarter and net rental income of sold properties. Net rental 
income used in calculating the implied average cap rate also excludes the impact of lease termination fees and other rental income, 
estimated credit loss, COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions, and amortization of lease incentives. 

Another implied valuation metric, the Trust’s value per square foot by region, may enable users to compare the transacted value 
per square foot in similar markets during the period. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the implied weighted average cap rate and value per square foot by region as at December 31, 
2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Ontario 
Québec 
Western Canada 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (value per square foot in US$) 
European portfolio (value per square foot in €) 
Total portfolio (value per square foot in $) 

Implied cap 

rate (%)(2)   

December 31, 2020   
Value per  
square foot    
159     
115     
121     
135     
63     
72     
118     

4.56    $ 
5.85     
7.03     
5.55    $ 
6.02     
5.94    € 
5.68    $ 

Implied cap 

rate (%)(2)   

Total portfolio(1) 
December 31, 2019 
Value per  
square foot  
150 
100 
122 
126 
61 
—    
111 

4.65    $ 
6.71     
7.19     
5.97    $ 
6.15     

—    € 
6.02    $ 

(1) Excludes investment properties acquired during the quarter as applicable. 
(2) Implied weighted average capitalization rates are calculated using the year-to-date NOI per property, annualized, and excluding termination fees and bad debts.  

Acquisitions  
The following acquisitions were completed during the year ended December 31, 2020: 

840 Trillium Drive, Kitchener, Ontario 
Berkshire portfolio, Kitchener, Ontario(2) 
1995 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario 
2–20 Exportweg, Waddinxveen, Netherlands(3) 
12–16 Het Sterrenbeeld, Den Bosch, Netherlands(3) 
7–9 Robert-Bosch-Straße, Dietzenbach, Germany(3) 
10 Heibloemweg, Helmond, Netherlands(3) 

Acquired GLA 
(thousands of 
sq. ft.) 
39 
577 
228 
169 
95 
160 
117 

Occupancy 
at acquisition 
(%) 
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
74.5    
100.0    

WALT   
at acquisition 
(years) 
10.2    $ 
2.0     
6.6     
14.8     
6.5     
10.7     
9.0     

Purchase   
price(1) 
5,700    
62,500    
33,100    
27,355    
10,700    
14,950    
13,598    

Dutch portfolio, Netherlands(3)(4) 
700–840 McCaffrey Road, Montréal, Québec 
100 East Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, Ontario 
220 Water Street, Whitby, Ontario 
311 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, Ontario 
1750 Berlier Street, Laval, Québec 
1 Christoph-Seydel-Straße, Radeberg, Germany(3) 
6701 Financial Drive, Mississauga, Ontario 
4 Zoete Inval, Breda, Netherlands(3) 
1–5 Markkaweg, Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands(3) 
1–9 Siemensstraße, Eppertshausen, Germany(3) 
4 Stevinlaan, Ede, Netherlands(3) 
6 Guldenweg, Varsseveld, Netherlands(3) 
30 Handelsweg, Ridderkerk, Netherlands(3) 
Total 
(1) Excludes transaction costs of $38,378. 
(2) Berkshire portfolio consists of 12 investment properties. 
(3) Acquisitions in the Netherlands and Germany were settled in euros and translated into Canadian dollars as at the respective transaction dates. 
(4) The Dutch portfolio consists of 31 investment properties. 29 properties were acquired on February 19, 2020 and two properties were acquired on March 17, 

201,576    
9,100    
24,000    
17,600    
4,905    
8,600    
25,088    
23,900    
28,396 
16,134 
31,594 
39,375 
9,727 
15,102 
623,000   

4.2     
3.2     
6.9     
2.9     
20.0     
7.4     
3.9     
0.8     
9.3     
7.2     
3.5     
9.8     
15.0     
15.0     
5.6    $ 

96.4    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
97.9    
89.6    
93.1    
100.0    
93.3    
100.0    
100.0    
100.0    
96.8    

2,062 
80 
110 
211 
57 
77 
274 
116 
300 
86 
302 
191 
51 
79 
5,381 

Date acquired 
January 13, 2020 
January 17, 2020 
January 22, 2020 
January 22, 2020 
January 28, 2020 
January 31, 2020 
February 5, 2020 
February 19, 2020 and 
March 17, 2020 
February 24, 2020 
February 28, 2020 
March 2, 2020 
March 23, 2020 
August 25, 2020 
September 1, 2020 
September 17, 2020 
September 28, 2020 
December 8, 2020 
December 10, 2020 
December 29, 2020 
December 29, 2020 
December 30, 2020 

2020. The purchase price excludes an assumed ground lease liability totalling $2,293. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Trust completed the following acquisitions in Canada, Europe and the U.S.:  

401 Marie-Curie, Boulevard, Montréal, Québec 
Derchinger Straße 116, Augsburg, Germany(2) 
2000 Gateway Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH(2) 
Total 
(1) Gross purchase price before adjustments and transaction costs.   
(2) Purchase price was settled in local currency and translated into Canadian dollars as at the transaction date. 

$ 

$ 

Purchase price(1) 
114,150 
8,440 
15,467 
138,057 

Date acquired 
January 29, 2021 
February 1, 2021 
February 12, 2021 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Trust acquired 32 investment properties for gross proceeds net of adjustments and 
before transaction costs totalling $370.5 million. 

Dispositions 
For the year ended December 31, 2020, no dispositions were completed by the Trust. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the 
Trust  disposed  of  41  investment  properties  for  gross  proceeds  net  of  adjustments  and  before  transaction  costs  totalling  
$272.6 million. 

Building improvements  
Building improvements represent investments  made in our investment properties to  ensure optimal building performance, to 
improve the experience of our tenants, as well as to reduce operating costs. In order to retain desirable rentable space and to 
generate adequate revenue over the long term, we must maintain or, in some cases, improve each property’s condition to meet 
market demand. 

Recoverable capital expenditures are recovered from tenants in accordance with their leases over the useful life of the building 
improvements. Recoverable amounts include an imputed interest charge and management fee. 

Non-recoverable capital expenditures are not recovered from tenants and are costs incurred to repair or maintain the property’s 
structural condition and bring properties up to the Trust’s operating standards.   

Value-add capital expenditures are not recovered from tenants and include upgrades completed on certain properties that are 
expected to increase the Trust’s ability to attract tenants and obtain higher rental rates.  

The following table summarizes building improvements incurred for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019: 

Recoverable capital expenditures 
Non-recoverable capital expenditures 
Value-add capital expenditures  
Building improvements – continuing operations(1) 
Add: Building improvements – Eastern Canada(2) 
Total building improvements  
(1) Excludes Eastern Canada portfolio in the comparative periods. 
(2) Includes activity prior to the Eastern Canada portfolio being reclassified to assets held for sale on June 30, 2019. 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019  
426   $ 
204   
492   
1,122   
—   
1,122   $ 

2020  
1,450   $ 
762   
237   
2,449   
—   
2,449   $ 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
6,370 
5,071   $ 
1,224   
633 
1,844 
715   
8,847 
7,010   
933 
—   
9,780 
7,010   $ 

Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs 
Lease incentives include costs incurred to make leasehold improvements to tenant spaces, landlord works and cash allowances. 
Initial direct leasing costs include leasing fees and related costs and broker commissions incurred in negotiating and arranging 
tenant leases. Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs are dependent upon asset type, lease terminations and expiries, the 
mix of new leasing activity compared to renewals, portfolio growth and general market conditions. Short-term leases generally 
have lower costs than long-term leases. 

Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs shown in the table below include costs attributable to leases that commenced in 
the respective periods. Due to the timing of the signing of lease agreements, certain costs, such as lease commissions, may be 
incurred in advance of lease commencement. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  leasing  costs  incurred  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019: 

Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs – continuing operations(1)  $ 
Add: Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs – Eastern Canada(2)   
Total lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs 
(1) Excludes Eastern Canada portfolio in the comparative periods. 
(2) Includes activity prior to the Eastern Canada portfolio being reclassified to assets held for sale on June 30, 2019. 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019  
3,551   $ 
—   
3,551   $ 

2020  
4,005   $ 
—   
4,005   $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
12,030 
11,525   $ 
2,388 
—   
14,418 
11,525   $ 

Fair value adjustments to investment properties  
For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Trust recorded a fair value gain of $91.9 million, mainly driven by fair value 
gains  in  the  Ontario  and  Québec  regions  of  $48.8  million  and  $44.6  million,  respectively,  partially  offset  by  fair  value  loss  of  
$0.4 million in Western Canada and fair value loss of $1.3 million in the U.S. The fair value gains experienced in the Ontario and 
Québec  regions  were  primarily  driven  by  cap  rate  compression  and  higher  market  rents  supported  by  third-party  appraisals 
obtained on select properties during the current quarter.  

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust recorded a fair value gain of $120.1 million, driven by fair value gains in the 
Ontario, Québec and U.S. regions of $73.2 million, $58.3 million and $18.9 million, respectively, partially offset by fair value losses 
of $12.6 million in Western Canada and $17.7 million in Europe. The fair value gains in the Ontario, Québec and U.S. regions were 
primarily  driven  by  cap  rate  compression  and  higher  market  rents  supported  by  third-party  appraisals  obtained  on  select 
properties  in  certain  regions  during  the  current  quarter.  The  fair  value  loss  in  Western  Canada  was  mainly  due  to  increased 
downtime, lower rental rates in our leasing assumptions and an increase in capitalization rates on certain properties as supported 
by third-party appraisals. The fair value loss in Europe was due to the write-off of acquisition related costs totalling $31.0 million. 

OUR FINANCING  
Debt strategy  
Our  debt  strategy  involves  maintaining  a  conservative  leverage,  building  up  a  high-quality  unencumbered  asset  pool,  while 
reducing borrowing costs, preserving liquidity, and hedging our foreign currency investments. We are focused on improving our 
overall cost of capital and further improving the risk profile of our business by maintaining an investment grade credit rating and 
diversifying our sources of debt through a combination of secured and unsecured debt. The Trust is effectively lowering its overall 
cost of borrowing and hedges its foreign currency investments by replacing higher interest rate Canadian debt with lower interest 
rate euro-equivalent debt.  

On October 22, 2020, the Trust received a BBB (mid) investment grade credit rating from DBRS. This investment grade credit rating  
will  allow  us  to  access  the  debt  markets  efficiently  and  provides  us  with  the  financial  flexibility  to  execute  competitive  
investment strategies. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  27 

 
 
 
 
 
Debt summary 
Our discussion of debt includes the cross-currency interest rate swaps. However, pursuant to IFRS, the cross-currency interest rate 
swaps are included in “Other non-current liabilities” in the consolidated financial statements.   

December 31, 2020 

As at 
December 31, 2019 

$ 

Financing metrics(1) 
Credit rating – DBRS 
Total debt(2) 
Net total debt-to-assets ratio(2) 
Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV (years)(2) 
Interest coverage ratio (times)(2) 
Weighted average face interest rate on debt (year-end)(3) 
Weighted average remaining term to maturity on debt (years) 
Unsecured debt(4) 
Secured debt, percentage of total assets 
Unencumbered assets (year-end)(2)(5) 
Unencumbered assets, percentage of investment properties(2) 
Available liquidity (year-end)(2) 
(1) Financing metrics include income (loss) from discontinued operations as applicable. 
(2) Total debt, net total debt-to-assets ratio, net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV, interest coverage ratio, unencumbered assets, unencumbered assets, percentage 
of investment properties, and available liquidity are non-GAAP measures. The descriptions and calculations of these measures are included in the section “Non-
GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures”. 

BBB (mid)  
1,268,414 $ 
31.3 %  
6.2 
4.4  
2.57 %  
4.8  
447,450 $ 
23.3 %  
1,441,589 $ 
44.5 %  
573,235 $ 

— 
1,014,568 
23.7 % 
4.3 
3.8 
3.59 % 
5.5 
— 
35.1 % 
96,251 
4.0 % 
591,537 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(3) Weighted average face interest rate on debt is calculated as the weighted average face interest rate of all interest bearing debt as at period-end. 
(4) Unsecured debt comprises the revolving credit facility, U.S. term loan and debentures, net of deferred financing costs.   

Liquidity and capital resources  
Dream Industrial REIT’s primary sources of capital are cash generated from (utilized in) operating activities, draws on the unsecured 
revolving  credit  facility,  mortgage  financing  and  refinancing,  and  equity  and  debt  issues.  Our  primary  uses  of  capital  include 
property acquisitions, the payment of distributions, costs of attracting and retaining tenants, recurring property maintenance, 
major property improvements, debt principal repayments, interest payments and developments. We expect to meet all of our 
ongoing obligations with current cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, draws on the unsecured revolving  
credit facility, conventional mortgage refinancing and, as growth requires and when appropriate, new equity or debt issues. 

In our consolidated financial statements, our current assets exceed our current liabilities by $86.5 million. We are able to use our 
revolving credit facility on short notice, which eliminates the need to hold a significant amount of cash and cash equivalents on 
hand. Working capital balances fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the timing of receipts and payments. 
Amounts  payable  outstanding  at  the  end  of  any  reporting  period  depend  primarily  on  the  timing  of  leasing  costs  and  capital 
expenditures incurred, as well as the impact of transaction costs incurred on any acquisitions or dispositions completed during 
the reporting period.  

Scheduled principal repayments that are due within one year total $21.0 million, and debt maturities that are due within one year 
total $110.0 million. The debt maturities are typically refinanced with mortgages of terms between five and ten years or repaid 
with  our  unsecured  revolving  credit  facility.  With  our  balanced  debt  maturity  schedule,  undrawn  revolving  credit  facility  of  
$318.3  million,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  $254.9  million  and  unencumbered  assets  pool  of  $1.4  billion,  we  have sufficient 
liquidity and capital resources as at December 31, 2020. 

Financing activities 
Mortgages 
As part of our previously announced strategy to reduce the Trust’s overall cost of debt, during the first quarter of 2020, the Trust 
early discharged mortgages totalling $159.5 million, comprising primarily 15 Canadian mortgages totalling $149.1 million with a 
weighted average face interest rate of 3.74%. The Trust incurred debt settlement costs totalling $3.9 million in relation to the early 
discharge  of  mortgages.  The  Trust  used  the  net proceeds  from  the  February  2020  equity  offering  to  discharge  the  mortgages  
early and to cover the associated debt settlement costs. 

On  July  2,  2020,  the  Trust  repaid  a  $17.1  million  mortgage  with  a  face  interest  rate  of  2.71%.  The  mortgage  was  secured  by  
four investment properties located in the GTA, with an aggregate fair value of approximately $60 million.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On February 1, 2021, the Trust early discharged seven Canadian mortgages totalling $130.7 million, with a weighted average face 
interest  rate  of  3.59%.  The  Trust  incurred  debt  settlement  costs  totalling  $3.9  million  in  relation  to  the  early  discharge  of 
mortgages. The early discharge of mortgages and associated debt settlement costs were funded with the Trust's net proceeds 
from the January 29, 2021 public offering of REIT Units. 

Credit rating  
On October 22, 2020, the Trust was assigned an Issuer Rating of BBB with Stable Trend by DBRS Morningstar. An investment grade 
credit rating allows the Trust to further increase its financial flexibility and access debt markets more efficiently in order to continue 
to execute on its strategy to grow and upgrade the quality of the portfolio. 

Unsecured revolving credit facility 
On June 12, 2020, the Trust obtained a US$250 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured Facility”), to replace the 
existing $150 million secured revolving credit facility. In addition to being able to borrow on the Unsecured Facility in Canadian 
and U.S. dollars, the Trust can borrow in euros. The Unsecured Facility bears interest based on the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance 
(“BA”) rate or Canadian prime rate on Canadian dollar draws, or U.S. LIBOR rate or U.S. base rate on U.S. dollar draws, or euro 
LIBOR rate on euro draws. The Unsecured Facility matures on January 14, 2022. 

Refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for details on our unsecured revolving credit facility. 

U.S. term loan and cross-currency interest rate swap 
On October 30, 2020, the Trust closed on a US$150 million unsecured credit facility (“U.S. Unsecured Facility”). The U.S. Unsecured 
Facility  allows  for  a  single  drawdown  prior  to  November  30,  2020.  On  November  17,  2020,  the  Trust  drew  down  on  the  U.S. 
Unsecured Facility by entering into a US$150 million, three-year unsecured term loan (“U.S. term loan”) bearing interest at U.S. 
LIBOR plus 1.40% per annum with a maturity date of January 31, 2024. Concurrently on the same day, the Trust entered into a 
cross-currency interest rate swap agreement with the same lender to exchange the US$150 million gross proceeds from the U.S. 
term loan into euros and also exchanged U.S. interest payments for euro interest payments at a fixed interest rate of 0.857%. At 
the end of the three-year term, the Trust will pay €127.1 million and receive US$150 million. As at December 31, 2020, the fair 
value  of  the  cross-currency  interest  rate  swap  was  a  net financial  liability  of  $7.6  million,  and  a  fair  value  loss  of  $7.6  million 
recorded in other comprehensive income.  

Debentures and cross-currency interest rate swap 
On December 22, 2020, the Trust completed a private placement issuing $250,000 of Series A senior unsecured debentures at 
1.662% maturing on December 22, 2025. Concurrently on the same day, the Trust swapped the Canadian dollar proceeds for euro 
proceeds using a cross-currency interest rate swap, pursuant to which the Trust exchanged Canadian dollar interest payments for 
euro interest payments at a fixed interest rate of 0.489%. At the end of the five-year term, the Trust will pay €161.5 million and 
receive $250 million. As at December 31, 2020, the fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swap was a net financial liability 
of $1.9 million, and a fair value loss of $1.9 million recorded in other comprehensive income.  

Refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 for details on the composition and 
continuity of our debt.  

Foreign currency swaps  
On  April  30,  2020,  the  Trust  settled  three  foreign  currency  swap  agreements  for  net  cash  payment  of  $3.4  million.  The  swap 
agreements were short-term forward contracts to sell euros for Canadian or U.S. dollars.    

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  29 

 
 
 
Composition of total debt by currency 
The following is our total debt (non-GAAP measure) by currency as at December 31, 2020: 

Canadian denominated debt   
Weighted 
average face 
interest rate   

Balance 

U.S. denominated debt 
Weighted 
average face 
interest rate   

Balance 

Euro denominated debt(1) 
Weighted 
average face 
interest rate   

Balance 

Total debt(2)  
Weighted 
average face 
interest rate 

Balance 

Amounts included in 

consolidated financial 
statements at 
December 31, 2020  

Debt balance at 

December 31, 2020  
Cross-currency interest 
rate swap (U.S. term 
loan) (local currency) 
Cross-currency interest 

rate swap (Debentures) 
(local currency) 

Debt balance at  

$ 

754,380 

2.94 %  $ 

504,550 

2.83 %  $ 

754,380 

2.94 %   

396,285 

2.83 %   

— 

— 

— % $  1,258,930 

2.90 % 

— %  

(150,000) 

(1.55 %) € 

127,108 

0.86 %   

(250,000) 

(1.66 %)  

161,499 

0.49 %   

December 31, 2020 –
adjusted (local currency)   

504,380 

3.57 %   

246,285 

3.61 %  € 

288,607 

0.65 %   

Total debt(2)(3) balance at 
December 31, 2020 –
adjusted  

313,570 
504,380 
(1) Includes U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar denominated debt swapped to euros. 
(2) Total debt is a non-GAAP measure, which includes the net financial liability on the CCIRS of $9,484, please refer to detailed descriptions and calculations under 

0.65 % $  1,268,414 

3.57 %  $ 

3.61 %  $ 

450,464 

2.57 % 

$ 

the heading “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures”. 

(3) All foreign currency denominated balances have been converted in accordance with the Trust’s accounting policy. 

Debt maturity profile 
Our current total debt profile is balanced with maturities that are well distributed over the next ten years. The Trust manages its 
maturity schedule by limiting maturity exposure in any given year and mitigating interest rate risk. When rates are favourable, the 
Trust fixes interest rates and extends loan terms.  

The following is our total debt maturity profile as at December 31, 2020: 

Debt balance  
due at maturity 

Scheduled principal 
repayments on  
debt maturing in 
future periods 

Weighted  
average face 
interest rate  
3.90 % 
3.08 % 
3.59 % 
1.62 % 
0.86 % 
3.56 % 
2.57 % 

$ 

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024(1) 
2025(2) 
2026–2030 
Total 
Unamortized financing costs 
Unamortized fair value adjustments 
Total debt(3) 
(1) 2024 year includes term loan of $198,552 including cross-currency interest rate swap of $7,572. 
(2) 2025 year includes debentures of $251,912 including cross-currency interest rate swap of $1,912. 
(3) Total debt is a non-GAAP measure, which includes net financial liability on the cross-currency interest rate swaps; refer to detailed descriptions and calculations 

110,013  $ 
43,874  
98,077  
261,390  
281,896  
363,769  
1,159,019  $ 

21,049  $ 
18,116  
15,543  
14,319  
12,627  
36,404  
118,058  $ 

$ 

$ 

Amount 
131,062 
61,990 
113,620 
275,709 
294,523 
400,173 
1,277,077 
(8,807)  
144   
1,268,414   

in the “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures”. 

Commitments and contingencies 
We are contingently liable with respect to guarantees that are issued in the normal course of business and with respect to litigation 
and claims that may arise from time to time. In the opinion of management, any liability that may arise from such contingencies 
would not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Trust participates in a joint venture with other related parties that own a development site in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under the 
operating  agreement,  the  Trust  has  committed  to  make  capital  contributions  of  US$10.7  million  for  the  development  of  the 
project, in addition to the purchase price of the land. Since inception of the joint venture to December 31, 2020, the Trust has 
funded US$0.9 million in development costs. 

OUR EQUITY  
Total equity 
Our discussion of equity includes LP B Units, which are economically equivalent to REIT Units. However, pursuant to IFRS, the  
LP B Units are classified as a liability in our consolidated financial statements. 

December 31, 2020  

Number of Units  

Amount   Number of Units  

REIT Units and unitholders’ equity 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Total equity per consolidated financial statements 
Add: LP B Units 
Total equity (including LP B Units)(1) 
NAV per Unit(1) 
(1) Total equity (including LP B Units) and NAV per Unit are non-GAAP measures defined in the section “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures”. 

—  
—  
134,801,881  
18,551,855  
153,353,736  $ 
$ 

—  
—  
152,678,861  
18,551,855  
171,230,716  $ 
$ 

1,605,724  
281,531  
17,621  
1,904,876  
243,957  
2,148,833  
12.55   

134,801,881  $ 

152,678,861  $ 

As at 
December 31, 2019 
Amount 
1,372,564 
187,443 
(435) 
1,559,572 
243,771 
1,803,343 
11.76   

NAV per Unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 increased to $12.55 from $11.76 at December 31, 2019 and $12.10 at 
September 30, 2020, largely reflecting an increase in investment property values across our portfolio as private market demand 
for industrial assets remains robust.  

Our Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of two classes of units: REIT Units and Special Trust Units.  

The Special Trust Units may only be issued to holders of LP B Units, are not transferable separately from the LP B Units and are 
used to provide voting rights with respect to Dream Industrial REIT to persons holding LP B Units. The LP B Units are held by wholly 
owned subsidiaries of Dream Office REIT. Both the REIT Units and the Special Trust Units entitle the holder to one vote for each 
Unit at all meetings of the unitholders. The LP B Units are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis for REIT Units at the option of the 
holder. The LP B Units and corresponding Special Trust Units together have economic and voting rights equivalent in all material 
respects to REIT Units.  

Pursuant to the Distribution Reinvestment and Unit Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) and the distribution reinvestment provisions of the 
amended and restated limited partnership agreement governing Dream Industrial LP, the following table summarizes the number 
of REIT Units issued and cost of issuing the REIT Units to the subsidiaries of Dream Office REIT for the three months and years 
ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

REIT Units issued to Dream Office REIT 
Total cost of REIT Units issued to Dream Office REIT 

 $ 

2020  

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
362,315   $ 
4,906    

—   $ 
—   

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
1,591,434 
385,535  $ 
19,222 
4,950   

The table below summarizes Dream Office REIT’s ownership of the Trust as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Number of REIT Units held by Dream Office REIT 
Number of LP B Units held by Dream Office REIT 
Total number of Units held by Dream Office REIT 
Dream Office REIT’s percentage ownership of the Trust 

December 31, 2020  
8,052,451  
18,551,855  
26,604,306  
15.5%  

As at 
December 31, 2019 
8,792,170 
18,551,855 
27,344,025 
17.8% 

On January 29, 2021, the Trust completed a public offering and issued 20,240,000 REIT Units. Subsequent to this offering, Dream 
Office REIT's ownership of the Trust was reduced to 13.9%. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuity of equity 
The following table summarizes the changes in our outstanding equity: 

Total Units outstanding on January 1, 2020 
Units issued pursuant to public offering 
Units issued pursuant to DRIP 
Units issued pursuant to Deferred Unit Incentive Plan (“DUIP”) and 
Total Units outstanding on December 31, 2020 
Percentage of all Units 
Units issued pursuant to DUIP  
Units issued pursuant to DRIP 
Units issued pursuant to public offering 
Total Units outstanding on February 16, 2021 
Percentage of all Units 

REIT Units  
134,801,881  
16,859,000  
931,334  
86,646  
152,678,861  
89.2%  
1,450  
224,233  
20,240,000  
173,144,544  
90.3%  

LP B Units  
18,551,855  
—  
—  
—  
18,551,855  
10.8%  
—  
—  
—  
18,551,855  
9.7%  

Total Units 
153,353,736 
16,859,000 
931,334 
86,646 
171,230,716 
100.0% 
1,450 
224,233 
20,240,000 
191,696,399 
100.0% 

Public offerings and private placement of REIT Units 
The following table summarizes the public offering of REIT Units issued during the year ended December 31, 2020. Total costs 
related to the offering were charged directly to unitholders’ equity. 

Date of public offering 
February 12, 2020(1) 

13.65   $ 
(1) Includes 2,199,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 

16,859,000  $ 

Number of REIT Units  

Unit price   

Gross proceeds  

230,125  $ 

Issue costs 
9,892 

On January 29, 2021, the Trust completed a public offering of 20,240,000 REIT Units at a price of $12.80 per REIT Unit for gross 
proceeds of $259.1 million, including 2,640,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted 
to the underwriters. 

The following table summarizes the public offerings of REIT Units issued for the year ended December 31, 2019.  
Gross proceeds  

Number of REIT Units  

Unit price   

Date of public offering 
February 13, 2019(1) 
April 25, 2019(2) 
December 11, 2019(3) 
Total 
$ 
(1) Includes 1,800,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 
(2) Includes 1,627,500 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 
(3) Includes 1,674,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 

13,800,000  $ 
12,477,500  
12,834,000  
39,111,500  

10.45    $ 
11.55     
13.45     

144,210  $ 
144,115  
172,617  
460,942  $ 

Issue costs 
6,408 
6,405 
7,565 
20,378 

On December 19, 2019, the Trust completed a private placement to sell an aggregate of 325,000 REIT Units to Michael J. Cooper, 
Trustee, and Brian Pauls, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, at a price of $13.45 per REIT Unit, for gross proceeds of $4.4 million. 

Short form base shelf prospectus  
On October 15, 2019, the Trust filed and obtained a receipt for a final short form base shelf prospectus dated October 11, 2019, 
which is valid for a 25-month period, during which time the Trust may, from time to time, offer and issue REIT Units, subscription 
receipts  and  debt  securities,  or  any  combination  thereof,  having  an  aggregate  offering  price  of  up  to  $2  billion.  As  at  
December 31, 2020, $402.7 million of REIT Units have been issued under the current base shelf prospectus. On January 29, 2021, 
the Trust issued a further $259.1 million of REIT Units under the current base shelf prospectus, bringing the total to $661.8 million.  
The  recent  offering  of  REIT  Units  was  completed  pursuant  to  the  current  base  shelf  prospectus  as  supplemented  by  a  
prospectus supplement. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Normal course issuer bid 
The  Trust commenced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) on March 31,  2020,  which  will remain in effect until the earlier of  
March 30, 2021 or the date on which the Trust has purchased the maximum number of REIT Units permitted under the NCIB. 
Under the NCIB, the Trust has the ability to purchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 14,204,702 of its REIT Units (representing 
10% of Dream Industrial REIT’s public float of 142,047,020 REIT Units) through the facilities of the TSX. The actual number of REIT 
Units that may be purchased and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by the Trust subject to a maximum daily 
purchase  limitation  of  128,414  REIT  Units,  which  equals  25%  of  the  average  daily  trading  volume  (“ADTV”)  during  the  last  six 
calendar months preceding the commencement of the NCIB (being 513,657 REIT Units per day), other than purchases pursuant 
to applicable block purchase exceptions. 

In connection with the NCIB, the Trust has established an automatic securities purchase plan (the “ASP Plan”) with its designated 
broker  to  facilitate  the  purchase  of  REIT  Units  under  the  NCIB  at  times  when  the  Trust  would  ordinarily  not  be  permitted  to 
purchase REIT Units due to regulatory restrictions or self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by the Trust’s broker 
based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and the terms of the parties’ written agreement. Outside of such restricted or 
blackout periods, the REIT Units may also be purchased in accordance with management’s discretion. The ASP Plan has been pre-
cleared by the TSX and will terminate on March 30, 2021. 

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust did not purchase any REIT Units for cancellation. 

Distribution Reinvestment and Unit Purchase Plan (“DRIP”)  
The DRIP allows holders of REIT Units or subsidiary redeemable units, other than unitholders who are resident of or present in the 
U.S., to elect to have all cash distributions from the Trust reinvested in additional units. Unitholders under the DRIP are eligible to 
receive a bonus distribution of units equal to 3% of the cash distribution reinvested. 

In  response  to  the  market  disruption  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  Trust  suspended  its  DRIP  effective  as  of  the 
distribution  payable  on  April  15,  2020  to  unitholders  of  record  as  at  March  31,  2020  (the  “March  2020  Distribution”).  On  
December 18, 2020, the Trust announced the reinstatement of the DRIP and Unit Purchase Plan commencing with the distribution 
payable on January 15, 2021 to unitholders of record as at December 31, 2020. Upon reinstatement of the DRIP, plan participants 
enrolled in the DRIP at the time of its suspension who remain enrolled at the time of its reinstatement had their participation in 
the DRIP automatically resumed. 

Distribution policy  
Dream Industrial REIT’s Declaration of Trust provides the Board of Trustees with the discretion to determine the percentage payout 
of income that would be in the best interest of the Trust. 

We currently pay monthly distributions of $0.05833 per REIT Unit, or $0.70 per REIT Unit on an annual basis. Similar to other non-
GAAP  measures  such  as  total  equity  (including  LP  B  Units),  our  discussion  of  distributions  includes  LP  B  Units,  which  are 
economically equivalent to REIT Units. However, pursuant to IFRS, the LP B Units are classified as a liability in our consolidated 
financial statements. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  total  distributions  and  DRIP  participation  rate  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Distributions reinvested less 3% bonus distribution  

(DRIP participation rate)(1)   

Distributions paid in cash 
Total distributions excluding 3% bonus distribution 
3% bonus distribution  
Total distributions(1) 

Three months ended December 31, 2020  
% of total   

Amount  

Three months ended December 31, 2019 
% of total 

Amount  

$ 

$ 

796  
29,169  
29,965  
24  
29,989  

2.7%   $ 
97.3%   
100.0%   

  $ 

10,497  
14,757  
25,254  

307    
25,561    

41.6% 
58.4% 
100.0% 

(1) Total  distributions,  DRIP  participation  rate  and  distributions  paid  in  cash  are  non-GAAP measures.  See  “Non-GAAP  Measures  and  Other  Disclosures”  for a 

description. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Distributions reinvested less 3% bonus distribution  

(DRIP participation rate)(1)   

Distributions paid in cash 
Total distributions excluding 3% bonus distribution 
3% bonus distribution  
Total distributions(1) 

Year ended December 31, 2020  
% of total   
Amount  

Year ended December 31, 2019 
% of total 
Amount  

$ 

$ 

8,653  
110,146  
118,799  
323  
119,122  

7.3%   $ 
92.7%   
100.0%   

  $ 

38,169  
56,686  
94,855  
1,131    
95,986    

40.2% 
59.8% 
100.0% 

(1) Total  distributions,  DRIP  participation  rate  and  distributions  paid  in  cash  are  non-GAAP measures.  See  “Non-GAAP  Measures  and  Other  Disclosures”  for a 

description. 

Cash flows from operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt and total distributions (a non-GAAP measure) 
In any given period, actual cash flows generated from (utilized in) operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, may differ 
from total distributions (a non-GAAP measure), primarily due to fluctuations in non-cash working capital and the impact of leasing 
costs, which fluctuate with lease maturities, renewal terms, the type of asset being leased, and when tenants fulfill the terms of 
their  respective  lease  agreements.  These  seasonal  fluctuations  or  the  unpredictability  of  when  leasing  costs  are  incurred  are 
funded  with  our  cash  and  cash  equivalents  on  hand  and, if  necessary,  with  our  existing  demand  revolving  credit  facility.  As  a  
result of these factors, the Trust anticipates that future cash flows generated from (utilized in) operating activities, net of cash 
interest paid on debt, may be less than total distributions (a non-GAAP measure). With a conservative balance sheet, significant 
liquidity and a plan to improve and grow our portfolio, the Trust does not anticipate  suspending the cash distributions in the 
foreseeable future.  

To the extent that cash generated from (utilized in) operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, may be less than the 
total distributions (a non-GAAP measure), the Trust will fund the shortfalls with cash and cash equivalents on hand and with the 
amounts available on the revolving credit facility. The use of the revolving credit facility may involve risks compared with using 
cash and cash equivalents on hand as a source of funding, such as the risk that interest rates may rise in the future, which may 
make it more expensive for the Trust to borrow under the revolving credit facility, and the risk associated with increasing the 
overall indebtedness of the Trust. See “Financing Activities – Unsecured revolving credit facility” for a description of the terms and 
interest  payable  under  the  revolving  credit  facility.  In  the  event  that  shortfalls  exist,  the  Trust  does  not  anticipate  that  cash 
distributions will be suspended in the foreseeable future but does expect that there could be timing differences between the 
execution  of  our  acquisition  strategy  and  asset  recycling  opportunities  and  the  redeployment  of  capital  raised  from  equity 
offerings. Accordingly, to the extent there are shortfalls, distributions may be considered an economic return of capital. The Trust 
determines  the  distribution  rate  by,  among  other  considerations,  its  assessment  of  cash  flows  generated  from  (utilized  in) 
operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt. Dream Industrial REIT’s Declaration of Trust provides the Board of Trustees 
with the discretion to determine the percentage payout of income that would be in the best interest of the Trust. 

In any given period, the Trust anticipates that net income will continue to vary from total distributions (a non-GAAP measure), as 
net  income  includes  non-cash  items  such  as  fair  value  adjustments  to  investment  properties  and  financial  instruments. 
Accordingly, the Trust does not use net income as a proxy for determining distributions. 

The following table summarizes net income, cash flows generated from (utilized in) operating activities, net of cash interest paid 
on  debt  (included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements),  and  total  distributions  (a  non-GAAP  measure)  for  the  
three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Net income  
Cash generated from operating activities, net of cash interest paid  

on debt 

Total distributions(1) 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
106,642   $ 

2020   
81,513  $ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2020  
2019 
179,432 
200,136  $ 

25,440  
29,989  

24,716   
25,561   

102,234  
119,122  

84,595 
95,986 

(1) Total distributions is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures” under the heading “Total distributions”. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As required by National Policy 41-201, “Income Trusts and Other Indirect Offerings”, the following table outlines the differences 
between  net  income  and  total  distributions  (a  non-GAAP  measure),  as  well  as  the  differences  between  cash  generated  from 
(utilized in) operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, and total distributions (a non-GAAP measure), in accordance 
with the guidelines. 

Excess (shortfall) of net income over total distributions(1) 
Shortfall of cash generated from operating activities, net of cash 

interest paid on debt, over total distributions(1) 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
81,081   $ 

2020   
51,524  $ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
83,446 
81,014  $ 

(4,549)  

(845)   

(16,888)  

(11,391) 

(1) Total distributions is a non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures” under the heading “Total distributions”. 

For  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  total  distributions  (a  non-GAAP  measure)  exceeded  cash  flows 
generated from operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, by $4.5 million and $16.9 million, respectively, due to timing 
differences  between  the  realization  of  working  capital,  investment  in  lease  incentives  and  initial  direct  leasing  costs,  and  the 
redeployment of capital raised from equity offerings. No material contracts required amendment in connection with the funding 
of  the  shortfall  and  no  waivers  or  consents  were  required  or  obtained.  The  Trust  expects  the  shortfall  between  cash  flows 
generated from operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, and total distributions (a non-GAAP measure) to improve 
over time, as the Trust continues to execute on its strategy to source high-quality assets with long-term cash flow growth potential 
and to reduce its cost of borrowing.  

For  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December 31,  2019,  total  distributions  (a  non-GAAP  measure)  exceeded  cash  flows 
generated from operating activities, net of cash interest paid on debt, by $0.8 and $11.4 million, respectively, due to the same 
reasons noted above. 

Of the total distributions (a non-GAAP measure) declared for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, $0.8 million 
and $9.0 million, respectively, were reinvested through the DRIP (including 3% bonus distributions). Over time, reinvestments 
pursuant to the DRIP will increase the number of Units outstanding, which may result in upward pressure on the total amount of 
cash distributions. Our Declaration of Trust provides our Board of Trustees with the discretion to determine the percentage payout 
of income that would be in the best interest of the Trust, which allows for any unforeseen expenditures and the variability in cash 
distributions as a result of additional Units issued pursuant to the Trust’s DRIP. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION IV 

SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION 
The following table provides selected financial information for the past three years:  

Investment properties revenue(1) 
Income before income taxes (continuing and discontinued operations)  
Net income 
Total assets 
Non-current financial liabilities 
Distributions per Unit 
Distributions declared(2) 
Units outstanding: 

2020  
235,946  $ 
208,814  
200,136  
3,521,330  
1,435,022  

0.70  $ 
119,122  $ 

2019  
195,331  $ 
187,890  
179,432  
2,892,891  
1,230,916  

0.70  $ 
95,986  $ 

2018 
160,443 
158,764 
157,528 
2,160,575 
1,059,289 
0.70 
73,227 

$ 

$ 
$ 

REIT Units 
LP B Units 

92,062,659 
18,551,855 
(1) Given that the entire Eastern Canada segment was classified as assets held for sale at June 30, 2019 and subsequently sold on July 31, 2019, the associated 
results of operations in the respective periods were presented separately as income (loss) from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of 
comprehensive income. Accordingly, the historical financial information has been restated to conform to current period presentation. 

152,678,861  
18,551,855  

134,801,881  
18,551,855  

(2) Includes distributions on LP B Units.  

Over the past three years, our balance sheet and income statement have grown, reflecting our strategy to grow and upgrade the 
quality of our portfolio by investing in the Trust’s target markets. Refer to the remaining sections of the MD&A for more detailed 
analysis and discussions of the Trust’s key financial information.  

Foreign currency translation rates 
In accordance with the Trust’s accounting policies, the foreign exchange rates used by the Trust to convert foreign denominated 
currencies for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized in the table below: 

CAD per US$1.00 (average during period)(1) 
CAD per US$1.00 (period-end)(1) 
CAD per €1.00 (average during period)(1) 
CAD per €1.00 (period-end)(1) 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
1.3200   $ 
1.2988   
—   
—   

2020  
1.3030  $ 
1.2732  
1.5537  
1.5608  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
1.3268 
1.3411  $ 
1.2988 
1.2732  
— 
1.5295  
— 
1.5608  

(1) Average exchange rates impact comprehensive income and cash flows. Spot exchange rates impact monetary items, and items recorded at fair value. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUARTERLY INFORMATION  
The following tables show quarterly information since January 1, 2019: 

Key portfolio, leasing, financing and capital information 

Portfolio(1) 
Number of assets(2) 
GLA (in millions of sq. ft.) 
Leasing(1) 
Occupancy rate – in-place and 
committed (period-end) 

Occupancy rate – in-place (period-end)  
Tenant retention ratio 
Average in-place and committed base 

rent per sq. ft. (period-end) 
Canadian portfolio 
U.S. portfolio (US$) 
European portfolio (€) 

Financing(3) 
Net total debt-to-assets ratio(4) 
Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV 
(years)(4) 
Interest coverage ratio (times)(4) 
Weighted average face interest rate on 

debt (period-end)(5) 

Weighted average remaining term to 

maturity on debt (years) 

Q4  

177  
27.3  

Q3  

172  
26.6  

Q2  

169  
25.8  

2020  
Q1  

169  
25.8  

Q4  

130  
21.9  

Q3  

130  
21.8  

Q2  

130  
21.6  

2019 
Q1 

139 
23.7 

95.6 %  
94.7 %  
86.8 %  

95.1 %  
94.1 %  
62.3 %  

95.6 %  
95.0 %  
71.8 %  

96.1 %  
95.8 %  
89.5 %  

95.8 %  
94.9 %  
85.3 %  

96.2 %  
95.8 %  
46.5 %  

96.9 %  
96.3 %  
82.0 %  

96.5 % 
95.3 % 
72.6 % 

$ 
$ 
€ 

7.48 $ 
4.01 $ 
5.11 € 

7.43 $ 
4.00 $ 
4.89 € 

7.38 $ 
3.95 $ 
5.16 € 

7.33 $ 
3.93 $ 
5.10  

7.43 $ 
3.87 $ 
—   

7.39 $ 
3.85 $ 
—   

7.29 $ 
3.81 $ 
—   

7.26 
3.81 
—  

31.3 %  

29.6 %  

28.1 %  

28.2 %  

23.7 %  

31.4 %  

37.4 %  

42.4 % 

6.2  
4.4  

5.8  
4.2  

5.4  
4.1  

5.3  
3.9  

4.3  
3.8  

5.4  
3.8  

6.4  
3.7  

7.1 
3.4 

2.57 %  

3.43 %  

3.57 %  

3.57 %  

3.59 %  

3.69 %  

3.69 %  

3.72 % 

4.8  
1,441.6 $ 
573.2 $ 

5.1  
1,283.4 $ 
271.6 $ 

5.6  
1,107.4 $ 
395.4 $ 

5.9  
842.5 $ 
215.8 $ 

Unencumbered assets (in millions)(4)(6)  $ 
$ 
Available liquidity(4) 
Capital  
Total number of Units (in millions)(7) 
NAV per Unit(4) 
(1) Total portfolio and leasing metrics exclude assets held for sale at the end of each period as applicable. 
(2) Number of assets has been restated to conform to current period presentation. An asset has been redefined as a building, or a cluster of buildings in close 

171.2  
12.55 $ 

139.4  
11.09 $ 

171.2  
11.75 $ 

171.2  
12.10 $ 

171.2  
11.84 $ 

153.4  
11.76 $ 

138.5  
11.04 $ 

$ 

125.3 
10.61 

5.5  
96.3 $ 
591.5 $ 

4.9  
345.3 $ 
280.1 $ 

4.4  
381.1 $ 
95.4 $ 

4.4 
318.3 
77.2 

proximity to one another attracting similar tenants.   

(3) Financing metrics include cross-currency interest rate swaps, assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at the end of each period and income (loss) from 

discontinued operations as applicable. 

(4) Net total debt-to-assets ratio, net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV, interest coverage ratio, unencumbered assets, available liquidity and NAV per Unit are non-

GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures” for a description. 

(5) Weighted average face interest rate on debt is calculated as the weighted average face interest rate of all interest bearing debt. 
(6) Unencumbered assets exclude assets held for sale at the end of each period as applicable 
(7) Total number of Units includes 18.6 million LP B Units, which are classified as a liability under IFRS. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of operations 
Given that the entire Eastern Canada region was classified as assets held for sale at the end of June 30, 2019 and subsequently 
sold  on  July  31,  2019,  the  associated  results  of  operations  were  presented  separately  as  income  (loss)  from  discontinued 
operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 
and December 31, 2019. The trailing quarters presented below were also restated to conform to current period presentation.  

Q4  

Q3  

Q2  

$ 

61,323  $  59,013  $  59,060  $  56,550  $ 

2020   
Q1  

2019 
Q1 
50,984  $  49,511  $  49,796  $  45,040 

Q2  

Q3  

Q4  

(16,811)  
44,512  
(22)  
(16,256)  

(16,761)  
42,252  
(17)  
(15,727)  

(16,682)  
42,378  
65  
(16,484)  

(16,809)  
39,741  
865  
(20,134)  

(14,760)  
36,224  
959  
(15,605)  

(13,593)  
35,918  
543  
(14,952)  

(14,611)  
35,185  
198  
(15,625)  

(13,341) 
31,699 
210 
(14,582) 

55,058  

52,723  

(22,741)  

22,620  

90,612  

(21,662)  

64,720  

(28,611) 

83,292  

79,231  

3,218  

43,092  

112,190  

(153)  

84,478  

(11,284) 

(1,779)  

(5,569)  

(274)  

(1,056)  

(5,404)  

(503)  

(1,977)  

(574) 

81,513  

73,662  

2,944  

42,036  

106,786  

(656)  

82,501  

(11,858) 

—  

—  

—  

(19)  

$ 

81,513  $  73,662  $ 

2,944  $  42,017  $ 

(144)  
106,642  $ 

(2,310)  
(2,966) $  84,017  $ 

1,516  

3,597 
(8,261) 

(6,753)  

1,160  

(15,762)  

43,699  

(5,812)  

4,680  

(8,397)  

(1,708) 

(4,054)  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

(36) 

Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating 

expenses 

Net rental income 
Other income 
Other expenses 
Fair value adjustments and net 

gain (loss) on transactions and 
other activities 

Income (loss) before income taxes 
and discontinued operations 
Deferred and current income taxes 

expense, net 

Income (loss) from continuing 
operations, net of taxes 

Income (loss) from discontinued 

operations, net of taxes 

Net income (loss) 
Other comprehensive income 
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign 
currency translation of foreign 
operations, net of taxes 

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging 
instruments, net of taxes 

Share of other comprehensive loss 

from equity accounted 

Comprehensive income (loss) 

$ 

(427)  
(11,234)  
70,279  $  74,628  $  (13,180) $  86,465  $ 

(362)  
(16,124)  

749  
44,448  

(194)  
966  

(109)  
(5,921)  
100,721  $ 

—  
—  
— 
4,680  
(1,744) 
(8,397)  
1,714  $  75,620  $  (10,005) 

Our results of operations may vary significantly from period to period as a result of fair value adjustments to investment properties, 
fair value adjustments to financial instruments, and net gains or losses on transactions and other activities. Operating activity from 
our U.S. and European portfolios and fair value adjustments to investment properties may impact the deferred income taxes in 
any  given  period.  Furthermore,  the  growth  in  our  net  rental  income  from  period  to  period  reflects  our  strategy  to  grow  and 
upgrade the quality of our portfolio by investing in the Trust’s target markets.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95 
737 
— 
(138) 

574 

24,951 
— 
24,951 
0.21 

Funds from operations 

Net income (loss) 
Add (deduct): 

Amortization of lease 

incentives(1) 

Interest expense on subsidiary 

redeemable units 
Fair value adjustments to 
investment properties(1) 
Fair value adjustments to 
financial instruments 
Costs on sale of investment 

properties(1) 

Fair value adjustments of 
deferred trust units 
included in G&A expenses   

Internal leasing costs(1) 
Other transaction costs 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss 
Deferred income taxes 

expense 

FFO(2) before the undernoted 

adjustment 

$ 

Q4  
81,513  $ 

Q3  
73,662  $ 

$ 

Q2  
2,944  $ 

2020 
Q1  

42,017  $  106,642  $ 

Q4  

Q3  
(2,966)  $ 

Q2  
84,017  $ 

2019 
Q1 
(8,261) 

436  

457  

425  

327  

400  

361  

388  

492 

3,247  

3,246  

3,247  

3,311  

3,344  

3,344  

3,344  

3,344 

(91,855)  

(66,314)  

1,551  

36,539  

(89,768)  

(6,587)  

(61,405)  

(20,337) 

36,489  

11,428  

20,270  

(57,272)  

(4,314)  

28,191  

(1,505)  

48,445 

—  

—  

—  

2  

557  

2,220  

419  

— 

21  
772  
—  
(469)  

1,781  

(41)  
796  
—  
1,362  

5,563  

(67)  
702  
—  
213  

273  

(43)  
797  
—  
(2,688)  

1,055  

99  
596  
226  
2,219  

5,436  

104  
608  
—  
(69)  

489  

75  
747  
—  
(440)  

1,977  

Debt settlement costs(1) 
FFO(2) 
FFO per Unit – diluted(2)(3) 
(1) Includes amounts from both continuing and discontinued operations as applicable in the respective periods. 
(2) FFO and diluted FFO per Unit are non-GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Disclosures” for a description of these measures. 
(3) The LP B Units are included in the calculation of diluted FFO per Unit. 

$ 
$ 

24,045  $ 
3,949  
27,994  $ 
0.17  $ 

25,437  $ 
372  
25,809  $ 
0.18  $ 

25,695  $ 
964  
26,659  $ 
0.19  $ 

30,159  $ 
—  
30,159  $ 
0.18  $ 

29,558  $ 
—  
29,558  $ 
0.17  $ 

31,935  $ 
—  
31,935  $ 
0.19  $ 

27,617  $ 
—  
27,617  $ 
0.20  $ 

NON-GAAP MEASURES AND OTHER DISCLOSURES 
The following non-GAAP measures are important measures used by management in evaluating the Trust’s underlying operating 
performance and debt management. These non-GAAP measures are not defined by IFRS, do not have a standard meaning and 
may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

Funds from operations (“FFO”) 
Management believes FFO (including diluted FFO per Unit) is an important measure of our operating performance. This non-GAAP 
measurement is a commonly used measure of performance of real estate operations; however, it does not represent net income 
or cash flows generated from (utilized in) operating activities, as defined by IFRS, is not necessarily indicative of cash available to 
fund the Trust’s needs and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

In February 2019, REALPAC issued a white paper on Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations for IFRS. The 
Trust  has  reviewed  the  REALPAC  FFO  white  paper  guidelines  and  our  determination  of  FFO  is  substantially  aligned  with  the 
REALPAC FFO white paper guidelines with the exception of the add-back of debt settlement costs arising from capital management 
activities and disposals of investment properties. These debt settlement costs are primarily funded from either net proceeds from 
equity offerings or net proceeds from dispositions, and not from cash flows from operating activities. Thus, the Trust is of the view 
that  debt  settlement  costs  incurred  as  a  result  of  capital  management  or  investing  activities  should  be  excluded  from  the 
determination of FFO. Debt settlement costs incurred as a result of operating activities are included in the determination of FFO. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, FFO has 
been reconciled to net income in the table below for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 
2019. 

Net income for the period 
Add (deduct): 

Amortization of lease incentives(1) 
Interest expense on subsidiary redeemable units 
Fair value adjustments to investment properties(1) 
Fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Costs on sale of investment properties(1) 
Fair value adjustments of deferred trust units included in G&A 

expenses 

Internal leasing costs(1) 
Other transaction costs  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss  
Deferred income taxes expense 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
106,642   $ 

2020  
81,513  $ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
179,432 
200,136  $ 

436  
3,247  
(91,855)  
36,489  
—  

400   
3,344   
(89,768)   
(4,314)   
557   

21  
772  
—  
(469)  
1,781  
31,935  
—  
31,935  $ 

99   
596   
226   
2,219   
5,436   
25,437   
372   
25,809   $ 

1,645  
13,051  
(120,079)  
10,915  
2  

(130)  
3,067  
—  
(1,582)  
8,672  
115,697  
3,949  
119,646  $ 

1,641 
13,376 
(178,097) 
70,817 
3,196 

373 
2,688 
226 
1,572 
8,476 
103,700 
1,336 
105,036 

FFO for the period before the undernoted adjustment 
Debt settlement costs(1) 
FFO for the period 
(1)  Includes amounts from both continuing and discontinued operations as applicable in the respective periods. 

$ 

Weighted average number of Units 
The basic weighted average number of Units includes the weighted average of all REIT Units, LP B Units, and vested but unissued 
deferred trust units and income deferred trust units.  

The  diluted  weighted  average  number  of  Units  outstanding  used  in  the  FFO  per  Unit  calculation  includes  the  basic  weighted 
average number of Units, unvested deferred trust units and associated income deferred trust units. As at December 31, 2020, 
there were 400,244 unvested deferred trust units and associated income deferred trust units (December 31, 2019 – 391,869). 

Weighted average Units outstanding 
Basic (in thousands) 
Diluted (in thousands) 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
142,785   
143,175   

2020   
171,249  
171,670  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
133,796 
169,156  
134,211 
169,550  

Comparative properties net operating income (“NOI”) and comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) 
Comparative properties NOI is a non-GAAP measure used by management in evaluating the performance of properties owned by 
the  Trust  in  the  current  and comparative  periods  presented.  This  non-GAAP  measure  is  not  defined  by  IFRS,  does  not  have a 
standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

When the Trust compares comparative properties NOI on a quarter-over-prior year quarter basis, the Trust excludes investment 
properties acquired after October 1, 2019 and properties disposed of prior to December 31, 2020. On a year-over-year basis, the 
Trust  excludes  investment  properties  acquired  after  January  1,  2019  and  properties  disposed  of  prior  to  December  31,  2020. 
Comparative  properties  NOI  also  excludes  straight-line  rent,  amortization  of  lease  incentives,  expected  credit  loss,  lease 
termination fees and other rental income, and COVID-19 related adjustments and provisions. 

Given that the entire Eastern Canada region was classified as assets held for sale at the end of June 30, 2019 and subsequently 
sold  on  July  31,  2019,  the  associated  results  of  operations  were  presented  separately  as  income  (loss)  from  discontinued 
operations and excluded from comparative properties NOI in the current and prior periods. 

Comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) is a non-GAAP measure used by management in evaluating the performance 
of properties owned by the Trust in the current and comparative periods on a constant currency basis. It is calculated by taking 
comparative  properties  NOI  as  defined  above  and  excluding  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  translation  by  converting  the 
comparative properties NOI denominated in foreign currency in the respective periods at the respective current period average 
exchange rates. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”, 
comparative properties NOI and comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis) have been reconciled to net rental income 
under the heading “Comparative properties NOI and comparative properties NOI (constant currency basis)”. 

Unencumbered assets 
Unencumbered assets represent the value of investment properties, excluding properties held for sale, that have not been pledged 
as collateral for the financing of the Trust’s revolving credit facility or mortgages. This non-GAAP measure is used by management 
in assessing the borrowing capacity available to the Trust. However, it is not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard meaning 
and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts.  

In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, the table 
below  reconciles  investment  properties  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  to  unencumbered  assets  as  at  
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Amounts included in consolidated financial statements 
Investment properties 
Less: Pledged as collateral 
Unencumbered assets 

December 31, 2020  
$ 

3,241,601   $ 
(1,800,012)  
1,441,589   $ 

$ 

December 31, 2019  
2,428,664  
(2,332,413) 
96,251  

Net asset value (“NAV”) per Unit 
NAV per Unit is calculated as total equity (including LP B Units) divided by the total number of REIT Units and LP B Units. This non-
GAAP measure is an important measure reflecting management’s view of the intrinsic value of the Trust. However, NAV per Unit 
is not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other 
income trusts. The calculation of NAV per Unit is included under the heading “Total equity”. 

In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, the table 
within the section “Our Equity” under the heading “Total equity” reconciles NAV per Unit to total equity (as per the consolidated 
financial statements). 

Total equity (including LP B Units or subsidiary redeemable units) 
One of the components used to determine the Trust’s NAV per Unit is total equity (including LP B Units). Total equity (including  
LP B Units) is calculated as the sum of  equity per the consolidated financial statements and the subsidiary redeemable units. 
Management believes it is important to include the subsidiary redeemable units for the purpose of determining the Trust’s capital 
management. Management does not consider the subsidiary redeemable units to be debt or borrowings of the Trust, but rather 
a component of the Trust’s equity. However, total equity (including LP B Units) is not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard 
meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, the table 
within the section “Our Equity” under the heading “Total equity” reconciles total equity (including LP B Units) to total equity  
(as per the consolidated financial statements). 

Total distributions 
Total distributions (a non-GAAP measure) is calculated as the sum of the distributions on REIT Units and interest on subsidiary 
redeemable units. Management believes it is important to include interest on subsidiary redeemable units for the purpose of 
determining  the  Trust’s  total  distributions  to  all  of  its  unitholders.  Management  does  not  consider  the  interest  on  subsidiary 
redeemable units to be an interest expense of the Trust, but rather a component of the Trust’s total distributions. However, total 
distributions  is  not  defined  by  IFRS,  does  not  have  a  standard  meaning  and  may  not  be  comparable  with  similar  measures 
presented by other income trusts. 

In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, the table 
below reconciles total distributions to amounts included in the consolidated financial statements for the three months and years 
ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

Amounts included in consolidated financial statements 
Distributions on REIT Units 
Interest on subsidiary redeemable units 
Total distributions 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
22,217   $ 
3,344   
25,561   $ 

2020   
26,719  $ 
3,247  
29,966  $ 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
82,610 
106,048  $ 
13,376 
13,051  
95,986 
119,099  $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Reinvestment and Unit Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) participation rate  
The  DRIP  participation  rate  is  the  ratio  of  total  distributions  reinvested  less  bonus  distribution  over  total  distributions. 
Management believes it is an important measure in evaluating the impact that the DRIP will have on the Trust’s ability to sustain 
current distribution levels during the current and future periods. Over time, reinvestments pursuant to the DRIP will increase the 
number of Units outstanding, which may result in upward pressure on the total amount of cash distributions. 

The calculation of the DRIP participation rate has been included under the heading “Distribution policy”. DRIP participation rate is 
not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other 
income trusts. 

In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”,  total 
distributions reinvested and total distributions paid in cash have been reconciled to amounts included in the consolidated financial 
statements for the three months and years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

Distributions reinvested as included in consolidated financial statements  $ 
Less: Distributions reinvested pertaining to prior period 
Add: Distributions reinvested on January 15 
Less: 3% bonus distribution 
Distributions reinvested less 3% bonus distribution (DRIP 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
10,526   $ 
(3,447)   
3,725   
(307)   

2020    
—   $ 
—   
820   
(24)  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
38,311 
11,881  $ 
(2,736) 
(3,725)  
3,725 
820  
(1,131) 
(323)  

participation rate) 

$ 

796   $ 

10,497   $ 

8,653  $ 

38,169 

Distributions paid on REIT Units 
Interest paid on LP B Units 
Less: Distributions paid on REIT Units pertaining to prior 

period 

Less: Interest paid on LP B Units pertaining to prior period 
Add: Distributions paid on REIT Units on January 15 
Add: Interest paid on LP B Units on January 15 
Distributions paid in cash 

$ 

$ 

Three months ended December 31,  
2019   
14,221   $ 
—   

2020   
26,719  $ 
3,247  

(8,907)  
(1,082)  
8,110  
1,082  
29,169  $ 

(4,731)   
—   
5,267   
—   
14,757   $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
55,167 
— 

2020   
96,482  $ 
9,739  

(5,267)  
—  
8,110  
1,082  
110,146  $ 

(3,748) 
— 
5,267 
— 
56,686 

Available liquidity 
Available  liquidity  is  defined  as  the  sum  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  undrawn  revolving  credit  facility  at  period-end. 
Management believes that available liquidity, a non-GAAP measurement, is an important measure in determining our resources 
available  to  meet  all  of  our  ongoing  obligations.  This  non-GAAP  measure  does  not  have  a  standard  meaning  and  may  not  be 
comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, the table 
below reconciles available liquidity to cash and cash equivalents as per the consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 
2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Amounts per consolidated financial statements 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Undrawn revolving credit facility 
Available liquidity 

December 31, 
2020 
254,935  $ 
318,300  
573,235  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
441,537 
150,000 
591,537 

$ 

$ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt 
Total debt (a non-GAAP measure) is calculated as the sum of current and non-current debt and the cross-currency interest rate 
swaps  per  consolidated  financial  statements.  Management  believes  it  is  important  to  include  any  cross-currency  interest  rate 
swaps for the purposes of monitoring the Trust’s debt levels. Total debt is not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard meaning 
and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”,  the  
table  below  reconciles  total  debt  to  debt  as  per  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  at  December  31,  2020  and  
December 31, 2019. 

Amounts per consolidated financial statements 
Non-current debt 
Current debt 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps(1) 
Total debt 
(1)  The cross-currency interest rate swaps are included in “non-current liabilities” in the consolidated financial statements. 

$ 

$ 

December 31, 2020 

1,128,773  $ 
130,157  
9,484  
1,268,414  $ 

December 31, 2019 
952,917 
61,651 
— 
1,014,568 

Net total debt-to-assets ratio 
Management believes that level of debt (net total debt-to-assets ratio) is an important non-GAAP measure in the management of 
our debt levels. This non-GAAP measure does not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures 
presented by other income trusts. Net total debt-to-assets ratio as shown below is determined as total debt (including debt related 
to assets held for sale) at the principal amount outstanding (total debt plus unamortized financing costs, less unamortized fair 
value adjustments), less cash and cash equivalents, all divided by total assets (net of cash and cash equivalents). 

In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”,  the 
following  table  calculates  the  level  of  debt  (net  total  debt-to-assets  ratio)  as  at  December  31,  2020,  September  30,  2020,  
December 31, 2019, September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 

Total debt(1) 
Add (deduct): 

December 31, 
2020 
1,268,414  $ 

September 30, 
2020 
923,165  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
1,014,568  $ 

September 30, 
2019 
861,695  $ 

December 31, 
2018 
937,730 

$ 

5,804 
8,807  
Unamortized financing costs 
(1,641) 
(144)  
Unamortized fair value adjustments 
941,893 
1,277,077  
Total debt at principal amount outstanding 
(4,968) 
(254,935)  
Less: Cash and cash equivalents  
936,925 
1,022,142  $ 
Net total debt 
2,160,575 
3,521,330  
Total assets 
(4,968) 
(254,935)  
Less: Cash and cash equivalents 
2,155,607 
3,266,395  $ 
Total assets (net of cash and cash equivalents) 
43.5% 
31.3%  
Net total debt-to-assets ratio 
(1) Total debt is a non-GAAP measure, which includes the fair value of our cross-currency interest rate swaps, please refer to detailed descriptions and calculations 

7,064  
(217)  
930,012  
(20,830)  
909,182  $ 
3,096,136  
(20,830)  
3,075,306  $ 
29.6%  

5,959  
(1,106)  
866,548  
(130,097)  
736,451  $ 
2,478,685  
(130,097)  
2,348,588  $ 
31.4%  

8,073  
(949)  
1,021,692  
(441,537)  
580,155  $ 
2,892,891  
(441,537)  
2,451,354  $ 
23.7%  

$ 

$ 

under the heading “Total debt”. 

Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV 
Management  believes  that  net  total  debt-to-adjusted  EBITDAFV,  a  non-GAAP  measurement,  is  an  important  measure  in 
determining the time it takes the Trust, on a go forward basis, based on its normalized operating performance, to repay its debt. 
This non-GAAP measurement does not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by 
other income trusts. 

Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV as shown below is calculated as total debt (including debt related to assets held for sale) at 
the principal amount outstanding (total debt plus unamortized financing costs, less unamortized fair value adjustments), less cash 
and cash equivalents, all divided by adjusted EBITDAFV – annualized. Adjusted EBITDAFV – annualized is calculated as the quarterly 
EBITDAFV plus normalized NOI of properties acquired in the quarter less NOI of properties disposed of prior to the current quarter. 
EBITDAFV  is  defined  below  under  the  heading  “Earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation,  amortization  and  fair  value 
adjustments (“EBITDAFV”)”. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”,  the 
following  table  calculates  the  annualized  net  total  debt-to-adjusted  EBITDAFV  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019: 

Total debt(1) 
Add (deduct): 

December 31, 2020 

$ 

1,268,414  $ 

December 31, 2019 
1,014,568 

Unamortized financing costs 
Unamortized fair value adjustments 
Total debt at principal amount outstanding 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents 
Net debt 
EBITDAFV(2) – quarterly 
Add: 
176 
    Normalized NOI of properties acquired in the quarter(3) 
34 
    Net rental loss from properties sold in prior periods(4) 
34,006 
Adjusted EBITDAFV – quarterly 
136,024 
Adjusted EBITDAFV – annualized 
4.3  
Net total debt-to-adjusted EBITDAFV (years) 
(1) Total debt is a non-GAAP measure, which includes the fair value of our cross-currency interest rate swaps, please refer to detailed descriptions and calculations 

8,807  
(144)  
1,277,077  
(254,935)  
1,022,142  $ 
40,020  

8,073 
(949) 
1,021,692 
(441,537) 
580,155 
33,796 

1,173  
2  
41,195  
164,780  $ 
6.2  

$ 

$ 

under the heading “Total debt”. 

(2) EBITDAFV for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (a non-GAAP measure) has been reconciled to net income for the respective 

periods under the heading “Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and fair value adjustments (“EBITDAFV”)”. 

(3) Represents the incremental NOI had the acquisitions in the respective periods occurred for the full quarter, determined using the average daily NOI times the 

number of days the Trust did not own the properties. 

(4) Includes net rental loss from discontinued operations as applicable in the respective periods. 

Interest coverage ratio 
Management believes that interest coverage ratio, a non-GAAP measurement, is an important measure in determining our ability 
to cover interest expense on debt and other financing costs based on our operating performance. This non-GAAP measurement 
does not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts.  

Interest coverage ratio as shown below is calculated as the trailing 12-month EBITDAFV divided by the trailing 12-month interest 
expense  on  debt  and  other  financing  costs.  Interest  expense  on  subsidiary  redeemable  units  is  excluded  from  this  ratio  as  it 
represents distributions on units; however, pursuant to IFRS, the distributions are presented as interest expense.  The interest 
coverage ratio includes the results of continuing and discontinued operations.  

In  compliance  with  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  Staff  Notice  52-306  (Revised),  “Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures”,  the 
following table calculates the interest coverage ratio for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.  

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
139,217 
EBITDAFV(1) 
36,173 
Interest expense on debt and other financing costs(2) 
Interest coverage ratio (times) 
3.8 
(1) EBITDAFV for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (a non-GAAP measure) has been reconciled to net income (loss) under the heading 

2020 
152,347  $ 
34,338  
4.4  

$ 

“Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and fair value adjustments (“EBITDAFV”)”. 
(2) Includes interest expense on debt and other financing costs from continuing and discontinued operations. 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and fair value adjustments (“EBITDAFV”) 
EBITDAFV is defined by the Trust as net income for the period adjusted for fair value adjustments to investment properties and 
financial instruments, net loss on transactions and other activities (includes depreciation and amortization), interest expense, debt 
settlement costs, other items included in investment properties revenue, and net deferred and current income taxes expense. The 
adjustments include activity from continuing and discontinued operations. This non-GAAP measurement is an important measure 
used by the Trust in evaluating property operating performance; however, it is not defined by IFRS, does not have a standard 
meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other income trusts. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In compliance with Canadian Securities Administrators Staff Notice 52-306 (Revised), “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”, EBITDAFV 
has  been  reconciled  to  net  income  in  the  table  below  for  the  three  months  and  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  
December 31, 2019:   

Net income for the period 
Add (deduct): 

For the three months ended   
December 31, 
2019  
106,642   $ 

December 31, 
2020 
81,513  $ 

For the year ended 
December 31, 
2019 
179,432 

December 31, 
2020 
200,136  $ 

$ 

Fair value adjustments to investment properties(1) 
Fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Net loss on transactions and other activities(1) 
Interest expense on debt(1) 
Interest expense on subsidiary redeemable units 
Debt settlement costs(1) 
Other items included in investment properties revenue(2) 
Deferred and current income taxes expense, net(1) 

(178,097) 
70,817 
7,737 
36,173 
13,376 
1,336 
(15) 
8,458 
139,217 
EBITDAFV for the period 
(1) Fair value adjustments to investment properties, net loss on transactions and other activities, interest expense on debt, debt settlement costs, and deferred 

(120,079)  
10,915  
1,506  
34,338  
13,051  
4,324  
(522)  
8,678  
152,347  $ 

(89,768)   
(4,314)   
3,618   
8,686   
3,344   
372   
(188)   
5,404   
33,796   $ 

(91,855)  
36,489  
308  
8,501  
3,247  
—  
38  
1,779  
40,020  $ 

$ 

and current income taxes expense, include continuing and discontinued operations. 

(2) Includes lease termination fees and other items, straight-line rent, and amortization of lease incentives from continuing and discontinued operations. 

SECTION V 

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND OUR PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING  
For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2020,  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  (the  “Certifying  Officers”), 
together with other members of management, have evaluated the design and operational effectiveness of Dream Industrial REIT’s 
disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and 
Interim Filings (“NI 52-109”). The Certifying Officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and 
effective  in  order  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  material  information  has  been  accumulated  and  communicated  to 
management to allow timely decisions of required disclosures by Dream Industrial REIT and its consolidated subsidiary entities 
within the required time periods. 

Dream  Industrial  REIT’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  NI  52-109)  is  designed  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external 
purposes  in  accordance  with  IFRS.  Using  the  framework  established  in  “2013  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  (COSO) 
Internal Control Framework”, published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, the Certifying 
Officers,  together  with  other  members  of  management,  have  evaluated  the  design  and  operation  of  Dream  Industrial  REIT’s 
internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, the Certifying Officers have concluded that Dream Industrial 
REIT’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2020. 

There  were  no  changes  in  Dream  Industrial  REIT’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  during  the  financial  year  ended 
December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Dream Industrial REIT’s internal 
control over financial reporting. 

SECTION VI 

RISKS AND OUR STRATEGY TO MANAGE 
In addition to the specific risks discussed in this MD&A, we are exposed to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are 
beyond our control and could have an impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. Unitholders 
should consider these risks and uncertainties when assessing our outlook in terms of investment potential. For a further discussion 
of the risks and uncertainties identified by Dream Industrial REIT, please refer to our latest Annual Report and Annual Information 
Form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate ownership 
Real estate ownership is generally subject to numerous factors and risks, including changes in general economic conditions (such 
as  the  availability,  terms  and  cost  of  mortgage  financings  and  other  types  of  credit),  local  economic  conditions  (such  as  an 
oversupply  of  industrial  properties  or  a  reduction  in  demand  for  real  estate  in  the  area),  the  attractiveness  of  properties  to 
potential  tenants  or  purchasers,  competition  with  other  landlords  with  similar  available  space,  and  the  ability  of  the  owner  
to provide adequate maintenance at competitive costs.  

An  investment  in  real  estate  is  relatively  illiquid.  Such  illiquidity  will  tend  to  limit  our  ability  to  vary  our  portfolio  promptly  in 
response to changing economic or investment conditions. In recessionary times, it may be difficult to dispose of certain types of 
real estate. The costs of holding real estate are considerable, and during an economic recession we may be faced with ongoing 
expenditures  with  a  declining  prospect  of  incoming  receipts.  In  such  circumstances,  it  may  be  necessary  for  us  to  dispose  of 
properties at lower prices in order to generate sufficient cash from operations and to make distributions and interest payments.  

Certain significant expenditures (e.g., property taxes, maintenance costs, mortgage payments, insurance costs and related charges) 
must be made throughout the period of ownership of real property, regardless of whether the property is producing sufficient 
income to pay such expenses. In order to retain desirable rentable space and to generate adequate revenue over the long term, 
we must maintain or, in some cases, improve each property’s condition to meet market demand. Maintaining a rental property in 
accordance with market standards can entail significant costs, which we may not be able to pass on to our tenants. Numerous 
factors, including the age of  the relevant building structure, the  material and substances used at the time of  construction, or 
currently unknown building code violations, could result in substantial unbudgeted costs for refurbishment or modernization. In 
the course of acquiring a property, undisclosed defects in design or construction or other risks might not have been recognized or 
correctly evaluated during the pre-acquisition due diligence process. These circumstances could lead to additional costs and could 
have an adverse effect on our proceeds from sales and rental income of the relevant properties. 

Rollover of leases 
Upon the expiry of any lease, there can be no assurance that the lease will be renewed or the tenant replaced. Furthermore, the 
terms of any subsequent lease may be less favourable than those of the existing lease. Our cash flows and financial position would 
be adversely affected if our tenants were to become unable to meet their obligations under their leases or if a significant amount 
of available space in our properties could not be leased on economically favourable lease terms. In the event of default by a tenant, 
we may experience delays or limitations in enforcing our rights as lessor and incur substantial costs in protecting our investment. 
Furthermore, at any time, a tenant may seek the protection of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, which could result in the 
rejection and termination of the lease of the tenant and, thereby, cause a reduction in the cash flows available to us. 

Concentration of properties and tenants 
Currently, our properties are located in Canada and the U.S., and Europe, and, as a result, are impacted by economic and other 
factors specifically affecting the real estate markets in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. These factors may differ from those affecting 
the real estate markets in other regions. Due to the concentrated nature of our properties, a number of our properties could 
experience any of the same conditions at the same time. If real estate conditions in Canada, the U.S., and Europe decline relative 
to real estate conditions in other regions, our cash flows and financial condition may be more adversely affected than those of 
companies that have more geographically diversified portfolios of properties.  

Financing 
We require access to capital to maintain our properties as well as to fund our growth strategy and significant capital expenditures. 
There is no assurance that capital will be available when needed or on favourable terms. Our access to third-party financing will 
be  subject  to  a  number  of  factors,  including  general  market  conditions;  the  market’s  perception  of  our  growth  potential;  our 
current and expected future earnings; our cash flow and cash distributions and cash interest payments; and the market price of 
our REIT Units.  

A significant portion of our financing is debt. Accordingly, we are subject to the risks associated with debt financing, including the 
risk that our cash flows will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest, and that, on maturities of such 
debt, we may not be able to refinance the outstanding principal under such debt or that the terms of such refinancing will be 
more onerous than those of the existing debt. If we are unable to refinance debt at maturity on terms acceptable to us or at all, 
we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties on disadvantageous terms, which may result in losses and could 
alter our debt-to-equity ratio or be dilutive to unitholders. Such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial position 
or cash flows.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  46 

 
 
 
The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences to our operations. A high level of debt will: reduce the 
amount of funds available for the payment of distributions to unitholders and interest payments on our debentures; limit our 
flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the economy and in the industry, and increase our vulnerability to general 
adverse economic and industry conditions; limit our ability to borrow additional funds, dispose of assets, encumber our assets 
and make potential investments; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to other owners of similar real estate assets 
that are less leveraged and, therefore, may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our indebtedness would prevent us 
from pursuing; make it more likely that a reduction in our borrowing base following a periodic valuation (or redetermination) could 
require us to repay a portion of then outstanding borrowings; and impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future 
for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general trust or other purposes.  

Interest rates 
When entering into financing agreements or extending such agreements, we depend on our ability to agree on terms for interest 
payments that will not impair our desired profit, and on amortization schedules that do not restrict our ability to pay distributions 
on  our  REIT  Units  and  interest  payments  on  our  debentures.  In  addition  to  existing  variable  rate  portions  of  our  financing 
agreements, we may enter into future financing agreements with variable interest rates. An increase in interest rates could result 
in a significant increase in the amount we pay to service debt, which could limit our ability to pay distributions to unitholders and 
could impact the market price of the REIT Units. Increases in interest rates generally cause a decrease in demand for properties. 
Higher interest rates and more stringent borrowing requirements, whether mandated by law or required by banks, could have a 
significant negative effect on our ability to sell any of our properties.  

Currency risk 
Some of our investments and operations are conducted in U.S. dollars and euros; however, we pay distributions to unitholders in 
Canadian dollars. As a result, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar and euro against the Canadian dollar could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial results, which are denominated and reported in Canadian dollars, and on our ability to pay cash distributions 
to unitholders. The Trust’s exposure to currency exchange risk could increase if the proportion of income from properties located 
in the U.S. and Europe increases as a result of future property acquisitions. 

Hedging instruments 
The Trust uses the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements to hedge currency risk on European investments, and interest 
rate exposure on certain financing agreements. Hedge ineffectiveness for cross-currency interest rate swaps can result from (i) fair 
value measurements on hedging instruments which are not matched by the hedged item; (ii) changes to critical underlying terms 
and conditions in the cross-currency interest rate swaps or respective financing agreements, and (iii) the effects of the forthcoming 
reforms to LIBOR. 

Changes in law 
We  are  subject  to  applicable  federal,  provincial  or  state,  municipal,  local  and  common  laws  and  regulations  governing  the 
ownership and leasing of real property, employment standards, environmental matters, taxes and other matters. It is possible that 
future changes in such laws or regulations, or changes in their application, enforcement or regulatory interpretation, could result 
in changes in the legal requirements affecting us (including with retroactive effect). In addition, the political conditions in the 
jurisdictions in which we operate are also subject to change. Any changes in investment policies or shifts in political attitudes may 
adversely affect our investments. Any changes in the laws to which we are subject in the jurisdictions in which we operate could 
materially affect our rights and title in and to the properties and the revenues we are able to generate from our investments. 

Tax considerations  
We intend to continue to qualify as a “unit trust” and a “mutual fund trust” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). There 
can be no assurance that Canadian federal income tax laws and the administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada 
Revenue  Agency  respecting  the  treatment  of  mutual  fund  trusts  will  not  be  changed  in  a  manner  that  adversely  affects  the 
unitholders. If we cease to qualify as a “mutual fund trust” under the Income Tax Act (Canada), the income tax considerations 
applicable to us would be materially and adversely different in certain respects, including that the REIT Units may cease to be 
qualified investments for registered plans under the Income Tax Act (Canada). 

Although we have been structured with the objective of maximizing after-tax distributions, tax charges and withholding taxes in 
various jurisdictions in which we invest will affect the level of distributions made to us by our subsidiaries. No assurance can be 
given  as  to  the  level  of  taxation  suffered  by  us  or  our  subsidiaries.  Currently,  our  revenues  are  derived  from  our  investments  
located in Canada, the U.S., and Europe which will subject us to legal and political risks specific to those countries, any of which 
could adversely impact our investments, cash flows, operating results or financial condition, our ability to make distributions on 
the REIT Units and our ability to implement our growth strategy. The taxable income portion of our distributions is affected by a 
variety of factors, including the amount of foreign accrual property income that we recognize annually, gains and losses, if any, 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  47 

 
from the disposition of properties and the results of our operations. These components will change each year and, therefore, the 
taxable income allocated to our unitholders each year will also change accordingly. 

Competition 
The real estate markets in Canada, the U.S. and Europe are highly competitive and fragmented, and we compete for real property 
acquisitions with individuals, corporations, institutions and other entities that may seek real property investments similar to those 
we desire. An increase in the availability of investment funds or an increase in interest in real property investments may increase 
competition  for  real  property  investments,  thereby  increasing  purchase  prices  and  reducing  the  yield  on  them.  If  competing 
properties of a similar type are built in the area where one of our properties is located or if similar properties located in the vicinity 
of one of our properties are substantially refurbished, the net operating income derived from and the value of such property could 
be reduced.  

Numerous other developers, managers and owners of properties will compete with us in seeking tenants. To the extent that our 
competitors own properties that are in better locations, of better quality or less leveraged than the properties owned by us, they 
may be in a better position to attract tenants who might otherwise lease space in our properties. To the extent that our competitors 
are better capitalized or financially stronger, they would be in a better position to withstand an economic downturn. The existence 
of competition for tenants could have an adverse effect on our ability to lease space in our properties and on the rents charged or 
concessions granted, and could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, operating results and financial condition. 

Joint arrangements 
We are a participant in joint arrangements with related parties. A joint arrangement involves certain additional risks, including: 

(i) 

the possibility that such third parties may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that will be inconsistent 
with ours, or take actions contrary to our instructions or requests or to our policies or objectives with respect to our real 
estate investments;  

(ii)  the risk that such third parties could experience financial difficulties or seek the protection of bankruptcy, insolvency or other 
laws, which could result in additional financial demands on us to maintain and operate such properties or repay the third 
parties’ share of property debt guaranteed by us or for which we will be liable, and/or result in our suffering or incurring 
delays, expenses and other problems associated with obtaining court approval of the joint arrangement; 

(iii)  the risk that such third parties may, through their activities on behalf of or in the name of the joint arrangements, expose or 

subject us to liability; and 

(iv)  the need to obtain third parties’ consents with respect to certain major decisions, including the decision to distribute cash 
generated from such properties or to refinance or sell a property. In addition, the sale or transfer of interests in certain of the 
joint arrangements  may be  subject to rights of  first refusal or first offer, and certain of  the joint venture  and partnership 
agreements may provide for buy-sell or similar arrangements. Such rights may be triggered at a time when we may not desire 
to sell but may be forced to do so because we do not have the cash to purchase the other party’s interests. Such rights may 
also inhibit our ability to sell an interest in a property or a joint arrangement within the time frame or otherwise on the basis 
we desire. 

Our investment in properties through joint arrangements is subject to the investment guidelines set out in our Declaration of Trust. 

Environmental and climate change risk 
As an owner of real property, we are subject to various federal, provincial or state, and municipal laws relating to environmental 
matters. Such laws provide a range of potential liability, including potentially significant penalties, and potential liability for the 
costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances. The presence of such substances, if any, could adversely affect 
our ability to sell or redevelop such real estate or to borrow using such real estate as collateral and, potentially, could also result 
in civil claims against us. In order to obtain financing for the purchase of a new property through traditional channels, we may be 
requested to arrange for an environmental audit to be conducted. Although such an audit provides us and our lenders with some 
assurance, we may become subject to liability for undetected pollution or other environmental hazards on our properties against 
which we cannot insure, or against which we may elect not to insure where premium costs are disproportionate to our perception 
of relative risk. 

We have formal policies and procedures to review and monitor environmental exposure. These policies include the requirement 
to obtain a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, conducted by an independent and qualified environmental consultant, before 
acquiring any real property or any interest therein. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  48 

 
 
Climate change continues to attract the focus of governments and the general public as an important threat, given the emission 
of greenhouse gases and other activities continue to negatively impact the planet. We face the risk that our properties will be 
subject to government initiatives aimed at countering climate change, such as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which could 
impose constraints on our operational flexibility or cause us to incur financial costs to comply with various reforms. Any failure to 
adhere  and  adapt  to  climate  change  reform  could  result  in  fines  or  adversely  affect  our  reputation,  operations  or  financial 
performance. Furthermore, our properties may be exposed to the impact of events caused by climate change, such as natural 
disasters  and  increasingly  frequent  and  severe  weather  conditions.  Such  events  could  interrupt  our  operations  and  activities, 
damage  our  properties  and  potentially  decrease  our  property  values  or  require  us  to  incur  additional  expenses  including  an 
increase in insurance costs to insure our properties against natural disasters and severe weather. 

Insurance 
We carry general liability, umbrella liability and excess liability insurance with limits that are typically obtained for similar real 
estate portfolios in Canada and the U.S. and are otherwise acceptable to our trustees. For the property risks, we carry “All Risks” 
property insurance including, but not limited to, flood, earthquake and loss of rental income insurance (with at least a 24-month 
indemnity  period).  We  also  carry  boiler  and  machinery  insurance  covering  all  boilers,  pressure  vessels,  HVAC  systems  and 
equipment breakdown. However, certain types of risks (generally of a catastrophic nature such as from war or nuclear accident) 
are uninsurable under any insurance policy. Furthermore, there are other risks that are not economically viable to insure at this 
time. We partially self-insure against terrorism risk for our entire portfolio. We have insurance for earthquake risks, subject to 
certain policy limits, deductibles and self-insurance arrangements. Should an uninsured or underinsured loss occur, we could lose 
our  investment  in,  and  anticipated  profits  and  cash  flows  from,  one  or  more  of  our  properties,  but  we  would  continue  to  be 
obligated to repay any recourse mortgage indebtedness on such properties. We do not carry title insurance on all of our properties. 
If a loss occurs resulting from a title defect with respect to a property where there is no title insurance or the loss is in excess of 
insured limits, we could lose all or part of our investment in, and anticipated profits and cash flows from, such property. 

Cyber security risks 
As we continue to increase our dependence on information technologies to conduct our operations, the risks associated with 
cyber security also increase. We rely on management information systems and computer control systems. Business disruptions, 
utility  outages  and  information  technology  system  and  network  disruptions  due  to  cyber-attacks  could  seriously  harm  our 
operations and materially adversely affect our operating results. Cyber security risks include attacks on information technology 
and infrastructure by hackers, damage or loss of information due to viruses, the unintended disclosure of confidential information, 
the misuse or loss of control over computer control systems, and breaches due to employee error. Our exposure to cyber security 
risks includes exposure through third parties on whose systems we place significant reliance for the conduct of our business. We 
have implemented security procedures and measures in order to protect our systems and information from being vulnerable to 
cyber-attacks. However, we may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate, prevent or recover from rapidly 
evolving  types  of  cyber-attacks.  Compromises  to  our  information  and  control  systems  could  have  severe  financial  and  other 
business implications. 

COVID-19 
Adverse Canadian, U.S., European and global market, economic and political conditions, including dislocations and volatility in the 
credit markets and general global economic uncertainty, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations 
and financial condition with the potential to impact, among others: (i) the value of our properties; (ii) the availability or the terms 
of financing that we have or may anticipate utilizing; (iii) our ability to make principal and interest payments on, or refinance, any 
outstanding debt when due; (iv) the occupancy rates in our properties; and (v) the ability of our tenants to enter into new leasing 
transactions or to satisfy rental payments under existing leases. 

On  March  11,  2020,  the  World  Health  Organization  declared  COVID-19  a  global  pandemic.  The  COVID-19  pandemic  and  the 
corresponding  government  response  has  materially  affected  the  Trust  and  may  materially  affect  the  Trust  in  the  future.  The 
duration and full scope of the economic impact of COVID-19 are unknown and, as a result, it is not possible to estimate the full 
impact on our financial results and operations. Risks and uncertainties arising from this global pandemic could include, but are 
not limited to, the impact on our tenants, global economies and financial markets, and our information technology systems. 

The extent to which COVID-19 (or any other disease, epidemic or pandemic) impacts business activity or financial results, and the 
duration and scope of any such negative impact, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be 
predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning COVID-19 and the actions required to contain or treat its 
impact, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding government response, including the public safety related 
protocols adopted by us in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have materially affected us. The various government mandates, 
including “work from home” orders, have resulted in the closure of our head office and regional offices to all employees other 
than essential services and have affected the trading price of our Units. The COVID-19 pandemic, the government response and 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  49 

 
government mandates may continue to materially affect us in the future and may materially affect the trading price of our Units. 
COVID-19 has led to the extended shutdown of certain businesses, which may in turn result in disruptions, delays or reductions to 
our  tenants’  supply  chains.  COVID-19  may  also  impact  consumer  demand  for  our  tenants’  products  or  services,  which  may 
negatively impact our tenants’ businesses. These factors may impact our tenants’ ability to meet their payment obligations and 
other obligations due to us, which could have a material adverse effect on us.  

The Trust has provided rent deferrals, and abated rent under the CECRA program to certain tenants. While there is no assurance 
that deferred rents will be collected under these deferral arrangements, as at December 31, 2020 the Trust has collected over 90% 
of deferrals granted in Q2 2020.  

COVID-19 has slowed down global economies, increased volatility in financial markets, and resulted in a decline in the value of our 
unit price.  The pandemic could impact debt and equity markets which could affect our ability to access capital.   

COVID-19 has led to increased risks associated with cyber security. As such, this could impact our information technology systems 
and networks.  All of these factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, our results of operations and our ability to 
make cash distributions to unitholders. 

Elevated estimation uncertainty as a result of COVID-19 
The pandemic has created significant uncertainty in the general economy including the real estate market. Such a pandemic could, 
if prolonged, adversely impact our business directly and/or indirectly. Management continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 
and governments’ responses to it on the Trust. Portions of our financial results incorporate estimates from management that are 
subject to increased uncertainty due to the market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas of increased estimation 
uncertainty in the Trust’s consolidated financial statements include the fair value of its investment properties. 

During uncertain times, the underlying unobservable valuation assumptions used in underwriting the fair value of investment 
properties such as discount rates and terminal cap rates may vary greatly between different market participants based on their 
investment objectives and risk tolerance levels. If there are any changes in the critical and key assumptions used in valuing our 
investment properties, or in regional, national or international economic conditions, new developments in the COVID-19 pandemic 
or new or continued government measures or public safety related protocols, the fair value of our investment properties may 
change materially. 

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,  uncertainty  about  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.  

Increase in credit risk as a result of COVID-19 
Credit risk arises from the possibility that tenants in investment properties or counterparties to financial instruments may not 
fulfill  their  lease  or  contractual  obligations.  The  Trust  mitigates  its  credit  risks  from  its  tenants  by  attracting  tenants  of  sound 
financial standing and by diversifying its mix of tenants.  

COVID-19  and  the  measures  to  contain  it  have  created  significant  uncertainty  in  the  general  economy.  A  deterioration  in  the 
economy may impact the ability of tenants to meet their obligations under their leases or contracts. The Trust continues to assess 
the effect of economic conditions on the creditworthiness of its tenants. As part of this assessment, the Trust reviews the risk 
profiles of its tenant base to assess which tenants are likely to continue meeting their obligations under their leases and which 
tenants are at a greater risk of default. We expect that certain tenants may require financial assistance and we continue to work 
with them while monitoring the various government assistance programs as more information becomes available. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  50 

 
 
 
SECTION VII 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS 
Preparing the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the amounts reported. Management bases its judgments and estimates on historical experience and other factors it believes to 
be reasonable under the circumstances, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, the result of which forms the basis 
of the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates  could result in 
outcomes that could require a material adjustment in the future to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected. 

The following are the critical judgments used in applying the Trust’s accounting policies that have the most significant effect on 
the amounts in the consolidated financial statements:  

Investment properties 
Critical judgments are made in respect of the fair values of investment properties. The fair values of investment properties are 
reviewed at least quarterly by management with reference to independent property appraisals and market conditions existing at 
the reporting date, using generally accepted market practices. The independent appraisers are experienced, nationally recognized 
and qualified in the professional valuation of investment properties in their respective geographic areas. Judgment is also applied 
in  determining  the  extent  and  frequency  of  obtaining  independent  appraisals.  At  each  reporting  period,  a  select  number  of 
properties, determined on a rotational basis, are valued by independent appraisers. For properties not subject to independent 
appraisals, valuations are prepared internally during each reporting period. 

Critical assumptions used in estimating the fair values of investment properties include cap rates, discount rates that reflect current 
market  uncertainties,  terminal  cap  rates  and  market  rents.  Other  key  assumptions  relating  to  the  estimates  of  fair  values  of 
investment properties include components of stabilized NOI, leasing costs and vacancy rates. The Trust examines the critical and 
key assumptions at the end of each reporting period and updates these assumptions based on recent leasing activity and external 
market data available at that time. If there is any change in these assumptions or in regional, national or international economic 
conditions, the fair value of investment properties may change materially. 

The Trust makes judgments with respect to whether lease incentives provided in connection with a lease enhance the value of the 
leased  space,  which  determines  whether  or  not  such  amounts  are  treated  as  tenant  improvements  and  added  to  investment 
properties. Lease incentives, such as cash, rent-free periods and lessee or lessor owned improvements, may be provided to lessees 
to enter into an operating lease. Lease incentives that do not provide benefits beyond the initial lease term are included in the 
carrying amount of investment properties and are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term 
of the lease. 

Judgment is also applied in determining whether certain costs are additions to the carrying amount of the investment property. 

Business combinations  
When the Trust makes an acquisition, it may elect to apply the optional concentration test in IFRS 3, “Business Combinations” to 
assess whether an acquisition must be accounted for as a business combination. When substantially all of the fair value of the 
gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the transaction is accounted for as an asset 
acquisition. The consideration paid is allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired on the basis of their relative fair 
values at the acquisition date. Where an acquisition does not satisfy the concentration test and the acquired set of activities meets 
the definition of a business, the Trust applies the acquisition method of accounting. 

Under the acquisition method of accounting the consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, 
which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets and liabilities assumed, and any equity interests 
issued by the Trust in exchange for control of the acquiree.  

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at 
their acquisition date fair values irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the 
fair value of the Trust’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than 
the fair value of the Trust’s share of the net assets acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements 
of  comprehensive  income  for  the  period  as  an  acquisition  gain.  Any  transaction  costs  incurred  with  respect  to  the  business 
combination are expensed in the period incurred. 

Impairment 
The  Trust  assesses  the  possibility  and  amount  of  any  impairment  loss  or  write-down  as  it  relates  to  the  equity  accounted 
investment, amounts receivable, and property and equipment. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  51 

 
IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments” (“IFRS 9”), requires management to use judgment in determining whether the Trust’s financial 
assets are impaired. In making this judgment, the Trust evaluates, among other factors, the credit risk of the counterparty, and 
whether there are indicators that credit risk on a financial instrument has changed significantly since initial recognition or the last 
reassessment of credit risk. Where the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Trust 
records a loss allowance equal to the lifetime expected credit losses arising from that financial asset. 

IAS 36, “Impairment of Assets” (“IAS 36”), requires management to use judgment in determining the recoverable amount of assets 
and equity accounted investments that are tested for impairment. Judgment is also involved in estimating the value-in-use of the 
equity accounted investments, including estimates of future cash flows, discount rates and terminal rates. The values assigned to 
these key assumptions reflect past experience and are consistent with external sources of information. 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES AND FUTURE ACCOUNTING POLICY CHANGES 
The Trust has adopted the following new and revised standards, along with any consequential amendments, effective January 1, 
2020. These changes were made in accordance with the applicable transitional provisions as described below. 

Changes in accounting policies 
Presentation of interest expense on debt in the consolidated statements of cash flows 
The Trust has amended its accounting policy for the presentation of interest expense on debt in the consolidated statements of 
cash flows. Effective January 1, 2020, the Trust has elected to present interest expense on debt as a cash flow arising from financing 
activities where it was previously included in cash flows from operating activities. The Trust has made this change in order to better 
align  with  the  presentation  of  cash  flows  related  to  debt  transactions.  As  a  result  of  this  change  in  presentation,  cash  flows 
generated from (utilized in) operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 have increased by $35.2 million, with a 
corresponding reduction to cash flows generated from (utilized in) financing activities. 

Business combinations 
Effective  January  1,  2020,  the  Trust  has  applied  the  amendments  to  the  requirements  of  IFRS  3,  “Business  Combinations”  
(“IFRS 3”), in relation to whether a transaction meets the  definition of a business combination. The amendments provide the 
option for an entity to assess whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset 
or group of similar assets. If such a concentration exists, the transaction is not viewed as an acquisition of a business and no further 
assessment of the business combination guidance is required. No changes were required for the current period as none of the 
acquisitions met the definition of a business combination. 

New standards and interpretations  
Certain  new  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  have  been  published  that  are  not  effective  for  the  year  ended  
December 31, 2020 and have not been early adopted by the Trust. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on 
the Trust's consolidated financial statements in the current or future periods. 

Additional information 
Additional information relating to Dream Industrial REIT, including the latest Annual Information Form of Dream Industrial REIT, is 
available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report  |  52 

 
Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements  

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and other financial information contained in this Annual 
Report have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, the management of Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust. 
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, using 
management’s best estimates and judgments as appropriate. 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibility for financial reporting and internal 
controls. The Audit Committee, which comprises trustees, meets with management as well as the external auditors to satisfy itself 
that management is properly discharging its financial responsibilities and to review its consolidated financial statements and the 
report of the auditor. The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board of Trustees, which approves the consolidated financial 
statements. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  the  independent  auditor,  has  audited  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with 
Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. The auditor has full and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, with or 
without management present. 

“Brian Pauls” 

Brian Pauls 
Chief Executive Officer 

Toronto, Ontario, February 16, 2021  

“Lenis Quan” 

Lenis Quan 
Chief Financial Officer 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report 

To the Unitholders of Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust 

Our opinion 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, 
the financial position of Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust and its subsidiaries (together, the 
Trust) as at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years 
then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IFRS). 

What we have audited 
The Trust’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 

 

 

 

 

 

the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2020 and 2019; 

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

the consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years then ended; 

the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended; and 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies and 
other explanatory information. 

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 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of 
the consolidated financial statements section of our report. 

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

Independence 
We are independent of the Trust in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 
of the consolidated financial statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. 

Key audit matters 

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
PwC Tower, 18 York Street, Suite 2600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 0B2 
T: +1 416 863 1133, F: +1 416 365 8215 

“PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Valuation of investment properties 

Refer to note 2 – Summary of significant accounting 
policies, note 4 – Investment properties and note 31 – 
Fair value measurements to the consolidated financial 
statements. 

Our approach to addressing the matter included the 
following procedures, among others: 

For a sample of investment properties, tested how 
management determined the fair value, which included 
the following: 

  Evaluated the appropriateness of the valuation 
methods used (the cap rate method and the 
discounted cash flow method). 

 

Tested the underlying data used in the methods 
that are significant to the fair value of 
investment properties. 

  Evaluated the reasonableness of stabilized NOI 

and year-one cash flows used in the valuation 
methods by benchmarking them to the 
underlying accounting records and/or market 
information as applicable. 

  Evaluated the reasonableness of critical and 

key assumptions, including the discount rates, 
terminal cap rates, market rents, cap rates, 
leasing costs and vacancy rates by comparing 
them to external market and industry data, 
where available. Professionals with specialized 
skill and knowledge in the field of real estate 
valuations assisted us in evaluating the 
reasonableness of a sample of these critical and 
key assumptions, where applicable.  

The Trust measures its investment properties at fair 
value and, as at December 31, 2020, these assets were 
valued at $3.2 billion. The fair values of these 
investments are reviewed by management with reference 
to independent property appraisals, if obtained, and 
market conditions existing at the reporting date, using 
generally accepted market practices. Valuations are 
prepared by applying the income approach. The income 
approach is derived from two methods: the capitalization 
rate (cap rate) method and the discounted cash flow 
method. For the cap rate method, the critical and key 
assumptions were cap rates and stabilized net operating 
income (NOI). For the discounted cash flow method, the 
critical and key assumptions were discount and terminal 
cap rates, market rents, leasing costs, and vacancy rates 
as applicable. Critical judgments are made in respect of 
the fair values of investment properties. 

We considered this a key audit matter due to (i) the 
significant audit effort required to assess the fair value of 
a large number of investment properties, (ii) the critical 
judgments made by management when determining the 
fair value including the development of the critical and 
key assumptions and (iii) a high degree of complexity in 
assessing audit evidence to support the critical and key 
assumptions made by management. In addition, the audit 
effort involved the use of professionals with specialized 
skill and knowledge in the field of real estate valuations. 

Other information 

Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis and the information, other than the consolidated financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon, included in the annual report. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 

inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the 
consolidated financial statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is 
necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Trust’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Trust or to 
cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Trust’s financial reporting process.  

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as 
a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
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 auditing 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 influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise 
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, 
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, 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 
effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control. 

  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by management. 

  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, 
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to 
the related disclosures in the consolidated financial 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 
auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Trust to cease to continue as a 
going concern.  

  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 

including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 

business activities within the Trust to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We 
are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal 
control that we identify during our audit.  

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant 
ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that 
were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and 
are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or 
regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we 
determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of 
doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Carly Stallwood. 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants 

Toronto, Ontario 
February 16, 2021 

Note 

December 31,   
2020   

December 31, 
2019 

4  
6  
7  

8  

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 

9 
14 

15 
15 
15, 17 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,241,601    
9,034    
2,773    
3,253,408    

10,044    
2,943    
254,935    
267,922    
3,521,330    

1,128,773    
243,957    
12,313    
17,572    
32,407    
1,435,022    

130,157    
51,275    
181,432    
1,616,454    

1,605,724    
281,531    
17,621    
1,904,876    
3,521,330    

$  2,428,664   
8,008   
4,773   
2,441,445   

7,410   
2,499   
441,537   
451,446   
$  2,892,891   

$ 

952,917   
243,771   
10,250   
9,511   
14,467   
1,230,916   

61,651   
40,752   
102,403   
1,333,319   

1,372,564   
187,443   
(435 ) 
1,559,572   
$  2,892,891   

Consolidated balance sheets 
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Assets 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS 
Investment properties 
Equity accounted investment 
Other non-current assets 

CURRENT ASSETS 
Amounts receivable 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Debt 
Subsidiary redeemable units 
Deferred Unit Incentive Plan 
Deferred income tax liabilities, net 
Other non-current liabilities 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Debt 
Amounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Equity 
Unitholders’ equity 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Total equity 
Total liabilities and equity 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust: 

“Vincenza Sera”   
Vincenza Sera 
Trustee   

“Sheldon Wiseman” 
Sheldon Wiseman 
Trustee 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income  
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating expenses 
Net rental income 
Other income 
Interest, fee income and other 

Other expenses 
General and administrative 
Interest: 

Debt and other financing costs 
Subsidiary redeemable units 

Debt settlement costs 

Fair value adjustments and net loss on transactions and other activities 
Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
Fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Net loss on transactions and other activities 

Income before income taxes and discontinued operations 
Deferred and current income taxes expense, net 
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net income: 

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation of foreign operations, net of taxes 
Unrealized loss on hedging instruments, net of taxes 
Share of other comprehensive loss from equity accounted investment 

Comprehensive income 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Note 
18 

  $ 

19 

20 
20 

4, 23 
21  
22  

12 

23 

17 
17 
17 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2020   
2019 
195,331   
235,946    $ 
(56,305)  
(67,063)    
139,026   
168,883     

891     
891     

1,910   
1,910   

(16,888)    

(12,060)  

(34,338)    
(13,051)    
(4,324)    
(68,601)    

120,079     
(10,915)    
(1,504)    
107,660     
208,833     
(8,678)    
200,155     
(19)    
200,136    $ 

22,344    $ 
(4,054)    
(234)    
18,056     
218,192    $ 

(34,956)  
(13,376)  
(372)  
(60,764)  

180,488   
(70,817)  
(4,612)  
105,059   
185,231   
(8,458)  
176,773   
2,659   
179,432   

(11,346)  
(36)  
—   
(11,382)  
168,050   

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  59 

 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
Consolidated statements of changes in equity 
(all dollar amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Balance at January 1, 2020 
Net income 
Distributions paid and payable 
Public offering of REIT Units 
Distribution Reinvestment Plan(1) 
REIT Units issued for vested deferred trust 

units and Unit Purchase Plan 

Issue costs and other 
Other comprehensive income 
Balance at December 31, 2020 

Note 

Number of   
REIT Units   
134,801,881   $ 

—    
—    
16  
15   16,859,000    
931,334    
15  

11, 15 

17 

86,646    
—    
—    

152,678,861   $ 

Unitholders’   
equity   
1,372,564    $ 

—     
—     
230,125     
11,881     

1,056     
(9,902)    
—     

1,605,724    $ 

Retained   
earnings    
187,443    $ 
200,136     
(106,048)    
—     
—     

—     
—     
—     

281,531    $ 

(1) Includes REIT Units issued under the Distribution Reinvestment Plan for LP B Units. 

Year ended December 31, 2019 
Balance at January 1, 2019 
Net income 
Distributions paid and payable 
Public offerings and private placement of 

REIT Units  

Distribution Reinvestment Plan(1) 
REIT Units issued for vested deferred trust 

units and Unit Purchase Plan 

Issue costs and other 
Other comprehensive loss 
Balance at December 31, 2019 

Note 

16  
15 

15 

Number of   
REIT Units   
92,062,659    $ 

—     
—     

Unitholders’   
equity   
887,757    $ 
—     
—     

Retained   
earnings    
90,621    $ 
179,432     
(82,610)    

39,436,500     
3,170,829     

465,313     
38,311     

—     
—     

—     
—     

11, 15 

17 

131,893     
—     
—     

134,801,881    $ 

1,573     
(20,390)    
—     

1,372,564    $ 

—     
—     
—     

187,443    $ 

—     
—     
(11,382)    

(435)   $ 

1,573    
(20,390)   
(11,382)   
1,559,572    

Attributable to unitholders of the Trust 

Accumulated     
other     
comprehensive   
income (loss)   
(435)   $ 
—     
—     
—     
—     

—     
—     
18,056     
17,621    $ 

Accumulated     
other     
comprehensive   
income (loss)   
10,947    $ 
—     
—     

Total 
equity 
1,559,572    
200,136    
(106,048)   
230,125    
11,881    

1,056    
(9,902)   
18,056    
1,904,876    

Total 
equity 
989,325    
179,432    
(82,610)   

465,313    
38,311    

Attributable to unitholders of the Trust 

(1) Includes REIT Units issued under the Distribution Reinvestment Plan for LP B Units. 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows 
(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Generated from (utilized in) operating activities 
Net income 
Non-cash items: 
  Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
  Unrealized fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
  Depreciation and amortization 
  Other adjustments 
Change in non-cash working capital 
Investment in lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs 
Interest expense on debt 
Debt settlement costs 

Generated from (utilized in) investing activities 
Investment in building improvements 
Investment in property and equipment 
Acquisitions and transaction costs of investment properties 
Deposit on acquisition of investment properties 
Contributions to equity accounted investment 
Net proceeds from disposal of investment properties 

Generated from (utilized in) financing activities 
Borrowings 
Lump sum repayments 
Principal repayments 
Financing costs additions 
Interest paid on debt 
Interest paid on subsidiary redeemable units 
Debt settlement costs paid 
Distributions paid on REIT Units 
Cash proceeds on issuance of REIT Units 
Issue costs paid on REIT Units 
Cash settlement of deferred trust units 
Principal repayment of finance lease liability 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash held in foreign currency 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Note 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(Note 3) 

$ 

200,136   $ 

179,432   

4, 23 
21 
24 
24 
24 

20 

9 
9, 23 
9, 23 
9 
20 
20 

16 
15 

11 

$ 

(120,079)   
6,928    
1,664    
20,666    
(1,339)   
(11,557)   
34,338    
4,324    
135,081    

(6,743)   
(387)   
(633,857)   
(2,100)   
(1,221)   
—    
(644,308)   

537,505    
(270,854)   
(22,733)   
(3,402)   
(32,847)   
(9,739)   
(3,883)   
(96,482)   
230,129    
(10,393)   
(113)   
(32)   
317,156    
(192,071)   
5,469    
441,537    
254,935   $ 

(178,097)  
70,817   
1,696   
27,769   
(6,120)  
(13,230)  
36,173   
1,336   
119,776   

(11,350)  
(61)  
(363,970)  
(2,700)  
(8,117)  
270,065   
(116,133)  

403,442   
(294,306)  
(24,752)  
(3,937)  
(35,181)  
—   
(1,359)  
(55,167)  
465,323   
(19,930)  
(91)  
—   
434,042   
437,685   
(1,116)  
4,968   
441,537   

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  61 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
(All dollar amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except for per Unit amounts, unless otherwise stated.) 

Note 1  
ORGANIZATION  
Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (“Dream Industrial REIT” or the “Trust”) is an open-ended investment trust created 
pursuant to a Declaration of Trust, as amended and restated, under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The consolidated financial 
statements of Dream Industrial REIT include the accounts of Dream Industrial REIT and its subsidiaries. Dream Industrial REIT owns 
and operates industrial properties in key markets across North America and in Europe.  

The principal office and centre of administration of the Trust is 30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 301, State Street Financial Centre, 
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 3H1. The Trust is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “DIR.UN”. Dream Industrial 
REIT’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 were authorized for issuance by the Board of 
Trustees on February 16, 2021, after which they may only be amended with the Board of Trustees’ approval. 

For simplicity, throughout the Notes, reference is made to the units of the Trust as follows: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

“REIT Units”, meaning units of the Trust;  

“LP B Units” or “subsidiary redeemable units”, meaning the Class B limited partnership units of Dream Industrial LP (“DILP”), 
a subsidiary of the Trust;  

“Special Trust Units”, meaning units issued in connection with subsidiary redeemable units; and  

“Units”, meaning REIT Units and subsidiary redeemable units, collectively. 

Note 2  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are described below: 

Basis of presentation and statement of compliance 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Dream Industrial REIT and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries 
are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, the date on which the Trust obtains control, and continue to be consolidated 
until the date such control ceases. Control exists when the Trust is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. All intercompany balances, income 
and expenses, and unrealized gains and losses resulting from intercompany transactions are eliminated in full. 

Equity accounted investments 
Equity accounted investments are investments over which the Trust has significant influence, but not control. Generally, the Trust 
is  considered  to  exert  significant  influence  when  it  holds  more  than  a  20%  interest  in  an  entity  or  partnership.  However, 
determining significant influence is a matter of judgment and specific circumstances and, from time to time, the Trust may hold 
an interest of more than 20% in an entity or partnership without exerting significant influence. Conversely, the Trust may hold an 
interest of less than 20% and exert significant influence through representation on the Board of Trustees, direction of management 
or contractual agreements. 

The financial results of the Trust’s equity accounted investments are included in the Trust’s consolidated financial statements using 
the  equity  method,  whereby  the  investment  is  carried  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  at  cost,  adjusted  for  the  Trust’s 
proportionate share of post-acquisition profits and losses, and for post-acquisition changes in excess of the Trust’s carrying amount 
of its investment over the net assets of the equity accounted investments, less any identified impairment loss. The Trust’s share 
of profits and losses is recognized in the share of income from equity accounted investments in the consolidated statements of 
comprehensive  income.  If  the  Trust’s  investment  is  reduced  to  zero,  additional  losses  are  not  provided  for,  and  a  liability  is  
not  recognized,  unless  the  Trust  has  incurred  legal  or  constructive  obligations,  or  made  payments  on  behalf  of  the  equity  
accounted investment. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  62 

At each reporting date, the Trust evaluates whether there is objective evidence that its interest in an equity accounted investment 
is impaired. The entire carrying amount of the equity accounted investment is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the 
higher of the value-in-use or fair value less costs to sell. The recoverable amount of each investment is considered separately. 

Where the Trust transacts with its equity accounted investments, unrealized profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of the 
Trust’s interest in the investment. Balances outstanding between the Trust and equity accounted investments in which it has an 
interest are not eliminated in the consolidated balance sheets. 

Joint arrangements 
The Trust enters into joint arrangements via joint operations and joint ventures. A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement 
pursuant to which the Trust and other parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control, whereby the strategic 
financial and operating policy decisions relating to the activities of the joint arrangement require the unanimous consent of the 
parties sharing control. Joint operations are joint arrangements in which the parties have rights to the assets, and obligations for 
the liabilities, of the arrangement. Joint arrangements that involve the establishment of a separate entity or partnership in which 
each  party  to  the  venture  has  rights  to  the  net  assets  of  the  arrangements  are  referred  to  as  joint  ventures.  The  Trust’s  
co-ownership arrangements are joint operations. 

The  Trust  reports  its  interests  in  joint  ventures  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting  as  previously  described  under  “Equity 
accounted  investments”.  The  Trust  reports  its  interests  in  co-ownerships  by  accounting  for  its  share  of  the  assets,  liabilities, 
revenues and expenses. Under this method, the Trust’s consolidated financial statements reflect only the Trust’s proportionate 
share of the assets; its share of any liabilities incurred jointly with the other venturers as well as any liabilities incurred directly; 
and its share of any revenues earned or expenses incurred by the joint operation and any expenses incurred directly. 

Investment properties  
Investment properties are initially recorded at cost, including related transaction costs in connection with asset acquisitions, and 
include  investment  properties  held  to  earn  rental  income  and/or  for  capital  appreciation.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition, 
investment properties are accounted for at fair value. At the end of each reporting period, the Trust determines the fair value of 
investment properties by: 

• 

considering current contracted sales prices for properties that are available for sale; 

•  obtaining appraisals from qualified external professionals on a rotational basis for select properties; and 

•  using internally prepared valuations applying the income approach. 

The  income approach is derived from two methods: the capitalization rate  (“cap rate”) method and the discounted  cash  flow 
method. In applying the cap rate method, the stabilized net operating income (“stabilized NOI”) of each property is divided by an 
appropriate  cap  rate  with  adjustments  for  items  such  as  average  lease-up  costs,  vacancy  rates,  non-recoverable  capital 
expenditures, management fees, straight-line rents and other non-recurring items. In applying the discounted cash flow method, 
the  cash  flows  of  each  property  are  projected  over  an  anticipated  term,  a  terminal  value  is  applied,  and  the  cash  flows  are 
discounted using an appropriate discount rate.  On a quarterly basis, the Trust uses both the cap rate method and discounted cash 
flow method to evaluate the fair value of its investment properties.  

Building improvements are added to the carrying amount of investment properties only when it is probable that future economic 
benefits associated with the expenditure will flow to the Trust and the cost of  the item can be measured reliably. Repairs and 
maintenance costs are recorded in investment properties operating expenses when incurred. 

Initial direct leasing costs incurred in negotiating and arranging tenant leases are added to the carrying amount of investment 
properties. Lease incentives, which include committed costs on commenced leases, costs incurred prior to lease commencement 
to make leasehold improvements to tenants’ space, and cash allowances provided to tenants, are added to the carrying amount 
of  investment  properties  and  are  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  term  of  the  lease  as  a  reduction  to  investment 
properties revenue. Internal leasing costs are expensed in the period during which they are incurred. 

Investment properties, including investment properties held for sale, are derecognized on disposal or when no future economic 
benefits are expected from their use or disposal. Any transaction costs arising on derecognition of an investment property are 
included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the reporting period the asset is derecognized. 

Straight-line rent receivables are included in the carrying amount of investment properties. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  63 

 
 
Assets held for sale 
Assets and associated liabilities (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered 
principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. Investment properties continue to be measured at 
fair value. Debt directly related to assets held for sale is carried at amortized cost until disposal. 

Other non-current assets  
Other non-current assets include deposits on acquisitions of investment properties, property and equipment, and financial assets. 
Deposits on acquisitions of investment properties are recorded at amortized cost. Property and equipment are stated at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the 
straight-line  method  to  allocate  their  cost,  net  of  their  residual  values,  over  their  expected  useful  lives.  All  other  repairs  and 
maintenance are charged to consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the reporting period in which they are 
incurred. Restricted cash is accounted for at cost. 

Other  non-current  assets  are  derecognized  on  disposal  or  when  no  future  economic  benefits  are  expected  from  their  use  or 
disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of an asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and 
the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income during the reporting period 
the asset is derecognized. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents include all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less and exclude cash 
subject to restrictions that prevent its use for current purposes.  

Financial instruments  
Classification and measurement of financial instruments  
The following summarizes the Trust’s classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with 
IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments” (“IFRS 9”): 

Financial assets 
Deposits on acquisitions of investment properties(1) 
Amounts receivable 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities 
Mortgages(2) 
Revolving credit facility(2) 
U.S. term loan(2) 
Debentures(2) 
Subsidiary redeemable units 
Deferred Unit Incentive Plan 
Tenant security deposits(3) 
Amounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Finance leases(3) 

Classification and measurement 

Financial asset at amortized cost 
Financial asset at amortized cost 
Financial asset at amortized cost 

Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 
Financial liability at amortized cost 

Financial assets/financial liabilities 
Derivative Instruments – not designated as hedges(4) 
Derivative Instruments – designated as hedges(4) 

Fair value through profit and loss 
Fair value through other comprehensive income 

(1) Included in “Other non-current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. 
(2) Included in “Debt” in the consolidated balance sheets. 
(3) Included in “Other non-current liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. 
(4) Included in either “Other non-current liabilities” or “Other non-current assets” as applicable in the consolidated balance sheets.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets  
Classification 
The Trust classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:  

• 

• 

those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income, or through profit or loss); and  

those to be measured at amortized cost. 

The classification depends on the Trust’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash 
flows.  

Measurement 
At initial recognition, the Trust initially measures a financial asset at its fair value, in some cases, less any related transaction costs. 
Subsequent measurement depends on the Trust’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of 
the cash flows. There are three measurement categories in which the Trust classifies its financial assets:  

• 

• 

• 

amortized cost: assets that are held for the collection of contractual cash flows and those cash flows represent solely payments 
of principal and interest; 

fair value through other comprehensive income: assets that are held for the collection of contractual cash flows and for selling 
the financial assets, and those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest; and 

fair  value  through  profit  or  loss:  assets  that  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  amortized  cost  or  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income.  

For financial assets measured subsequently at amortized cost, the asset is amortized using the effective interest rate method.  

Impairment 
The Trust recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses for all financial assets not held at fair value through profit or loss. For 
amounts receivable, the Trust applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be 
recognized upon initial recognition of the receivables. To measure the expected credit losses, the Trust has established a provision 
matrix that is based on its historical credit loss experience based on days past due, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to 
the tenant and the economic environment. The Trust will usually consider a financial asset in default when contractual payment 
is over 90 days past due but will also consider other factors such as alternate repayment arrangements negotiated with tenants. 
However, in certain cases, the Trust may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information 
indicates that it is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full.  Trade receivables are written off where there is 
no reasonable expectation of recovery. 

Derecognition 
Financial  assets  are  derecognized  only  when  the  contractual  rights  to  the  cash  flows  from  the  financial  asset  expire  or  the  
Trust transfers substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. From time to time, the Trust may agree with tenants to modify  
the terms of lease agreements, including changes to the consideration under the lease. When the changes result in a reduction  
in  amounts  receivable  relating  to  past  lease  periods,  the  Trust  applies  IFRS  9  in  determining  whether  to  partially  or  fully 
derecognize receivables. 

Financial liabilities  
Classification 
The Trust classifies its financial liabilities in the following measurement categories:  

• 

• 

those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss; and 

those to be measured at amortized cost. 

Measurement 
At initial measurement, financial liabilities are recognized at fair value, less, in the case of a financial liability at amortized cost, 
transaction costs.  

For financial liabilities measured subsequently at fair value, the liability is remeasured at fair value at each reporting period, with 
changes in fair value recognized in comprehensive income.  

For financial liabilities measured subsequently at amortized cost, the liability is amortized using the effective interest rate method. 
Under the effective interest rate method, any transaction fees, costs, discounts and premiums directly related to the financial 
liabilities are recognized in comprehensive income over the expected life of the obligation.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  65 

Derecognition 
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expired.  

Hedge accounting 
Hedge accounting is applied to financial instruments such as cross-currency interest rate swaps (“CCIRS”) to hedge foreign currency 
risk and interest rate risk. The purpose of hedge accounting is to align the economic impact of the Trust’s financial risk management 
activities with the accounting.  

Hedge relationships may include cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and hedges of net investments in foreign operations. To 
apply hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedge relationship, the Trust formally designates and documents the hedged items 
and  hedging  instruments,  as  well  as  the  risk  management  strategy  and  objectives.  There  must  be  an  economic  relationship 
between  the  hedged  item  and  the  hedging  instrument.  Hedge  effectiveness  is  assessed  at  inception  and  at  the  end  of  each 
reporting period.   
Hedges that meet the criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as follows: 

Cash flow hedges  
In a  cash  flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument  is recognized in other 
comprehensive  income  and  the  ineffective  portion  is  recognized  in  net  income.  Amounts  recorded  in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income are recognized in net income when the hedged cash flows affect net income.  

The Trust uses CCIRS to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk on cash flows associated with the U.S.   
term Loan. 

Net investment hedges 
In a net investment hedging relationship, the effective portion of the foreign exchange gain or loss on the hedging instrument is 
recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  the  ineffective  portion  is  recognized  in  net  income.  Amounts  recorded  in 
accumulated other comprehensive income are recognized in net income when there is a disposition or partial disposition of the 
foreign subsidiary. 

The Trust uses CCIRS to hedge of its exposure to foreign exchange risk in its foreign operations. 

Equity  
The Trust  presents REIT Units as equity, notwithstanding the fact that  the Trust’s REIT Units meet  the definition of a  financial 
liability.  Under  IAS  32,  “Financial  instruments:  presentation”  (“IAS  32”),  the  REIT  Units  are  considered  a  puttable  financial 
instrument  because  of  the  holder’s  option  to  redeem  REIT  Units,  generally  at  any  time,  subject  to  certain  restrictions,  at  a 
redemption price per unit equal to the lesser of 90% of a 20-day weighted average closing price prior to the redemption date and 
100% of the closing market price on the redemption date. The total amount payable by Dream Industrial REIT in any calendar 
month  will  not  exceed  $50  unless  waived  by  Dream  Industrial  REIT’s  Board  of  Trustees  at  their  sole  discretion.  The  Trust  has 
determined the REIT Units can be presented as equity and not as financial liabilities because the REIT Units have all of the following 
features, as defined in IAS 32 (hereinafter referred to as the “puttable exemption”):  

•  REIT Units entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the Trust’s net assets in the event of its liquidation. Net assets are those 

assets that remain after deducting all other claims on the assets;  

•  REIT Units are the class of instruments that are subordinate to all other classes of instruments as they have no priority over 
other claims to the assets of the Trust on liquidation, and do not need to be converted into another instrument before they 
are in the class of instruments that is subordinate to all other classes of instruments; 

•  All instruments in the class of instruments that is subordinate to all other classes of instruments have identical features;  

•  Apart from the contractual obligation for the Trust to redeem the REIT Units for cash or another financial asset, the REIT Units 
do not include any contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset to another entity, or to exchange financial 
assets or financial liabilities with another entity under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Trust, and it is not 
a contract that will or may be settled in the Trust’s own instruments; and 

• 

The total expected cash flows attributable to the REIT Units over their lives are based substantially on profit or loss, and the 
change in the recognized net assets and unrecognized net assets of the Trust over the life of the REIT Units. 

REIT Units are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received by the Trust. Any transaction costs arising on the 
issuance of REIT Units are recognized directly in unitholders’ equity as a reduction of the proceeds received. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  66 

Distributions  
Distributions to unitholders are recognized in the period in which the distributions are declared and are recorded as a reduction 
to retained earnings.  

Deferred Unit Incentive Plan (“DUIP”) 
As described in Note 11, the Trust has a Deferred Unit Incentive Plan (“DUIP”) that provides for the granting of deferred trust units 
and income deferred trust units to trustees, officers, employees and employees of affiliates and their service providers (including 
the asset manager).  

Over the vesting period, deferred trust units are recorded as a liability, and compensation expense is recognized at amortized cost 
based on the fair value of the units. Once vested, the liability is remeasured at each reporting date at amortized cost, based on 
the  fair  value  of  the  corresponding  REIT  Units,  with  changes  in  fair  value  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income as a fair value adjustment to financial instruments. Deferred trust units and income deferred units are 
usually settled in REIT Units. 

Revenue recognition  
Rental income  
The Trust accounts for tenant leases as operating leases, given that it has retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of 
ownership of its investment properties. Lease revenue from investment properties includes base rents, property tax recoveries, 
lease  termination  fees,  and  other  rental  revenue  including  recoveries  for  landlord  work  and  tenant  improvement  allowances. 
Revenue recognition under a lease  commences when the  tenant  has a  right  to use the leased premises. The total  amount  of 
contractual rent to be received from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease; a straight-
line  rent  receivable,  which  is  included  in  investment  properties,  is  recorded  for  the  difference  between  the  rental  revenue 
recognized and the contractual amount received. Property tax recoveries are recognized as revenues in the period in which the 
contingency or variability is resolved and collectability is reasonably assured. Lease termination fees and other rental revenues are 
recorded as earned.  

Lease modifications 
Changes  to  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  lease  are  treated  as  lease  modifications  in  accordance  with  IFRS  16,  “Leases”  
(“IFRS 16”), and the modified lease is accounted for as a new lease from the effective date of the modification, with any prepaid 
or accrued lease payments relating to the original lease included as part of the lease payments for the new lease. 

The Trust may agree with tenants to modify the terms of lease agreements, including changes to the consideration under the 
lease. When the changes result in a reduction in amounts receivable relating to past lease periods, the Trust applies IFRS 9  in 
determining whether to partially or fully derecognize those receivables.  

Revenue from contracts with customers 
The Trust has obligations to provide ongoing services related to its leases which are contract revenues within the scope of IFRS 15, 
“Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“IFRS 15”). These services include recoveries of operating expenses and recoveries of 
capital expenditures from tenants in accordance with their leases (“recoveries revenue”). 

Consideration received from tenants under lease agreements is allocated between rental income and recoveries revenue based 
on  relative  stand-alone  selling  prices.  For  recoveries  revenue,  our  performance  obligations  are  satisfied  over  time  as  tenants 
occupy the premises. Recoveries revenue is billed monthly to tenants based on budgeted estimates. 

The Trust recognizes recoveries revenue for operating expenses based on actual costs incurred in accordance with the terms of 
the related leases. Actual costs reflect the services provided. The Trust recognizes recoveries revenue for capital expenditures over 
the asset’s expected useful life in accordance with the terms of the related leases. The amount of recoveries revenue is determined 
by the actual costs incurred and any restrictions in lease agreements. If the services rendered exceed the monthly charges billed, 
a receivable is recognized; if the monthly charges billed exceed the service rendered, a payable is recognized. These current assets 
or liabilities are settled with tenants annually. 

For all revenue streams from contracts with customers, revenue is measured at the best estimate of the amount the Trust expects 
to receive for performing the services. Revenue is recognized only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant amount 
of the cumulative revenue recognized for a contract will not be reversed. The Trust is obligated to continue to provide ongoing 
services  over  the  remaining  term  of  each  lease  contract.  The  Trust  will  recognize  revenue  on  these  remaining  performance 
obligations based on the actual cost incurred to fulfill the ongoing services in the period. 

Any receivables arising from revenue contracts with customers are tested for impairment using the same model as for amounts 
receivable as described above. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  67 

Significant judgments in applying IFRS 15, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“IFRS 15”)  
The application of IFRS 15 requires the Trust to make the following significant judgments: 

Estimation of transaction prices 
The Trust exercises judgment in estimating the transaction price for revenues from contracts with customers. The Trust exercises 
judgment with regards to the amount and timing of the revenue recognized for recoveries revenue contracts which are satisfied 
over time. The amount of revenue recognized for recoveries revenue with variable consideration is constrained by the actual costs 
incurred  and  any  restrictions  in  lease  agreements.  The  revenues  related  to  these  obligations  are  recorded  over  time  as  the 
obligation  of  the  Trust  is  to  provide  the  recoveries  revenue  on  an  as  needed  basis  throughout  the  contract  period.  The  Trust 
considers this to be a faithful depiction of the transfer of services. 

Scoping of revenues 
The Trust exercises judgment in determining which of its revenue streams that arise from lease agreements are in scope of IFRS 
15 and which are not. Specifically, the Trust considers whether a revenue stream related to a lease agreement is for the lease of 
an asset or is for the provision of a distinct service. Revenues of the latter type are determined to be in scope of IFRS 15, while the 
former are in scope of IFRS 16, “Leases”. 

Government grants 
Government  grants  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income  during  the  year  when  there  is 
reasonable  assurance  that  the  grants  will  be  received  and  that  the  Trust  will  comply  with  the  terms  of  the  respective  grant. 
Government grants are presented separately as a reduction of the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. 

Interest on debt  
Interest  on  debt  includes  coupon  interest,  amortization  of  ancillary  costs  incurred  in  connection  with  the  arrangement  of 
borrowings, and amortization of fair value adjustments on assumed debt. Financing costs are amortized to interest expense. 

Income taxes  
Dream Industrial REIT is taxed as a mutual fund trust for Canadian income tax purposes. The Trust expects to distribute all of its 
taxable income to its unitholders, which enables the Trust to deduct such distributions for income tax purposes. As the income tax 
obligations relating to the distributions are those of the individual unitholder, no provision for income taxes is required on such 
amounts. The Trust expects to continue to distribute its taxable income and to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for 
the foreseeable future.  

For  all  United  States  (“U.S.”)  subsidiaries,  European  subsidiaries,  and  one  Canadian  subsidiary  of  the  Trust,  income  taxes  are 
accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected 
future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying value of balance sheet items and their corresponding tax 
values.  Deferred  income  taxes  are  computed  using  substantively  enacted  income  tax  rates  or  laws  for  the  years  in  which  the 
temporary  differences  are  expected  to  reverse  or  settle.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  recognized  only  to  the  extent  that  they  are 
realizable. 

Provisions 
Provisions for legal claims are recognized when the Trust has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events,  
it is probable an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions 
are not recognized for future operating losses. 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in a settlement is determined by 
considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect  to any 
one item included in the same class of obligations may be small. 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a rate that 
reflects  current  market  assessments  of  the  time  value  of  money  and  the  risks  specific  to  the  obligation.  The  increase  in  the 
provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense. 

Impairment  
The  Trust  assesses  the  possibility  and  amount  of  any  impairment  loss  or  write-down  as  it  relates  to  the  equity  accounted 
investment, amounts receivable and property and equipment. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  68 

IAS  28,  “Investments  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures”  (“IAS  28”),  requires  management  to  use  judgment  in  determining  the 
recoverable amount of equity accounted investments that are tested for impairment. Judgment is also involved in estimating the 
value-in-use of the equity accounted investment, including estimates of future cash flows, discount rates and terminal rates. The 
values assigned to these key assumptions reflect past experience and are consistent with external sources of information. 

Leases where the Trust is a lessee 
IFRS 16, “Leases”, sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of leases. While accounting for leases 
where  the  Trust  is  acting  as  the  lessor  is  substantially  unchanged,  there  have  been  significant  changes  to  the  accounting  for  
leases previously classified as operating leases where the Trust is acting as the lessee. 

At the inception of a contract, the Trust assesses whether that contract is, or contains, a lease. A lease is a contract where the right 
to direct the use of an asset owned by another party and to obtain the economic benefits deriving from that asset are transferred 
to the Trust. Where the Trust is a lessee, the Trust recognizes a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability except where the 
lease is for less than 12 months or the underlying asset is of low value as determined by the Trust. For short-term leases and for 
leases of low-value assets, the lease payments are expensed evenly over the term of the lease.  

At initial recognition, the lease liability is measured at the present value of the lease payments in the lease, including any renewal 
options where it is reasonably certain the Trust will exercise the option, and the lease payments due after exercising the option 
are estimable. These payments are discounted using the rate implicit in the lease or, where this rate is not determinable, at the 
Trust’s incremental borrowing rate for borrowings secured by a similar asset and for a similar term as the lease. Lease payments 
include fixed payments and variable payments, which depend on an index or rate, including any renewal options included in the 
determination of the term of the lease. Subsequently, the lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest 
rate method. The lease liability is remeasured when the lease agreement is modified or if there are changes to variable payments 
dependent on an index or rate. 

At inception, the ROU asset comprises the lease liability plus any direct costs of obtaining the lease less any incentives provided 
by the lessor. The ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease and the useful life of 
the asset.  

Segment reporting 
A reportable operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Trust that is engaged either in providing related products 
or  services  (business  segment)  or  in  providing  products  or  services  within  a  particular  economic  environment  (geographic 
segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other reportable segments. The Trust’s primary 
format for segment reporting is based on geographic segments. Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker, determined to be the Chief  Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the 
Trust. The operating segments derive their revenue primarily from rental income from leases. All of the Trust’s business activities 
and operating segments are reported within the geographic segments. 

Foreign currencies  
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the functional currency of the Trust and the 
presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.  

Assets and liabilities related to properties held in a foreign entity with a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar are 
translated at the rate of exchange at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates 
for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during the period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the 
transactions are used. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recognized in other comprehensive income. 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. 
Foreign currency denominated monetary assets are translated using the exchange rates at the consolidated balance sheet dates. 
Gains and losses on translation of monetary items are recognized in comprehensive income as other income, except for those 
intercompany loans to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future. 

Critical accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions  
Preparing the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the amounts reported. Management bases its judgments, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and other factors 
it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, the result of which 
forms  the  basis  of  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities.  However,  uncertainty  about  these  judgments,  estimates  and 
assumptions could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the affected asset or 
liability in the future.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  69 

Critical accounting judgments 
The following are the critical accounting judgments used in applying the Trust’s accounting policies that have the most significant 
effect on the amounts in the consolidated financial statements: 

Investment properties  
Critical  judgments  are  made  in  respect  of  the  fair  values  of  investment  properties.  The  fair  values  of  these  investments  are 
reviewed at least quarterly by management with reference to independent property appraisals and market conditions existing at 
the reporting date, using generally accepted market practices. The independent appraisers are experienced, nationally recognized 
and qualified in the professional valuation of investment properties in their respective geographic areas. Judgment is applied in 
determining  the  extent  and  frequency  of  obtaining  independent  appraisals.  At  each  reporting  period,  a  select  number  of 
properties, determined on a rotational basis, are valued by independent appraisers. For properties not subject to independent 
appraisals, valuations are prepared internally during each reporting period. 

Critical assumptions used in estimating the fair values of investment properties include cap rates, discount rates that reflect current 
market  uncertainties,  terminal  cap  rates  and  market  rents.  Other  key  assumptions  relating  to  the  estimates  of  fair  values  of 
investment properties include components of stabilized NOI, leasing costs and vacancy rates. The Trust examines the critical and 
key assumptions at the end of each reporting period and updates these assumptions based on recent leasing activity and external 
market data available at that time. If there is any change in these assumptions or in regional, national or international economic 
conditions, the fair value of investment properties may change materially. 

The Trust makes judgments with respect to whether lease incentives provided in connection with a lease enhance the value of the 
leased  space,  which  determines  whether  or  not  such  amounts  are  treated  as  tenant  improvements  and  added  to  investment 
properties. Lease incentives, such as cash, rent-free periods and lessee or lessor owned improvements, may be provided to lessees 
to enter into an operating lease. Lease incentives that do not provide benefits beyond the initial lease term are included in the 
carrying amount of investment properties and are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term 
of the lease. 

Judgment is also applied in determining whether certain costs are additions to the carrying amount of the investment property.  

Business combinations  
When the Trust makes an acquisition, it may elect to apply the optional concentration test in IFRS 3, “Business Combinations”, to 
assess whether an acquisition must be accounted for as a business combination. When substantially all of the fair value of the 
gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the transaction is accounted for as an asset 
acquisition. The consideration paid is allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired on the basis of their relative fair 
values at the acquisition date. Where an acquisition does not satisfy the concentration test and the acquired set of activities meets 
the definition of a business, the Trust applies the acquisition method of accounting. 

Under the acquisition method of accounting the consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, 
which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets and liabilities assumed, and any equity interests 
issued by the Trust in exchange for control of the acquiree.  

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at 
their acquisition date fair values irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the 
fair value of the Trust’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than 
the fair value of the Trust’s share of the net assets acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements 
of  comprehensive  income  for  the  period  as  an  acquisition  gain.  Any  transaction  costs  incurred  with  respect  to  the  business 
combination are expensed in the period incurred. 

Impairment 
The  Trust  assesses  the  possibility  and  amount  of  any  impairment  loss  or  write-down  as  it  relates  to  the  equity  accounted 
investment, amounts receivable and property and equipment. 

IFRS 9 requires management to use judgment in determining if the Trust’s financial assets are impaired. In making this judgment, 
the Trust evaluates, among other factors, the credit risk of the counterparty and whether there are indicators that credit risk on a 
financial instrument has changed significantly since initial recognition or the last reassessment of credit risk. Where the credit risk 
of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition, the Trust records a loss allowance equal to the lifetime 
expected credit losses arising from that financial asset. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  70 

 
 
IAS 36, “Impairment of Assets” (“IAS 36”), requires management to use judgment in determining the recoverable amount of assets 
and equity accounted investments that are tested for impairment. Judgment is also involved in estimating the value-in-use of the 
equity accounted investments, including estimates of future cash flows, discount rates and terminal rates. The values assigned to 
these key assumptions reflect past experience and are consistent with external sources of information. 

Elevated estimation uncertainty as a result of COVID-19 
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic. The pandemic 
has created significant uncertainty in the general economy, including the real estate market. Such a pandemic could, if prolonged, 
adversely  impact  our  business  directly  and/or  indirectly.  Management  continues  to  assess  the  impact  of  COVID-19  and 
governments’  responses  to  it  on  the  Trust.  Portions  of  our  financial  results  incorporate  estimates  from  management  that  are 
subject to increased uncertainty due to the market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. An area of increased estimation 
uncertainty in the Trust’s consolidated financial statements is the fair value of its investment properties.  

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,  uncertainty  about  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. 

Note 3  
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES AND FUTURE ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The Trust has adopted the following new and revised standards, along with any consequential amendments, effective January 1, 
2020. These changes were made in accordance with the applicable transitional provisions as described below. 

Changes in accounting policies 
Presentation of interest expense on debt in the consolidated statements of cash flows 
The Trust has amended its accounting policy for the presentation of interest expense on debt in the consolidated statements of 
cash flows. Effective January 1, 2020, the Trust has elected to present interest expense on debt as a cash flow arising from financing 
activities where it was previously included in cash flows from operating activities. The Trust has made this change in order to better 
align  with  the  presentation  of  cash  flows  related  to  debt  transactions.  As  a  result  of  this  change  in  presentation,  cash  flows 
generated  from  (utilized  in)  operating  activities  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019  have  increased  by  $35,181  with  a 
corresponding reduction to cash flows generated from (utilized in) financing activities. 

Business combinations 
Effective  January  1,  2020,  the  Trust  has  applied  the  amendments  to  the  requirements  of  IFRS  3,  “Business  Combinations”  
(“IFRS 3”), in relation to whether a  transaction meets the  definition of a  business combination. The amendments provide the 
option for an entity to assess whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset 
or group of similar assets. If such a concentration exists, the transaction is not viewed as an acquisition of a business and no further 
assessment of the business combination guidance is required. No changes were required for the current period as none of the 
acquisitions met the definition of a business combination. 

Interest rate benchmark reform 
In accordance with the transition provisions, the Trust has adopted the amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 retrospectively to hedging 
relationship that was designated during the year ending December 31, 2020 and to the amount accumulated in the cash flow 
hedge reserve as at December 31, 2020.  

The amendments provide temporary relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging relationships directly 
affected by inter-bank offered rate (“IBOR”) reform. The reliefs have the effect that IBOR reform should not generally cause hedge 
accounting to terminate. However, any hedge ineffectiveness continues to be recorded in the income statement. The reliefs will 
cease to apply when the uncertainty arising from interest rate benchmark reform is no longer present. 

Note 29 provides information about the uncertainty arising from IBOR reform for the hedging relationship for which the Trust has 
applied the reliefs. No changes were required to any of the amounts recognised in the current or prior period as a result of these 
amendments. 

New standards and interpretations  
The International Accounting Standards Board has issued amendments to IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” (“IAS 1”). 
The amendments clarify how to classify debt and other liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments to IAS 1 apply to 
annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The Trust is currently assessing the impact of these amendments. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  71 

Note 4  
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES  

Balance at beginning of year 
Additions: 

Acquisitions of investment properties 
Building improvements 
Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs 

Total additions to investment properties 
Dispositions and reclassifications to assets held for sale: 

Dispositions of investment properties 
Investment properties reclassified to assets held for sale 
Total dispositions and reclassifications to assets held for sale 
Changes included in net income: 

Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
Change in straight-line rent 
Amortization of lease incentives 
Total changes included in net income 
Changes included in other comprehensive income (loss): 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 

Total changes included in other comprehensive income (loss) 
Balance at end of year 
Change in unrealized fair value adjustments included in net income 
Change in fair value of investment properties 

2020 
2,428,664    $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2,138,411    

Note 

$ 

5     

23     
23     

663,671     
7,010     
11,525     
682,206     

—     
—     
—     

120,079     
1,674     
(1,645)    
120,108     

10,623     
10,623     
3,241,601    $ 

120,079    $ 

$ 

$ 

376,693    
9,780    
14,418    
400,891    

(8,030)   
(260,120)   
(268,150)   

178,547    
1,233    
(1,617)   
178,163    

(20,651)   
(20,651)   
2,428,664    

181,214    

Investment properties includes $12,030 (December 31, 2019 – $10,434) related to straight-line rent receivables. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  total  investment  properties  pledged  as  security  for  debt  as  at  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019: 

Pledged as collateral for mortgages 
Pledged as collateral for secured revolving credit facility 
Not pledged against debt 
Total investment properties 

December 31, 
2020   
1,800,012    $ 

—     
1,441,589     
3,241,601    $ 

December 31, 
2019 
2,062,146    
270,267    
96,251    
2,428,664    

$ 

$ 

On February 1, 2021, the Trust early discharged seven Canadian mortgages totalling $130,681, reducing investment properties 
pledged as collateral by $308,171, with a corresponding increase to unpledged investment properties. 

Valuations of externally appraised investment properties 
The following table summarizes the investment properties valued by qualified external valuation professionals for the years ended 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Investment properties valued by qualified external valuation professionals 
Number of investment properties valued by qualified external valuation professionals 
Percentage of the total investment property values 

$ 

December 31, 
2020 
711,463  $ 
60   
21.9%    

December 31, 
2019 
547,585 
59 
23.0%  

Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
When performing fair value assessments for its investment properties, the Trust incorporates a number of factors including recent 
market transactions, recent leasing activity, market vacancy, leasing costs and other information obtained from market research 
and  recently  completed  leases  and  acquisitions.  The  fair  value  of  the  investment  properties  as  at  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019 represents the Trust’s best estimate based on the internally and externally available information as at the end 
of each reporting period.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  duration  and  full  scope  of  the  economic  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  are  unknown  at  this  time.  Key  valuation 
assumptions that could be impacted over the long term include: market rents, leasing costs, vacancy rates, discount rates and cap 
rates. The Trust will continue to monitor the effect of the economic environment on the valuation of its investment properties.  

If there are any changes in the critical and key assumptions used in valuing the investment properties, or in regional, national or 
international economic conditions, or new developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair value of investment properties may 
change materially. 

Significant assumptions used in the valuation of investment properties 
As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Trust’s investment properties were valued using the cap rate and discounted 
cash flow methods. The significant and unobservable Level 3 valuation metrics used in the methods as at December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019 are set out in the table below: 

Cap rate method 
Stabilized cap rate 
Discounted cash flow method  
Discount rate  
Terminal cap rate  
(1) Excludes investment properties acquired during the respective quarter as applicable. 
(2) Weighted average based on investment property fair value. 

December 31, 2020(1)  
Weighted   
average (%)(2)  

Range (%)  

December 31, 2019(1) 
Weighted 
average (%)(2) 

Range (%)  

4.50–9.00  

5.50–8.50  
4.75–9.00  

5.75   

6.55   
6.03   

4.50–7.50  

5.38–8.75  
5.00–8.00  

5.95  

6.92  
6.28  

Sensitivities on assumptions 
Generally, an increase in stabilized net operating income under the cap rate method will result in an increase to the fair value of 
an investment property. An increase in stabilized cap rate under the cap rate method will result in a decrease to the fair value  
of an investment property. The cap rate magnifies the effect of a change in stabilized NOI, with a lower rate resulting in a greater 
impact to the fair value of an investment property than a higher rate. 

Generally, an increase in discount rate and terminal cap rate under the discounted cash flow method will result in a decrease to 
the fair value of an investment property.  

The following sensitivity tables outline the potential impact on the fair value of investment properties, excluding the investment 
properties acquired during the current quarter, assuming a change in the weighted average stabilized cap rates, discount rates and 
terminal rates by a respective 25 basis points (“bps”) as at December 31, 2020: 

Cap rate method 
Increase (decrease) in value 

Discounted cash flow method 
Increase (decrease) in value 

$ 

Impact to change in  
weighted average stabilized cap rates 
-25 bps 
141,996  

+25 bps  
(130,169) $ 

$ 

Impact to change in                    

Impact to change in                     

weighted average discount rates  
-25 bps   
61,488    $ 

+25 bps  
(60,028) $ 

weighted average terminal cap rates 
-25 bps 
87,265  

+25 bps  
(80,020) $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 5  
INVESTMENT PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS  
Detailed below are the investment property acquisitions completed for the year ended December 31, 2020: 

840 Trillium Drive, Kitchener, Ontario 
Berkshire portfolio, Kitchener, Ontario(2) 
1995 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario 
2–20 Exportweg, Waddinxveen, Netherlands(3) 
12–16 Het Sterrenbeeld, Den Bosch, Netherlands(3) 
7–9 Robert-Bosch-Straße, Dietzenbach, Germany(3) 
10 Heibloemweg, Helmond, Netherlands(3) 
Dutch portfolio, Netherlands(3)(4) 
700–840 McCaffrey Road, Montréal, Québec 
100 East Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, Ontario 
220 Water Street, Whitby, Ontario 
311 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, Ontario 
1750 Berlier Street, Laval, Québec 
1 Christoph-Seydel-Straße, Radeberg, Germany(3) 
6701 Financial Drive, Mississauga, Ontario 
4 Zoete Inval, Breda, Netherlands(3) 
1–5 Markkaweg, Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands(3) 
1–9 Siemensstraße, Eppertshausen, Germany(3) 
4 Stevinlaan, Ede, Netherlands(3) 
6 Guldenweg, Varsseveld, Netherlands(3) 
30 Handelsweg, Ridderkerk, Netherlands(3) 
Total 

Date acquired 
Purchase price(1) 
January 13, 2020 
5,700 
January 17, 2020 
62,500 
January 22, 2020 
33,100 
January 22, 2020 
27,355 
January 28, 2020 
10,700 
January 31, 2020 
14,950 
13,598 
February 5, 2020 
201,576  February 19, 2020 and March 17, 2020 
February 24, 2020 
February 28, 2020 
March 2, 2020 
March 23, 2020 
August 25, 2020 
September 1, 2020 
September 17, 2020 
September 28, 2020 
December 8, 2020 
December 10, 2020 
December 29, 2020 
December 29, 2020 
December 30, 2020 

9,100 
24,000 
17,600 
4,905 
8,600 
25,088 
23,900 
28,396 
16,134 
31,594 
39,375 
9,727 
15,102 
623,000  

$ 

$ 

(1) Excludes transaction costs of $38,378.  
(2) Berkshire portfolio consists of 12 investment properties. 
(3) Acquisitions in the Netherlands and Germany were settled in euros and translated into Canadian dollars as at the respective transaction dates. 
(4) The Dutch portfolio consists of 31 investment properties, 29 properties were acquired on February 19, 2020 and two properties were acquired on March 17, 

2020. The purchase price excludes an assumed ground lease liability totalling $2,293. 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Trust acquired 32 investment properties for gross proceeds net of adjustments and 
before transaction costs totalling $370,511.  

Detailed below are the considerations paid for the acquired investment properties for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019: 

Cash paid 
Deposits paid in prior period and released to seller on closing 
Assumed non-cash working capital and capital expenditure obligations 
Assumed mortgages(1) 
Total consideration paid before undernoted items 
Transaction costs and land transfer taxes  
Assumed ground lease liability 
Total acquisitions of investment properties 

Note 

$ 

9   

$ 

Year ended  
December 31, 2020  

597,030  $ 
2,700  
8,641  
14,629  
623,000  
38,378  
2,293  
663,671  $ 

Year ended 
December 31, 2019 
357,954 
1,322 
5,851 
5,384 
370,511 
6,182 
— 
376,693 

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2019, mortgages were assumed from Dream Impact Trust, a related party of the Trust. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6 
JOINT ARRANGEMENTS 
Joint Venture 
The Trust participates in a joint venture with other related parties that own a development property and account for its interest 
using the equity method. 

The Trust holds an 80% equity interest in a company formed for the purpose of acquiring land for development purposes. The 
remaining interests are owned by Dream Asset Management Corporation (“DAM”) and PAULS Corp, LLC, related parties of the 
Trust (see Note 26). The Trust has joint control over this company via an operating agreement which requires unanimous consent. 
Accordingly, the Trust has recorded its equity interest as an equity accounted investment.  

On December 3, 2019, the company acquired 24.5 acres of development land in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a purchase price including 
transaction costs of $10,146 at 100% interest ($8,117 at the Trust’s 80% interest).  

The following table presents the financial results of the joint venture as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Non-current assets 
Net assets 

At 100%  
ownership interest  

11,164  $ 
11,164  $ 

$ 
$ 

December 31, 2020  
At 80%  

ownership interest    

9,034    $ 
9,034   $ 

At 100%  
ownership interest  

10,010  $ 
10,010  $ 

December 31, 2019 
At 80%  
ownership interest 
8,008 
8,008 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust’s share of net income from investment in the joint venture was $39 (for the year 
ended December 31, 2019 – share of net loss was $109).   

Under the operating agreement, the Trust has committed to make certain future capital contributions (see Note 27).  

Co-owned investment properties 
The Trust’s interests in co-owned investment properties are accounted for based on the Trust’s share of interest in the assets, 
liabilities, revenues and expenses of the investment properties. On August 30, 2019, the Trust  completed the acquisition of its 
remaining 50% interest in a portfolio of six properties in Regina, Saskatchewan, previously co-owned with Dream Impact Trust 
(formerly known as Dream Hard Asset Alternatives Trust), a related party of the Trust (see Note 26). 

Note 7  
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Deposits on acquisitions of investment properties 
Property and equipment and other 
Fair value of interest rate swaps 
Total 

Note 8  
AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

Trade receivables 
Less: Provision for impairment of trade receivables 
Trade receivables, net 
Other amounts receivable 
Amounts receivable 

Note  

30  

December 31, 
2020  
2,100  $ 
673  
—  
2,773  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
2,700 
651 
1,422 
4,773 

$ 

$ 

December 31, 
2020  
5,095  $ 
(1,177)  
3,918   
6,126   
10,044  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
2,837  
(559) 
2,278  
5,132  
7,410  

$ 

$ 

The carrying value of amounts receivable approximates fair value due to their current nature. The Trust determines the provision 
for impairment of trade receivables using historical information, probability of collection, lease terms, tenant’s financial condition 
and other factors. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  75 

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Trust leases industrial properties to tenants under operating leases. Minimum rental commitments, including joint operations, 
on non-cancellable tenant operating leases over their remaining terms are as follows: 

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026+ 
Total 

Note 9  
DEBT 

Mortgages(1) 
Revolving credit facility(2) 
U.S. term loan(2) 
Debentures(2) 
Total debt 
Less: Current portion 
Non-current debt 

December 31, 2020 
176,882 
$ 
158,939 
127,405 
104,237 
81,845 
179,074 
828,382 

$ 

December 31, 
2020  
820,964  $ 
(662)  
190,289   
248,339   
1,258,930   
(130,157)  
1,128,773  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
1,015,143  
(575) 
—  
—  
1,014,568  
(61,651) 
952,917  

$ 

$ 

(1) Mortgages consist of borrowings, net of unamortized financing costs and unamortized fair value adjustments.  
(2) Revolving credit facility, U.S. term loan and debentures balances consist of borrowings (as applicable), net of unamortized financing costs. 

Continuity of total debt 
The following tables provide a continuity of total debt for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Total debt as at January 1, 2020 
Cash items:  

Borrowings 
Lump sum repayments 
Principal repayments 
Financing costs additions 

Non-cash items:  

Note  

$ 

Mortgages 
1,015,143    $ 

Revolving   
credit facility(1)   
(575)   $ 

U.S.      
term loan   
—    $ 

December 31, 2020 

Debentures 

—    $ 

Total 
1,014,568  

—     
(180,799)    
(22,733)    
—     

91,095     
(90,055)    
—     
(1,014)    

196,410     
—     
—     
(719)    

250,000     
—     
—     
(1,669)    

537,505  
(270,854) 
(22,733) 
(3,402) 

Debt assumed on acquisition of investment 

5    

properties 

Total debt as at December 31, 2020 

Foreign exchange adjustments 
Other adjustments(2) 

14,629     
(6,116)    
840     
820,964    $ 
(1) Amounts drawn against the secured revolving credit facility during the period from January 1, 2020 to June 11, 2020 were denominated in both Canadian and 
U.S. dollars. Amounts drawn against the unsecured revolving credit facility during the period from June 12, 2020 to December 31, 2020 were denominated in 
Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars and euros. U.S. dollar amounts and euros have been converted at the respective foreign exchange rates in accordance with the 
Trust’s accounting policy. 

—     
(5,430)    
28     
190,289    $ 

—     
(1,040)    
927     
(662)   $ 

14,629  
(12,586) 
1,803  
1,258,930  

—     
—     
8     

248,339    $ 

$ 

(2) Other adjustments include amortization and write-off of financing costs of $2,150 and amortization of fair value adjustments on assumed debt of $(347). 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt as at January 1, 2019 
Cash items:  

Borrowings  
Lump sum repayments 
Principal repayments 
Financing costs additions 

Non-cash items:  

December 31, 2019 

Note  

$ 

Mortgages   
910,970    $ 

Revolving     

credit facility(1)   

26,760    $ 

228,648     
(56,681)    
(24,636)    
(3,587)    

174,794     
(201,379)    
—     
(350)    

Total 
937,730    

403,442    
(258,060)   
(24,636)   
(3,937)   

Debt classified as liabilities related to assets held for sale 
Debt assumed on acquisition of investment properties(2) 
Foreign exchange adjustments 
Other adjustments(3) 

(36,367)   
5,384    
(9,856)   
868    
1,014,568    
(1) Amounts drawn against the secured revolving credit facility during the year were denominated in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. U.S. dollar amounts have 

—     
—     
(791)    
391     
(575)   $ 

(36,367)    
5,384     
(9,065)    
477     

Total debt as at December 31, 2019 

1,015,143    $ 

23  
5   

$ 

been converted at foreign exchange rates in accordance with the Trust’s accounting policy. 

(2) Debt assumed from Dream Impact Trust, a related party of the Trust. 
(3) Other adjustments include amortization of financing costs of $1,512 and amortization of fair value adjustments on assumed debt of $(644). 

Revolving credit facility 
On June 12, 2020, the Trust entered into an agreement for a new US$250,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured 
Facility”), which replaced the existing $150,000 secured revolving credit facility.   

The following tables summarize certain details of the Trust’s respective revolving credit facilities as at December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019: 

December 31, 2020 
Amounts available 
to be drawn 
318,300 
(1) Canadian BA rate plus 1.45% or Canadian prime rate plus 0.45% on Canadian dollar draws, U.S. LIBOR rate plus 1.45% or U.S. base rate plus 0.45% on U.S. dollar 

Maturity date  
January 14, 2022  $ 

Borrowing 
capacity 
318,300  $ 

Principal 
outstanding  

Unsecured Facility(1)(2) 

—  $ 

draws, or euro LIBOR rate plus 1.45% on euro draws. 

(2) The Unsecured Facility has the ability to be drawn in Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars, and euros. All foreign currency denominated balances have been converted 

in accordance with the Trust’s accounting policy 

Secured revolving credit facility(1)(2) 
(1) Canadian BA rate plus 1.70% or Canadian prime rate plus 0.70% or U.S. LIBOR rate plus 1.70% or U.S. base rate plus 0.70%. 
(2) The secured revolving credit facility had the ability to be drawn in Canadian and U.S. dollars.  

Maturity date  
June 30, 2021  $ 

Borrowing 
capacity 
150,000  $ 

Principal 
outstanding  

—  $ 

December 31, 2019 
Amounts available 
to be drawn 
150,000 

U.S. term loan  
On October 30, 2020, the Trust obtained a US$150,000 unsecured credit facility (the “U.S. Unsecured Facility”). The U.S. Unsecured 
Facility allowed for a single drawdown prior to November 30, 2020. On November 17, 2020, the Trust drew down on the U.S. 
Unsecured  Facility  by  entering  into  a  US$150,000,  three-year  unsecured  term  loan  (the  “U.S.  term  loan”)  bearing  interest  at  
U.S. LIBOR plus 1.40% per annum with a maturity date of January 31, 2024. Concurrently on the same day, the Trust entered into 
a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement with the same lender to exchange the US$150,000 gross proceeds from the U.S. 
term loan into euros (see Note 31).   

Debentures 
On December 22, 2020, the Trust completed a private placement, issuing $250,000 of Series A senior unsecured debentures (the 
“Debentures”) at 1.662%, maturing on December 22, 2025. Concurrently on the same day, the Trust entered into a cross-currency 
interest rate swap agreement with a major financial institution to exchange $250,000 gross proceeds from the Debentures into 
euros (see Note 31).   

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt weighted average effective interest rates and maturity profile 
As at December 31, 2020, the weighted average effective interest rate on total debt was 3.07% (December 31, 2019 – 3.73%). The 
effective interest rate includes the impact of fair value adjustments on assumed debt and financing costs but excludes the impact 
of cross-currency interest rate swaps.  

The scheduled principal repayments and debt maturities are as follows: 

Debt balance  
due at maturity 

Scheduled principal 
repayments on  
debt maturing in 

future periods   

2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026–2030 
Total 
Unamortized financing costs 
Unamortized fair value adjustments 
Total debt 

$ 

$ 

110,013     $ 
43,874     
98,077     
253,818     
279,984     
363,769     
1,149,535     $ 

Note 10  
SUBSIDIARY REDEEMABLE UNITS 
The Trust has the following subsidiary redeemable units outstanding: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Remeasurement of carrying value 
Balance at end of year 

Number of units   
Note  issued and outstanding  
18,551,855  $ 
21 

Year ended December 31, 2020  
Amount  
243,771  
186  
243,957  

18,551,855  $ 

—  

21,049     $ 
18,116     
15,543     
14,319     
12,627     
36,404     
118,058     $ 

$ 

Amount 
131,062    
61,990    
113,620    
268,137    
292,611    
400,173    
1,267,593    
(8,807)   
144    
1,258,930 

Year ended December 31, 2019 

Number of units   
issued and outstanding  
18,551,855  $ 

—  

18,551,855  $ 

Amount 
176,613 
67,158 
243,771 

For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  December 31,  2019,  the  Trust  recorded  $13,051  and  13,376,  respectively,  in 
distributions  on  the  subsidiary  redeemable  units,  which  are  included  as  interest  expense  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income (see Note 20). For the year ended December 31, 2019, all subsidiary redeemable units that are held by 
the  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  of  Dream  Office  REIT  were  enrolled  in  the  Distribution  Reinvestment  Plan  (see  Note  15).  On 
December  22,  2020,  Dream  Office  REIT  provided  formal  notice  to  the  Trust  that  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  holding  the 
subsidiary redeemable units will no longer participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan. 

DILP, a subsidiary of Dream Industrial REIT, is authorized to issue an unlimited number of LP B Units (subsidiary redeemable units). 
The subsidiary redeemable units, together with the accompanying Special Trust Units, have economic and voting rights equivalent 
in all material respects to the REIT Units. Generally, each subsidiary redeemable unit entitles the holder to a distribution equal to 
distributions declared on each REIT Unit. Subsidiary redeemable units may be surrendered or indirectly exchanged for REIT Units 
on a one-for-one basis at the option of the holder, generally at any time, subject to certain restrictions. 

Special  Trust  Units  are  issued  in  connection  with  subsidiary  redeemable  units.  The  Special  Trust  Units  are  not  transferable 
separately from the subsidiary redeemable units to which they relate and will be automatically redeemed for a nominal amount 
and cancelled on surrender or exchange of such subsidiary redeemable units. Each Special Trust Unit entitles the holder to the 
number of votes at any meeting of unitholders that is equal to the number of REIT Units that may be obtained on the surrender 
or exchange of the subsidiary redeemable units to which they relate.  

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 18,551,855 Special Trust Units were issued and outstanding. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11  
DEFERRED UNIT INCENTIVE PLAN  
The DUIP provides for the grant of deferred trust units to trustees, officers and employees as well as  affiliates and their service 
providers, including the asset manager. Deferred trust units are granted at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and earn income 
deferred trust units based on the payment of distributions. Once granted, each deferred trust unit and the related distribution of 
income  deferred  trust  units  vest  immediately  for  trustees,  and    evenly  over  a  five-year  period  and  three-year  period  on  the 
anniversary date of the grant for officers and the remaining participants, respectively. Subject to an election option available for 
certain  participants  to  postpone  receipt  of  REIT  Units,  such  deferred  trust  units  will  be  issued  immediately  on  vesting.  As  at 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, up to a maximum of 2,400,000 deferred trust units are issuable under the DUIP. 

The following tables provide a continuity of the DUIP balance and deferred trust units activity for the years ended December 31, 
2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Balance at beginning of year  
Deferred compensation expense 
REIT Units issued for vested deferred trust units 
Remeasurement of carrying value of deferred trust units 
Cash settlement of deferred trust units 
Balance at end of year 

Outstanding and payable at beginning of year 
Granted(1) 
REIT Units issued 
Cancelled or forfeited  
REIT Units settled in cash 
Outstanding and payable at end of year(2) 

Note 

19  

21 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
6,608    
10,250    $ 
2,156    
2,197     
(1,563)   
(1,052)    
3,140    
1,031     
(91)   
(113)    
10,250    
12,313    $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
827,815    
214,644    
(131,072)   
(20,169)   
(8,173)   
883,045    

2020 
883,045    
309,711    
(86,338)   
(13,115)   
(8,686)   
1,084,617    

(1) Includes 62,516 income deferred trust units granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – 51,369 income deferred trust units). 
(2) Includes 684,371 vested but not issued deferred trust units as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – 491,176). 

The following table summarizes the deferred trust units granted for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Deferred trust units granted  $ 

  Grant price range 
9.12–14.22 

December 31, 2020 

Number of units granted(1) 

247,195  $ 

December 31, 2019 

Grant price range 
10.92–13.37 

Number of units granted(1) 
163,275 

(1) Includes 186,545 deferred trust units granted to key management personnel as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – 119,225). 

Note 12  
INCOME TAXES  
The  Trust  is  subject  to  corporate  income  taxes  in  Canada,  the  U.S.  and  Europe  through  the  Trust’s  wholly  owned  Canadian 
subsidiary, U.S. subsidiary and European subsidiaries. 

The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented 
below: 

Deferred tax assets 
Income tax loss carry-forwards 
Financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Investment properties 
Deferred tax liabilities, net 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  79 

December 31, 

2020   

December 31, 
2019 

$ 

$ 

5,685    $ 
25     

5,104    
34    

(23,282)    
(17,572)   $ 

(14,649)   
(9,511)   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
As at  December 31, 2020, there were unused tax losses of $468 for which  no deferred tax asset  is recognized (December 31,  
2019 – $nil) which expire in 2026. 

The  following  table  reconciles  the  expected  income  taxes  based  upon  the  2020  and  2019  statutory  rates  and  the  income  tax 
expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Income before income taxes (continuing and discontinued operations) 
Less: Income distributed to unitholders  
Income subject to taxation in subsidiary corporations  
Statutory tax rate 
Tax calculated at statutory tax rate 
Increase (decrease) resulting from: 
Tax benefits not recognized 
Non-deductible expenses 
Effects of different tax rates in U.S. and Europe in which the group operates 
Non-taxable portion of capital gains 
Other items 

Deferred and current income taxes expense, net(1) 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
187,890   
208,814     $ 
(155,087)  
(190,204)    
32,803   
18,610     
25.4%   
26.5%     
8,340   
4,932     

4,324     
3     
(179)    
(279)    
(123)    
8,678     $ 

328   
17   
—   
(1)  
(226)  
8,458   

$ 

$ 

(1) At December 31, 2020, current income taxes expense was $6 (December 31, 2019, current income tax recovery – $18). 

Note 13  
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Tenant security deposits 
Fair value of cross-currency swaps 
Fair value of interest rate swaps 
Ground lease 
Total 

Note 14  
AMOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

Trade payables and accrued liabilities 
Accrued interest 
Rent received in advance 
Distributions payable 
Total 

Note 15  
EQUITY  

Unitholders’ equity 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 
Total equity 

Note 

30 
30 

December 31, 
2020  
15,265  $ 
9,484  
5,184  
2,474  
32,407  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
13,572 
— 
895 
— 
14,467 

$ 

$ 

Note 

$ 

16    

$ 

December 31, 
2020  
33,561  $ 
3,731  
5,077  
8,906  
51,275  $ 

December 31, 
2019 
26,182 
3,610 
3,082 
7,878 
40,752 

Note  Number of REIT Units   

Amount    Number of REIT Units     

December 31, 2020   

17  

152,678,861      $  1,605,724     
281,531     
17,621     
152,678,861      $  1,904,876     

—     
—     

December 31, 2019 
Amount 
1,372,564    
187,443    
(435)   
1,559,572    

—       
—       

134,801,881      $ 

134,801,881      $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dream Industrial REIT Units  
Dream Industrial REIT is authorized to issue an unlimited number of REIT Units and an unlimited number of Special Trust Units. 
The Special Trust Units may be issued only to holders of subsidiary redeemable units. 

REIT Units represent an undivided beneficial interest in Dream Industrial REIT and in distributions made by Dream Industrial REIT. 
No REIT Unit has preference or priority over any other. Each REIT Unit entitles the holder to one vote at all meetings of unitholders. 

Public offerings of REIT Units  
The following table summarizes the public offerings of REIT Units issued for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 
2019. Total costs related to the offerings were charged directly to unitholders’ equity. 

Date of public offering 
February 12, 2020(1) 

13.65  $ 
(1) Includes 2,199,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.  

16,859,000  $ 

Number of REIT Units  

Unit price  

Gross proceeds  

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Issue costs 
9,892 

230,125  $ 

Date of public offering 
February 13, 2019(1) 
April 25, 2019(2) 
December 11, 2019(3) 
Total 

Number of REIT Units  

13,800,000  $ 
12,477,500  
12,834,000   
39,111,500  

Unit price  

10.45  $ 
11.55  
13.45   
$ 

(1) Includes 1,800,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.  
(2) Includes 1,627,500 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 
(3) Includes 1,674,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. 

Gross proceeds  

Year ended December 31, 2019 
Issue costs 
6,408 
6,405 
7,565 
20,378 

144,210  $ 
144,115  
172,617   
460,942  $ 

On December 19, 2019, the Trust completed a private placement to sell an aggregate of 325,000 REIT Units to Michael J. Cooper, 
Trustee, and Brian Pauls, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, at a price of $13.45 per REIT Unit, for gross proceeds of $4,371. 

Short form base shelf prospectus  
On October 15, 2019, the Trust filed and obtained a receipt for a final short form base shelf prospectus dated October 11, 2019, 
which is valid for a 25-month period, during which time the Trust may, from time to time, offer and issue REIT Units, subscription 
receipts  and  debt  securities,  or  any  combination  thereof,  having  an  aggregate  offering  price  of  up  to  $2,000,000.  As  at  
December 31, 2020, $402,742 of REIT Units have been issued under the current base shelf prospectus. On January 29, 2021, the 
Trust issued a further $259,072 of REIT Units under the current base shelf prospectus, bringing the total to $661,814. The issuance 
is pursuant to the current base shelf prospectus as supplemented by the prospectus supplement. 

Normal course issuer bid  
The  Trust  commenced  a  normal  course  issuer  bid  (“NCIB”)  on  March  31,  2020  which  will  remain  in  effect  until  the  earlier  of  
March 30, 2021 or the date on which the Trust has purchased the maximum number of REIT Units permitted under the NCIB. 
Under the NCIB, the Trust has the ability to purchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 14,204,702 of its REIT Units (representing 
10% of Dream Industrial REIT’s public float of 142,047,020 REIT Units) through the facilities of the TSX. The actual number of REIT 
Units that may be purchased and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by the Trust subject to a maximum daily 
purchase  limitation  of  128,414  REIT  Units,  which  equals  25%  of  the  average  daily  trading  volume  (“ADTV”)  during  the  last  
six calendar months preceding the commencement of the NCIB (being 513,657 REIT Units per day), other than purchases pursuant 
to applicable block purchase exceptions. 

In connection with the NCIB, the Trust has established an automatic securities purchase plan (the “ASP Plan”) with its designated 
broker  to  facilitate  the  purchase  of  REIT  Units  under  the  NCIB  at  times  when  the  Trust  would  ordinarily  not  be  permitted  to 
purchase REIT Units due to regulatory restrictions or self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by the Trust’s broker 
based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and the terms of the parties’ written agreement. Outside of such restricted or 
blackout periods, the REIT Units may also be purchased in accordance with management’s discretion. The ASP Plan has been pre-
cleared by the TSX and will terminate on March 30, 2021. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, no REIT Units were purchased through the NCIB. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Reinvestment Plan and Unit Purchase Plan  
The Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) allows holders of REIT Units or subsidiary redeemable units, other than unitholders 
who are resident of or present in the U.S., to elect to have all cash distributions from Dream Industrial REIT reinvested in additional 
Units. Unitholders who participate in the DRIP receive an additional distribution of Units equal to 3% of each cash distribution that 
is  reinvested.  The  reinvestment  price  per  Unit  is  calculated  by  reference  to  a  five-day  weighted  average  closing  price  of  the  
REIT Units on the TSX preceding the relevant distribution date, which typically is on or about the 15th day of the month following 
the declaration. 

In  response  to  the  market  disruption  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  Trust  suspended  its  DRIP  effective  as  of  the 
distribution payable on April 15, 2020 to unitholders of record as at March 31, 2020. On December 18, 2020, the Trust announced 
its reinstatement of the DRIP and Unit Purchase Plan commencing with the distribution payable on January 15, 2021 to unitholders 
of record as at December 31, 2020. During the period of suspension, the DRIP was only paid in cash.   

For the year ended December 31, 2020, 931,334 REIT Units (December 31, 2019 – 3,170,829  REIT Units) were issued under the 
DRIP and $11,881 (December 31, 2019  – $38,311) was recorded as distributions in the consolidated statements of changes in 
equity. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Trust issued an additional 224,233 REIT Units under the DRIP.  

The Unit Purchase Plan feature of the DRIP facilitates the purchase of additional REIT Units by existing unitholders. Participation 
in the Unit Purchase Plan is optional and subject to certain limitations on the maximum number of additional REIT Units that may 
be acquired. The price per Unit is calculated in the same manner as the DRIP. No commissions, service charges or brokerage fees 
are  payable  by  participants  in  connection  with  either  the  reinvestment  or  purchase  features  of  the  DRIP.  For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2020, 308 REIT Units (December 31, 2019 – 821 REIT Units) were issued under the Unit Purchase Plan for proceeds 
of $4 (December 31, 2019 – $10). 

Note 16  
DISTRIBUTIONS 
Dream  Industrial  REIT’s  Declaration  of  Trust,  as  amended  and  restated,  provides  the  Board  of  Trustees  with  the  discretion  to 
determine the percentage payout of income that would be in the best interest of the Trust. The Trust determines the distribution 
rate by, among other considerations, its assessment  of cash flows generated from  (utilized in) operating activities. Cash  flows 
generated from (utilized in) operating activities may differ from distributions declared, primarily due to: fluctuations in non-cash 
working capital; and the impact of leasing costs, which fluctuate with lease maturities, renewal terms, the type of asset being 
leased, and when tenants fulfill the terms of their respective lease agreements. These seasonal fluctuations or unpredictibility of 
when leasing costs are incurred are funded with our cash and cash equivalents on hand and, if necessary, with our existing demand 
revolving credit facility. Monthly distribution payments to unitholders are payable on or about the 15th day of the following month. 

The Trust declared distributions of $0.70, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

The following table summarizes distributions paid and payable for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Paid in cash  
Paid by way of reinvestment in REIT Units(1) 
Add-back: Payable at December 31, 2019/December 31, 2018 
Deduct: Payable at December 31, 2020/December 31, 2019 
Total distributions paid and payable 

(1) Excludes REIT Units issued under the DRIP for LP B Units.   

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(55,167)   
(96,482)   $ 
(24,935)   
(8,538)    
5,370    
7,878     
(7,878)   
(8,906)    
(82,610)   
(106,048)   $ 

$ 

$ 

The following table summarizes our monthly distributions paid and payable subsequent to December 31, 2020:  

Date distribution announced 
December 18, 2020 
January 20, 2021 

Month of distribution 
December 2020 
January 2021 

Date distribution was 
paid or is payable 
January 15, 2021 
February 12, 2021 

$ 

Distribution per 
REIT A Unit 

Total cash 
distributions paid 

0.05333  $ 
0.05333 

8,110  $ 
8,083 

Total DRIP 
distributions 
820(1) 
2,068(2) 

(1) $820 distributions were reinvested in additional 63,933 REIT Units (including 3% bonus distributions on Units reinvested pursuant to DRIP).  
(2) $2,068 distributions were reinvested in additional 160,300 REIT Units (including 3% bonus distributions on Units reinvested pursuant to DRIP).  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 17  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

Opening 
balance 
January 1   

Net change 
during  
the year   

Closing 
balance 
December 31   

Opening  
balance 
January 1   

2020   

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
Closing  
balance 
December 31 

Net change 
during  
the year 

$ 

(435)   $ 

22,344    $ 

21,909     $ 

10,911     $ 

(11,346)    $ 

(435)   

—      

(3,399)     

(3,399)    

—      

—      

—     

(435)     

(220)     

(234)    

(435)    

(220)    

(234)    

—     

36     

—    

—     

—     

(36)    

—     

—     

—    

—    

—    

—    

$ 

(435)   $ 

18,056    $ 

17,621     $ 

10,947     $ 

(11,382)    $ 

(435)   

Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency 
translation of foreign operations, net  
of taxes 

Unrealized loss on hedge of net 
investment, net of taxes(1) 

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge, net  

of taxes(1) 

Transaction costs on hedging instruments, 

net of taxes(1) 

Share of other comprehensive loss from 

equity accounted investment 
Accumulated other comprehensive 

income (loss) 

(1) As at December 31, 2020, taxes were $nil. 

Note 18  
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES REVENUE 

Rental income 
Recoveries revenue 
Total 

Note 19  
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 

Asset management fee 
Deferred compensation expense 
Professional service fees, public reporting, overhead-related costs and other 
General and administrative expenses 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  
162,278 
199,615  $ 
33,053 
36,331 
195,331 
235,946  $ 

$ 

$ 

Note   

26    $ 
11     

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(4,775)  
(6,063)    $ 
(2,156)  
(2,197)    
(5,129)  
(8,628)    
(12,060)  
(16,888)    $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 20  
INTEREST  
Interest on debt and other financing costs 
The table below summarizes the interest on debt and other financing costs incurred and charged to the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Interest expense and other financing costs incurred, at contractual rate 
Amortization of financing costs 
Amortization of fair value adjustments 
Interest expense on debt (continuing operations) 
Add (deduct): 
  Amortization of financing costs 
  Amortization of fair value adjustments 
  Change in accrued interest 
  Cash interest paid on debt associated with discontinued operations 
Cash interest paid on debt (continuing and discontinued operations) 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(34,150)   
(33,001)   $ 
(1,441)   
(1,684)    
635    
347     
(34,956)   
(34,338)    

1,684     
(347)    
154     
—     
(32,847)   $ 

1,441    
(635)   
358    
(1,389)   
(35,181)   

$ 

$ 

Certain debt assumed in connection with acquisitions has been adjusted to fair value using the estimated market interest rate at 
the time of the acquisition (“fair value adjustment”). This fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the expected 
remaining term of the debt using the effective interest rate method.  

Interest on subsidiary redeemable units 
Interest payments incurred and charged to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income consisting of distributions to 
holders of subsidiary redeemable units are recorded as follows: 

Paid in cash 
Paid by way of reinvestment in REIT Units 
Add-back: Interest payable at December 31, 2019/December 31, 2018 
Deduct: Interest payable at December 31, 2020/December 31, 2019 
Interest on subsidiary redeemable units 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(9,739)   $ 
—    
(13,376)   
(3,344)    
1,114    
1,114     
(1,114)   
(1,082)    
(13,376)   
(13,051)   $ 

$ 

$ 

The interest payable on subsidiary redeemable units at December 31, 2020 was settled in cash on January 15, 2021.  

Note 21  
FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS TO FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Unrealized remeasurement of carrying value of subsidiary redeemable units 
Unrealized remeasurement of carrying value of deferred trust units 
Unrealized remeasurement of interest rate swaps 
Total unrealized fair value adjustments to financial instruments 
Realized remeasurement of foreign currency swaps(1) 
Realized remeasurement of cross-currency interest rate swap(2) 
Total fair value adjustments to financial instruments 

Note 

10   $ 
11 
30 

30 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
(67,158)  
(3,140)  
(519)  
(70,817)  
—   
—   
(70,817)  

2020   
(186)  $ 
(1,031)   
(5,711)   
(6,928)  $ 
(3,415)   
(572)   
(10,915)  $ 

(1) On April 30, 2020, the Trust settled three foreign currency swap agreements for net cash payment of $3,415. 
(2) Hedge accounting was not applied to the cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding from January 1, 2020 to November 18, 2020. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  84 

 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 22  
NET LOSS ON TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES 

Internal leasing costs 
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Cost on sale of investment properties 
Other 
Total 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(2,321)   
(3,067)   $ 
(1,572)   
1,582     
(19)    
(55)   
(438)   
—      
(226)   
—      
(4,612)   
(1,504)   $ 

$ 

$ 

Note 23 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS 
Assets held for sale 
As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no investment properties classified as assets held for sale. 

On June 30, 2019, the Trust classified as assets held for sale all of the remaining investment properties in the Eastern Canada 
region. On July 31, 2019, the Trust completed the sale of the entire Eastern Canada region for gross proceeds net of adjustments 
and before transaction costs of $259,454. 

The tables below summarize the activity of investment properties classified as assets held for sale and the associated debt for the 
years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

Investment properties held for sale 

Note 

$ 

4    

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
3,900   

—     $ 

—     
—     

—     
—     

349   
709   

260,120   
(264,604)  

Balance at beginning of year 
Additions: 
     Building improvements 
     Lease incentives and initial direct leasing costs 
Dispositions, transfers to/from investment properties: 
     Investment properties classified to assets held for sale 
     Disposition of investment properties 
Changes included in net income: 
     Realized fair value adjustments to investment properties(1) 
     Amortization of lease incentives 
Balance at end of year 

(450)  
(24)  
—   
(1) Fair value adjustments to investment properties held for sale totalling $(450) was realized in income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, during the 

—     
—     
—     $ 

$ 

year ended December 31, 2019. 

Debt related to investment properties held for sale 

Balance at beginning of year 
Cash items: 
     Lump sum repayments 
     Principal repayments 
Non-cash items: 
     Debt classified as liabilities related to assets held for sale 
     Other adjustments(1) 
Balance at end of year 

Note 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
—    

—     $ 

—     
—     

—     
—     
—     $ 

(36,246)   
(116)   

36,367    
(5)   
—    

9    

$ 

(1) Other adjustments include write-offs and amortization of deferred financing costs and fair value adjustments of assumed debt. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations – Eastern Canada region 
The  Trust  presented  separately  the  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  from  the  Eastern  Canada  region  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 as follows:  

Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating expenses 
Net rental income (loss) 
Other expenses 
Fair value adjustments and net losses on transactions and other activities 
Fair value adjustments to investment properties 
Net losses on transactions and other activities: 
     Costs on sale of investment properties 
     Internal leasing costs 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes 

Cash generated from (utilized in): 
Operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
19,323    
(8,552)   
10,771    
(2,596)   

—    $ 
(17)    
(17)    
—      

—      

(2,391)   

(2)     
—      
(2)    
(19)   $ 

(2,758)   
(367)   
(5,516)   
2,659    

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020  

—    $ 
—     
—     

4,476    
257,330    
(83,222)   

Dispositions 
For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no dispositions completed by the Trust. For the year ended December 31, 
2019,  the  Trust  disposed  of  41  investment  properties  for  gross  proceeds  net  of  adjustments  and  before  transaction  costs  
totalling $272,634.  

Note 24  
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION  
The components of depreciation and amortization under operating activities include: 

Amortization of lease incentives 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Total depreciation and amortization 

The components of other adjustments under operating activities include: 

Change in straight-line rent 
Deferred unit compensation expense 
Deferred income tax expense 
Interest on subsidiary redeemable units 
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 
Costs on sale of investment properties 
Other 
Total other adjustments 

Note 
4, 23 
22 

$ 

$ 

Note 
4 
11 
12 
20 
22 
22, 23 
22 

$ 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
1,641 
1,645  $ 
19   
55 
1,696 
1,664  $ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(1,233)   
(1,674)   $ 
2,156    
2,197     
8,476    
8,672     
13,376    
13,051     
1,572    
(1,582)    
3,196    
2     
226    
—     
27,769    
20,666    $ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The components of the changes in non-cash working capital under operating activities include: 

Increase in amounts receivable 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets 
Decrease (increase) in other non-current assets 
Decrease in amounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Increase (decrease) in other non-current liabilities 
Change in non-cash working capital 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(3,211)   
(2,602)   $ 
2,869    
(444)    
(105)   
346     
(5,249)   
(332)    
(424)   
1,693     
(6,120)   
(1,339)   $ 

$ 

$ 

Note 25  
SEGMENTED INFORMATION 
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the  Trust’s reportable operating  segments of its investment  properties and results of 
operations were segmented into geographic components, namely Western Canada, Ontario, Québec and the U.S. For the year 
ended December 31, 2020, the Trust included Europe as a new segment commencing in the first quarter of 2020, to incorporate 
the Trust’s newly acquired properties in that geographic market.  

The chief operating decision-maker, determined to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, considers the performance of assets 
held for sale and disposed properties separately from the investment properties in the geographic segments, and discontinued 
operations separately from the segmented income in the geographic segments.  

The Trust did not allocate interest expense to the geographic segments since financing is viewed as a  corporate function. The 
decision as to where to incur the debt is largely based on minimizing the cost of debt and is not specifically related to the segments. 
Similarly, other income, other expenses, fair value adjustments to financial instruments, net gain (loss) on transactions and other 
activities (excluding internal leasing costs), and income taxes were not allocated to the segments. 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating expenses  
Net rental income (segmented income) 
Fair value adjustments on investment 

properties(2) 

Net gain (loss) on transactions and other 

activities(3) 

Segment     
  Western     
total 
Canada 
$  64,166   $  65,357   $  37,579   $  49,415   $  19,428   $ 235,945   $ 

Ontario    Québec   

Europe   

U.S.   

(22,988)   

(19,378)   

(9,730)   

(12,782)   

(2,159)   

(67,037)   

$  41,178   $  45,979   $  27,849   $  36,633   $  17,269   $ 168,908   $ 

$  (12,627)  $  73,196   $  58,319   $  18,928   $ (17,737)  $ 120,079   $ 

Other(1)   

Total 
1   $ 235,946   
(26)   
(67,063)  
(25)  $ 168,883   

—   $ 120,079   

(1,354)   

(1,079)   

(634)   

—    

—    

(3,067)   

1,563    

(1,504)  

(1) Other  includes  properties  sold  and  properties  originally  held  for  sale  and  subsequently  sold  during  the  prior  year  that  were  not  presented  separately  as 

discontinued operations. Furthermore, other includes items within net gain (loss) on transactions and other activities that were not segmented. 

(2) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust wrote off transaction costs associated with acquisitions in Europe, Ontario and Québec totalling $38,378 

and included in fair value adjustments on investment properties. 

(3) Net gain (loss) on transactions and other activities allocated to the geographic segments represents internal leasing costs.  

Year ended December 31, 2019 
Investment properties revenue 
Investment properties operating expenses 
Net rental income (segmented income) 
Fair value adjustments on investment 

properties 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Western     
Canada 
65,800    $ 
(21,971)    
43,829    $ 

Ontario   
51,939    $ 
(15,236)    
36,703    $ 

Québec   
34,389   $ 
(8,754)   
25,635   $ 

U.S.   

Segment     
total 
42,981     $  195,109    $ 
(10,124)    
32,857    $  139,024    $ 

(56,085)    

Other(1)   

Total 
222    $  195,331    
(56,305)   
(220)    
2    $  139,026    

(15,746)   $  144,547    $ 

23,883   $ 

28,162    $  180,846    $ 

(358)   $  180,488    

Net loss on transactions and other 

activities(2) 

(606)    
(1) Other includes properties sold and properties originally held for sale and subsequently sold during 2019 that were not presented separately as discontinued 

(2,321)    

(2,291)    

(1,174)    

(541)   

—     

(4,612)   

operations. Furthermore, other includes items within net gain (loss) on transactions and other activities that were not segmented.  

(2) Net loss on transactions and other activities allocated to the geographic segments represents internal leasing costs. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Investment properties 
Capital expenditures(1) 

Western  
Ontario  
Canada 
613,301  $  1,076,343  $ 

4,989  

6,906  

$ 

Québec  
493,228  $ 
3,009  

U.S.  
585,388  $ 
2,340  

Total 
Europe  
473,341  $  3,241,601 
18,535 

1,291  

(1) Includes building improvements and initial direct leasing costs and lease incentives. 

Year ended December 31, 2019 
Investment properties 
Capital expenditures(2) 

Western  
Canada 
621,946  $ 
10,451  
(1) Includes capital expenditures associated with the Eastern Canada region prior to region being reclassified to assets held for sale at June 30, 2019. 
(2) Includes building improvements and initial direct leasing costs and lease incentives. 

U.S.  
575,572  $ 
699  

Ontario  
817,061  $ 
6,058  

Québec  
414,085  $ 
3,669  

Other(1)  

3,321  

$ 

Total 
—  $  2,428,664 
24,198 

Note 26   
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS  
From  time  to  time,  Dream  Industrial  REIT  and  its  subsidiaries  enter  into  transactions  and  arrangements  with  related  parties, 
generally conducted on a cost-recovery basis or under normal commercial terms.  

Agreements and arrangements with related parties  
DAM 
Dream Industrial REIT has an asset management agreement (the “Asset Management Agreement” or the “AMA”) with DAM, a 
subsidiary of Dream Unlimited Corp., pursuant to which DAM provides certain asset management services to Dream Industrial 
REIT and its subsidiaries. The AMA provides the Trust and DAM the opportunity to agree on additional services to be provided to 
the Trust for which DAM is to be reimbursed on a cost-recovery basis.  

The AMA provides for a range of asset management services for the following fees: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

asset management fee calculated and payable on a monthly basis, equal to 0.25% of the gross asset value of properties; 

acquisition fee equal to: (a) 1.0% of the purchase price of a property on the first $100,000 of properties acquired in each fiscal 
year;  (b)  0.75%  of  the  purchase  price  of  a  property  on  the  next  $100,000  of  properties  acquired  in  each  fiscal  year;  and 
(c) 0.50% of the purchase price of a property in excess of $200,000 of properties acquired in each fiscal year;  

financing fee equal to the actual expenses incurred by DAM in supplying services related to financing transactions;  

incentive fee  equal to 15% of the Trust’s adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”) per  Unit  as defined in the  AMA,  which 
includes gains on the disposition of any properties in the year, in excess of the hurdle amount initially set at 80 cents per Unit 
and which increases annually by 50% of the increase in the consumer price index (the “Hurdle Amount”); and 

capital  expenditure  fee  equal  to  5%  of  all  hard  construction  costs  incurred  on  each  capital  project  with  costs  in  excess  of 
$1,000, excluding work done on behalf of tenants or any maintenance capital expenditures. 

The AMA has an initial term ending October 3, 2022 and is automatically renewed for further five-year terms unless and until 
terminated in accordance with its terms. The AMA may be terminated by DAM at  any time after the initial term. Other than in 
respect of termination resulting from certain events of insolvency of DAM, on termination of the AMA, all accrued fees under the 
AMA,  including  the  incentive  fee,  are  payable  to  DAM.  In  such  circumstances  or  if  the  Trust  is  acquired,  the  incentive  fee  is 
calculated as if all the Trust’s properties were sold on the applicable date.  

Disposition  gains  in  the  AFFO  calculation  used  for  determining  the  incentive  fee  are  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  Trust’s 
investment  properties,  at  the  applicable  date,  relative  to  their  historic  purchase  price.  As  at  December  31,  2020,  the  historic 
purchase price for the Trust’s investment properties was $2,641,913 (December 31, 2019 – $2,009,428). 

For the most recently completed fiscal year ended October 3, 2020 for the AMA, the Hurdle Amount for the purpose of calculating 
the incentive fee  was  $0.86  per Unit.  As at  December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, no incentive  fees have been paid or 
payable by the Trust to DAM. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The amount of the incentive fee payable by the Trust on any date will be contingent upon various factors, including, but not limited 
to, changes in the Trust’s AFFO as defined in the AMA, movements in the fair value of investment properties, acquisitions and 
dispositions, future foreign exchange rates, and changes in the total number of outstanding Units of the Trust.  

The Trust and DAM are party to an amended Shared Services and Cost Sharing Agreement as of January 1, 2016. According to the 
terms of the amended arrangement, DAM will continue to provide administrative and support services on an as-needed basis and 
will be reimbursed on a cost-recovery basis for any expenses incurred. The Trust will continue to reimburse DAM for any shared 
costs allocated in each calendar year. This amended agreement provides for the automatic reappointment of DAM for additional 
one-year terms commencing on January 1 unless and until terminated in accordance with its terms or by mutual agreement of 
the parties.  

On November 26, 2019, the Trust formed a company and entered into an operating agreement with a subsidiary of each of DAM 
and PAULS Corp, LLC for the purpose of acquiring land to develop an industrial property in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trust holds an 
80% interest in the company, and each of the subsidiaries of DAM and PAULS Corp, LLC hold 10% each.  

Dream Impact Trust  
DILP had a co-ownership agreement to jointly own six properties at 50% ownership interest with a subsidiary of Dream Impact 
Trust. Furthermore, DIMLP had a Property Management Agreement to manage the co-owned properties. On August 30, 2019, the 
Trust  completed  the  acquisition  of  Dream  Impact  Trust’s  50%  interest  in  six  investment  properties  in  Regina,  Saskatchewan. 
Concurrently,  the  co-ownership  agreement  and  Property  Management  Agreement  to  manage  the  co-owned  properties  were 
terminated.   

DIMLP had lease agreements with a subsidiary of Dream Impact Trust to lease rooftop space. On October 29, 2019, the lease 
agreements with Dream Impact Trust were assigned to a third party.  

Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust (“Dream Office REIT”) 
Dream  Industrial  REIT,  DILP,  DIMLP,  Dream  Industrial  Management  Corp.  and  Dream  Office  Management  Corp.  (“DOMC”),  a 
subsidiary of Dream Office REIT, are parties to an administrative services agreement (the  “Services Agreement”) where DOMC 
provides certain services to Dream Industrial REIT on a cost-recovery basis. The Services Agreement is automatically renewed on 
October 4th of every year for additional one-year terms unless terminated by any party.   

As  at  December 31,  2020,  Dream  Office  REIT  indirectly  owns,  through  its  subsidiaries,  8,052,451  REIT  Units  (December 31,  
2019 – 8,792,170) and 18,551,855 LP B Units (December 31, 2019 – 18,551,855), representing approximately 15.5% ownership in 
the Trust (December 31, 2019 – 17.8%). On January 29, 2021, the Trust completed a public offering of 20,240,000 REIT Units (see 
Note 32) resulting in Dream Office REIT’s ownership reducing to 13.9%.  

PAULS Corp, LLC (“PAULS Corp”)  
Brian Pauls, the Trust’s CEO and a Trustee, is also a senior member of the management team at PAULS Corp, a Denver-based real 
estate firm. 

DAM, our asset manager, has engaged an affiliate of PAULS Corp to assist the Trust in sourcing and completing acquisitions in the 
U.S. DAM pays a portion of the acquisition fee it receives from the Trust for each successful acquisition.  

Dream Industrial US Holdings Inc. has a Property Management Agreement with an affiliate of PAULS Corp to manage several of 
the Trust’s U.S. properties and to provide portfolio management services.  

As previously mentioned, a subsidiary of PAULS Corp holds a 10% interest in a company with the Trust and a subsidiary of DAM  
for  the  purpose  of  acquiring  land  to  develop  an  industrial  property  in  Las  Vegas,  Nevada.  The  subsidiary  of  PAULS  Corp  is 
responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the development project.  

Board of Trustees and officers 
On December 19, 2019, the Trust completed a private placement to sell an aggregate of 325,000 REIT Units to Michael J. Cooper, 
Trustee, and Brian Pauls, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee, at  a  price of  $13.45 per  REIT Unit, for  gross proceeds of $4,371  
(see Note 15).  

The Trust has a Deferred Unit Incentive Plan and during the year issued deferred trust units to trustees and officers (see Note 11).  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  89 

 
 
Related party transactions 
Fees and cost reimbursements with related parties were as follows: 

Agreements with DAM 
The following table summarizes our fees paid to or received from DAM, including both continuing and discontinued operations for 
the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Incurred under the AMA: 

Asset management fee (included in general and administrative expenses) 
Acquisition fee (included in investment properties) 
Expense reimbursements related to financing arrangements 
Total costs incurred under the Asset Management Agreement 
Total costs reimbursed under the Shared Services and Cost Sharing Agreement 
Total property management fees earned under the Property Management Agreement 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

(6,063)   $ 
(4,319)    
(962)    
(11,344)   $ 
(1,219)   $ 
—    $ 

(5,190)  
(2,662)  
(380)  
(8,232)  
(716)  
7   

Agreements with Dream Impact Trust 
The  following  table  summarizes  our  fees  received  from  Dream  Impact  Trust  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019:  

Total revenue under lease agreements and the Property Management Agreement 

$ 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
119 
— 

$ 

Agreement and transactions with Dream Office REIT 
The  following  table  summarizes  the  costs  reimbursed  to  Dream  Office  REIT  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019: 

Total costs reimbursed under the Services Agreement 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020 
(4,037)  
(6,169)   $ 

$ 

The  following  table  summarizes  our  distributions  paid  and  payable  to  subsidiaries  of  Dream  Office  REIT  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Distributions paid and payable to Dream Office REIT on subsidiary redeemable units 
Distributions paid and payable to Dream Office REIT on REIT Units 
Total distributions paid and payable to Dream Office REIT 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020 
(13,376)  
(13,051)   $ 
(5,846)  
(6,157)    
(19,222)  
(19,208)   $ 

$ 

$ 

Agreements with PAULS Corp 
The following table summarizes our fees paid and costs reimbursed to an affiliate of PAULS Corp for the years ended December 31, 
2020 and December 31, 2019: 

Property management 
Portfolio management 
Leasing costs 
Financing costs 
Pre-development cost recovery 
Total costs incurred under the Property Management Agreement 

Year ended December 31, 
2019 
2020   
(733)  
(812)   $ 
(439)  
(955)    
(133)  
(508)    
(85)  
(10)    
(214)    
—   
(1,390)  
(2,499)   $ 

$ 

$ 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  90 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts due from (to) related parties 

Amounts due from related parties 
Dream Office REIT 
DAM 

Amounts due to related parties 
DAM 
Dream Office REIT 
PAULS Corp 

Distributions and interest payable to Dream Office REIT 

December 31, 
2020 
375    $ 
73     

December 31, 
2019 
2,275    
—    

$ 

$ 

December 31, 
2020 
(2,143)   $ 
(1,352)    
(56)    

December 31, 
2019 
(935)   
(302)   
(100)   

December 31, 
2019 
(1,114)   
(529)   
(1) Interest payable on subsidiary redeemable units is in relation to the 18,551,855 subsidiary redeemable units held by Dream Office REIT as at December 31, 

Interest payable on subsidiary redeemable units to Dream Office REIT(1) 
Distributions payable to Dream Office REIT(2) 

December 31, 
2020 
(1,082)    $ 
(470)    

$ 

2020 and December 31, 2019. 

(2) Distributions payable is in relation to the 8,052,451 REIT Units held by Dream Office REIT as at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 – 8,792,170 REIT Units). 

Note 27  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  
Dream Industrial REIT and its operating subsidiaries are contingently liable under guarantees that are issued in the normal course 
of business and with respect to litigation and claims that may arise from time to time. In the opinion of management, any liability 
that may arise from such contingencies would not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

The Trust participates in a joint venture with other related parties that own a development site in Las Vegas, Nevada (see Note 6). 
Under the operating agreement, the Trust has committed to make capital contributions of US$10,703 for the development of the 
project, in addition to the purchase price of the land. Since inception of the joint venture to  December 31, 2020, the Trust has 
funded US$885 (December 31, 2019 – $nil) in development costs. 

Note 28  
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 
The  Trust’s  capital  consists  of  debt,  including  mortgages,  the  revolving  credit  facility,  U.S.  term  loan,  debentures,  subsidiary 
redeemable units and unitholders’ equity. The Trust’s primary objectives in managing capital are to ensure adequate operating 
funds are available to maintain consistent and sustainable unitholder distributions, to service debt obligations and to fund leasing 
costs  and  capital  expenditure  requirements.  Further,  the  Trust  also  ensures  that  it  remains  within  its  quantitative  financial 
covenants  and  maintains  its  credit  rating.  On  October  22,  2020,  the  Trust  was  assigned  an  Issuer  Rating  of  BBB  with  Stable  
Trend  by  DBRS  Limited.  The  Trust’s  maximum  credit  exposure  is  equal  to  its  trade  receivables  as  at  December 31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019. 

Various debt ratios and cash flow metrics are used to ensure capital adequacy and to monitor capital requirements. The primary 
ratios used for assessing capital management are the interest coverage ratio and net debt-to-gross carrying value. Other significant 
indicators include assets not pledged, weighted average interest rate, average term to maturity of debt and variable rate debt as 
a percentage of total debt. These indicators assist the Trust in assessing whether the debt level maintained is sufficient to provide 
adequate cash flows for leasing costs and capital expenditures, and for evaluating the need to raise funds for further expansion. 
Various  mortgages  have  debt  covenant  requirements  that  are  monitored  by  the  Trust  to  ensure  there  are  no  defaults.  These 
covenants include loan-to-value ratios, cash flow coverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. These 
covenants are measured at the subsidiary limited partnership level, and all have been complied with as at December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no events of default on any of 
the Trust’s obligations under its mortgages, revolving credit facility, U.S. term loan or debentures. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Trust’s equity consists of REIT Units, in which the carrying value is impacted by earnings and unitholder distributions. Amounts 
retained  in  excess  of  the  distributions  are  used  to  fund  leasing  costs,  capital  expenditures  and  working  capital  requirements. 
Management  monitors  distributions  to  ensure  adequate  resources  are  available  by  comparing  total  distributions  (including 
distributions on subsidiary redeemable units), a non-IFRS measure, to among other considerations, its assessment of cash flows 
generated from (utilized in) operating activities. 

Note 29  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – RISK MANAGEMENT 
IFRS 7, “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” (“IFRS 7”), places emphasis on disclosures about the nature and extent of risks arising 
from financial instruments and how the Trust manages those risks, including market, credit and liquidity risks. 

Market risk  
Market risk consists of interest rate risk, currency risk and other market price risk. The Trust has exposure to interest rate risk 
primarily as a result of its fixed rate debt due to the expected requirement to refinance such debts in the year of maturity. To a 
lesser extent, the Trust is exposed to variable rate debt on its drawings on the revolving credit facility. The Trust is exposed to the 
variability in market interest rates and credit spreads on maturing debt to be renewed and the variability of interest rates on its 
variable rate debt. The Trust has effectively addressed the exposure to variable rate debt on its U.S. dollar denominated term loan 
by entering into a cross-currency interest rate swap and fixing the rate. The Trust had no other variable rate debt as at December 
31,  2020  and  December 31,  2019.  In  order  to  manage  exposure  to  interest  rate  risk,  the  Trust  endeavours  to  maintain  an 
appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt, manage maturities of fixed rate debt and match the nature of the debt with the 
cash flow characteristics of the underlying asset.  

The  following  interest  rate  sensitivity  table  outlines  the  potential  impact  of  a  1%  change  in  the  interest  rate  on  variable  rate 
financial assets and fixed rate debt due to mature in 2021 as at December 31, 2020:  

Carrying amount   

Income   

-1%   
Equity   

Interest rate risk 
+1% 
Equity 

Income   

$ 

254,935      $ 

(2,549)    $ 

(2,549)     $ 

2,549      $ 

2,549   

Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents(1) 
Financial liabilities 
Debt due to mature in 2021(2) 

(1,100)  
(1) Cash and cash equivalents are short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less, and exclude cash subject to restrictions that prevent 
the Trustʼs use for current purposes. These balances generally receive interest income at the bankʼs prime rate less 1.85% to 2.00%. Cash and cash equivalents 
as at December 31, 2020 are short term in nature and may not be representative of the balance during the year. 

110,013     

(1,100)    

1,100    

1,100     

(2) Excludes scheduled principal repayments on non-maturing debt.  

Currency risk  

The Trust  is exposed to foreign exchange risk  as it relates to its U.S. and European net investments due to fluctuations in the 
exchange  rates  between  the  Canadian  and  U.S.  dollars,  and  between  the  Canadian  dollar  and  euros.  Changes  in  the  foreign 
exchange rates may result in a change in other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 31, 2020, a $0.05 change in 
the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a $10,494 change to comprehensive income; while a 
$0.05 change in the value of the euro relative to Canadian dollar would result in a $599 change to comprehensive income.  

The  Trust’s  objective  in  managing  foreign  exchange  risk  is  to  mitigate  the  exposure  from  fluctuations  in  the  exchange  rate  by 
maintaining U.S. dollar denominated debt against its U.S. assets, as well as euro denominated debt against its euro assets primarily 
through entering into cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements to exchange Canadian or U.S. dollars for euros.  

Credit risk  
The  Trust’s  assets  mainly  consist  of  investment  properties.  Credit  risk  arises  from  the  possibility  that  tenants  in  investment 
properties may not fulfill their lease or contractual obligations. The Trust mitigates its credit risk by attracting tenants of sound 
financial standing and by diversifying its mix of tenants. As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there is no single tenant 
that accounts for more than 5% of the Trust’s annual gross revenue. The Trust also monitors tenant payment patterns and discusses 
potential tenant issues with property managers on a regular basis. The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying value of 
the trade receivables disclosed in Note 8. An impairment analysis is performed at each balance sheet date using a provision matrix 
to measure expected credit losses, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the tenant and the economic environment. The 
provision is reduced for tenant security deposits held as collateral.  

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, deposits and restricted cash carry minimal credit risk as all funds are maintained with highly reputable 
financial institutions. The Trust manages its credit risk on debt assumed by purchasers of investment properties by monitoring the 
ongoing  repayment  of  assumed  debt  by  the  purchasers  and  evaluating  market  conditions  which  would  affect  the  purchasers’ 
ability to repay assumed debt. 

Increase in credit risk as a result of COVID-19 
COVID-19  and  the  measures  to  contain  it  have  created  significant  uncertainty  in  the  general  economy.  A  deterioration  in  the 
economy may impact the ability of tenants to meet their obligations under their leases or contracts. The Trust continues to assess 
the effect of economic conditions on the creditworthiness of our tenants and counterparties. As part of this assessment, the Trust 
reviews the risk profiles of its tenant base to assess which  tenants are likely to continue meeting their obligations under their 
leases  and  which  tenants  are  at  a  greater  risk  of  default.  We  expect  that  certain  tenants  may  have  difficulty  meeting  their 
obligations under their leases, resulting in an elevated risk of credit losses. Certain of our tenants have qualified, and may continue 
to qualify, for government assistance programs or have required assistance in the form of short-term rent deferrals. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Trust has recorded COVID-related provisions totalling $2,064 which are included in 
investment properties operating expenses within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. This provisions balance 
represents an estimate of potential credit losses on our trade receivables for all uncollected rent as at December 31, 2020, as well 
as the 25% of recurring gross contractual rent that the Trust forgave for eligible tenants through our participation in the Canada 
Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) program, operated jointly by the federal and provincial governments during 
the period from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.  

Liquidity risk  
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Trust will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with the maturity of financial 
obligations. As at December 31, 2020, current assets exceeded current liabilities by $86,490 (December 31, 2019 – current assets 
exceeded current liabilities by $349,043). The Trust’s main sources of liquidity are its cash and cash equivalents on hand, revolving 
credit facility and unencumbered assets. The Trust is able to use its revolving credit facility on short notice which eliminates the 
need to hold a significant amount of cash and cash equivalents on hand. Working capital balances fluctuate significantly from 
period to period depending on the timing of receipts and payments. The Trust manages maturities of the fixed rate debts, monitors 
the repayment dates and maintains adequate cash and cash equivalents on hand and availability on the revolving credit facility to 
ensure sufficient capital will be available to cover obligations as they become due. 

Hedge effectiveness 
Hedge ineffectiveness for cross-currency interest rate swaps is assessed using the same principles as for hedges of foreign currency 
purchases. It may occur due to: 

• 

the credit value or debit value adjustment on the cross-currency interest rate swaps which is not matched by the loan; 

•  differences in critical terms between the cross-currency interest rate swaps and loans; and  

• 

the effects of the forthcoming reforms to LIBOR, because  these might  take effect at  a different  time and have a  different 
impact on the hedged items (the European investment and U.S. term loan) and the hedging instrument (the cross-currency 
interest rate swap used to hedge the debt). 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  93 

 
 
 
Note 30  
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements 
The following table summarizes the Trust’s cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements outstanding as at December 31, 2020: 

As at December 31, 2020 
Fair value 
liability (see 
Note 13) 

(7,572)   

Financial instrument 
measurement  
Fair value  through other 
comprehensive income  $ 
Fair value through other 
comprehensive income  $ 
$ 

U.S. dollar to euro cross-currency interest rate 

swap – U.S. term loan(1)(2) 

€ 

Canadian dollar to euro cross-currency interest 

Euro notional 
amount 

127,108  $ 

U.S./CAD dollar 
notional amount  Maturity date 
January 31, 
2024 
December 22, 
2025 

250,000 

150,000 

Total 

rate swap – Debentures(3) 

(1,912)   
(9,484)   
(1) The interest rate associated with the euro notional amount is 0.857%. The interest rate associated with the U.S. dollar notional amount is a variable rate using 

161,499  $ 

€ 

LIBOR plus a spread. 

(2) For the purpose of hedge accounting, this swap arrangement is bifurcated into a cashflow and net investment hedge. See section below for further details. 
(3) The interest rate associated with the euro notional amount is 0.489%. The interest rate associated with the Canadian dollar notional amount is 1.662%. 

No cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements were outstanding as at December 31, 2019. 

Hedge accounting applied on select financial instruments 
The table below summarizes the Trust’s financial instruments in which hedge accounting was applied for the year ended December 31, 
2020. There were no financial instruments in which hedge accounting was applied for the year ended December 31, 2019. 

Cash flow hedge 
U.S. dollar to Canadian  
dollar cross-currency  
interest rate swap 

Net investment hedge 
Canadian dollar to  
euro cross-currency  
interest rate swap 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Hedging instrument 
Opening balance 
Change in fair value used for calculating hedge ineffectiveness 
Carrying amount(1), December 31, 2020 
Hedged item 
—    
Opening balance 
—    
Foreign currency translation used for calculating hedge ineffectiveness 
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedge – Other Comprehensive Income 
(3,399)    
(1)  Total cross-currency interest rate swaps net financial liability of $9,484 in “non-current liabilities” comprise the carrying amount and transaction costs on 

—    
(3,399)   
(3,399)   

(5,865)    
(5,865)    $ 

5,430     
(435)    $ 

—     $ 

—     $ 

 $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

hedging instruments, net of taxes of $220. 

U.S. term loan and U.S. dollar to euro cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement 
On November 17, 2020, the Trust issued a US$150,000 variable rate term loan and concurrently entered into a cross-currency 
interest rate swap arrangement to convert the U.S. dollar proceeds into euros. U.S. dollar principal and interest obligations were 
swapped for euro principal and interest obligations. Economically this is equivalent to holding euro denominated debt.  

The Trust uses the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement to hedge a portion of the foreign exchange risk associated with 
its European investments. The Trust also uses the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement to hedge 100% the U.S. dollar 
cash flows associated with the U.S. term loan.  

For hedge accounting purposes, the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement is bifurcated into two separate cross-currency 
interest rate swaps to maximize hedge effectiveness: 

(i)  Euro to Canadian dollar cross-currency interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the foreign exchange risk associated with the 

Trust’s European investment (designated as a net investment hedge); and 

(ii)  Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar cross-currency interest rate swap to hedge the U.S. dollar cash flows associated with the U.S. 

term loan (designated as a cash flow hedge).  

In the euro to Canadian dollar cross-currency interest rate swap, only the spot element is included in the hedging relationship. The 
forward elements, and foreign currency basis spreads, are excluded and recognized in other comprehensive income as transaction 
costs of hedging and are amortized to net income through the settlement of interest payments on the cross-currency interest rate 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
swap. There is an economic relationship between the hedged item (European investment) and the hedging instrument (cross-
currency  interest  rate  swap)  as  the  foreign  exchange  movements  on  the  European  investment  mirror  the  spot  exchange 
movements on the cross-currency interest rate swap. 

In the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar cross-currency interest rate swap, there is an economic relationship as the cash flows in the 
hedged item (U.S. term loan) mirror the U.S. cash flows in the hedging instrument (cross-currency interest rate swap).    

The Trust has established a hedge ratio of one-to-one, as the underlying risk of the hedging instruments is identical to the hedge 
risk components. As all critical terms matched during the period, the economic relationship was 100% effective.   

Debentures and Canadian dollar to euro cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement 
On December 22, 2020, the Trust issued $250,000 of fixed rate debentures and concurrently entered into a cross-currency interest 
rate swap to convert the gross proceeds from the Debentures into euros. The Canadian dollar principal and interest obligations 
were swapped for euro principal and interest obligations. Economically this is equivalent to holding euro denominated debt.  

The Trust uses the cross-currency interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the foreign exchange risk associated with its European 
investment.  

For hedge accounting purposes, the cross-currency interest rate swap has been designated as a net investment hedge. Only the 
spot element is included in the hedging relationship. The forward element is excluded and recognized in other comprehensive 
income as a transaction costs of hedging and is amortized to net income through the settlement of interest payments on the cross-
currency interest rate swap. There is an economic relationship between the hedged item (European investment) and the hedging 
instrument (cross-currency interest rate swap) as the foreign exchange movements on the European investment mirror the spot 
exchange  movements  on  the  cross-currency  interest  rate  swap.  The  Trust  has  established  a  hedge  ratio  of  one-to-one  as  the 
underlying risk of the hedging instrument is identical to the hedge risk component. As all critical terms matched during the period, 
the economic relationship was 100% effective. 

Foreign currency swap arrangements 
During the first quarter, the Trust entered into three foreign currency swap agreements totalling €154,811 to reduce the Trust’s 
exposure  to  foreign  currency  fluctuations  on  its  European  investments.  On  April  30,  2020,  the  Trust  settled  the  three  foreign 
currency swap agreements for net cash payment of $3,415. 

Interest rate swaps  
The  following  tables  summarize  the  details  of  the  interest  rate  swaps  that  are  outstanding  as  at  December  31,  2020  and 
December 31, 2019: 

Fair value assets 
As at December 31, 2020, there were no interest rate swaps in an asset position. 

Transaction date 

August 26, 2015 

July 30, 2019 
Total 

Fair value liabilities 

Transaction date 

August 30, 2017 

July 30, 2019 
Total 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Mortgage principal 
amount (notional) 

Fixed  
interest rate 

Maturity date 

43,760 

50,000 
93,760  

2.93 % 

September 1, 2022 

3.15 % 

August 1, 2029 

Financial instrument 
measurement  
Fair value through  

profit or loss  $ 

Fair value through  
profit or loss  

$ 

560 

862 
1,422 

As at December 31, 2019 
Fair value assets  
(see Note 7) 

Mortgage principal 
amount (notional) 

Fixed  
interest rate 

Maturity date 

41,102 

50,000 
91,102  

3.44 % 

August 30, 2024 

3.15 % 

August 1, 2029 

As at December 31, 2020 

Financial instrument 
measurement 
Fair value through  

profit or loss  $ 

Fair value through  
profit or loss  

$ 

Fair value liability 
(see Note 13) 

(2,027)   

(3,157)   
(5,184)   

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction date 

August 30, 2017 

January 17, 2018 
Total 

Mortgage principal 
amount (notional) 

Fixed  
interest rate 

Maturity date 

$ 

$ 

42,349 

44,839 
87,188  

3.44 % 

August 30, 2024 

3.73 % 

April 3, 2023 

Financial instrument 
measurement  
Fair value through  

profit or loss  $ 

Fair value through  
profit or loss  

$ 

As at December 31, 2019 
Fair value liability  
(see Note 13) 

(233) 

(662) 
(895) 

Note 31  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 
Quoted market prices represent a Level 1 valuation. When quoted market prices are not available, the Trust maximizes the use of 
observable inputs. When all significant inputs are observable, the valuation is classified as Level 2. Valuations that require the 
significant use of unobservable inputs are considered Level 3. The Trust’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of fair 
value hierarchy levels as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers 
between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 

The following section summarizes the fair value measurements recognized in the consolidated financial statements by class of 
asset or liability and categorized by level according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. 

Investment properties 
The Trust’s accounting policy as indicated in Note 2 is applied in determining the fair value of investment properties by using the 
income approach, which is derived from one of two methods: overall cap rate method and discounted cash flow method. As a 
result, these measurements are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as summarized in the tables below. 

Recurring fair value measurements 
Non-financial assets 

Investment properties 

Recurring fair value measurements 
Non-financial assets 

Investment properties 

Carrying value as at  
Note  December 31, 2020  

Level 1  

Fair value as at December 31, 2020 
Level 3 

Level 2  

4    $ 

3,241,601  
Carrying value as at  
Note  December 31, 2019  

$ 

—   $ 

—   $ 

3,241,601 

Level 1  

Fair value as at December 31, 2019 
Level 3 

Level 2  

4    $ 

2,428,664  

$ 

—   $ 

—   $ 

2,428,664 

Valuations of investment properties are most sensitive to changes in discount rates and cap rates. In applying the overall cap rate 
method the stabilized NOI of each property is divided by an appropriate cap rate. In applying the discounted cash flow method, 
the cash flows of a specific property are projected assuming a ten-year holding period. The estimated sale value at the end of the 
holding period is then calculated by dividing the projected net rental income for year 11 by a terminal rate. These projected cash 
flows are then added together and discounted at a discount rate reflecting the risks of the property being valued. The results of 
both methods are evaluated by considering the range of values calculated under both methods on a property-by-property basis. 

The critical and key assumptions in the valuation of investment properties are as follows:  

Cap rate method 
•  Cap rates – based on actual location, size and quality of the properties and taking into account any available market data at 

the valuation date. 

• 

Stabilized NOI – normalized property operating revenues less property operating expenses. 

Discounted cash flow method 
•  Discount and terminal rates – reflecting current market assessments of the return expectations. 

•  Market  rents,  leasing  costs  and  vacancy  rates  –  reflecting  management’s  best  estimates  with  reference  to  recent  leasing 

activity and external market data. 

As at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no investment properties classified as assets held for sale. 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties are valued on a highest-and-best-use basis. For all of the Trust’s investment properties, the current use is 
considered the highest and best use. 

Investment properties valuation process 
Management is responsible for determining the fair value measurements included in the consolidated financial statements. At the 
end of each reporting period, the Trust determines the fair value of investment properties by: 

(i)  considering current contracted sales prices for properties that are available for sale; 

(ii)  obtaining appraisals from qualified external professionals on a rotational basis for select properties; and 

(iii)  using internally prepared valuations applying the income approach. 

The Trust includes a valuation team that analyzes the fair value of each investment property at least once a quarter with reference 
to  independent  property  appraisals  and  market  conditions  existing  at  the  reporting  date,  using  generally  accepted  market 
practices. At each reporting period, a select number of properties, determined on a rotational basis, are valued by independent 
professionally  qualified  valuers  who  hold  a  recognized  relevant  professional  qualification  and  have  recent  experience  in  the 
locations  and  categories  of  the  investment  properties.  Judgment  is  also  applied  in  determining  the  extent  and  frequency  of 
obtaining independent property appraisals. For properties subject to an independent valuation report, the valuation team verifies 
all major inputs to the valuation and reviews the results with the independent valuers. For properties not subject to independent 
appraisals, valuations are prepared internally during each reporting period. 

The valuation team directly reports the results to the CEO, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) for 
approval. Discussion of valuation processes, key inputs, results and reasons for the fair value movements are held between the 
CEO, CFO, COO and the valuation team at least once every quarter, in line with the Trust’s quarterly reporting.  

Financial instruments 
Financial instruments carried at amortized cost or accounted for as investments in associates where the carrying value does not 
approximate fair value are noted below: 

Financial instruments at amortized cost 
Mortgages 
Unsecured Facility 
U.S. term loan 
Debentures 

Financial instruments at amortized cost 
Mortgages 
Secured revolving credit facility 

Note 

Carrying value as at  
December 31, 2020  

9    
9     
9     
9     

Note 

$ 

820,964  
(662)  
190,289  
248,339  
Carrying value as at  
December 31, 2019  

$ 

Level 1  

Fair value as at December 31, 2020 
Level 3 

Level 2  

—   $ 
—  
—  
—  

—   $ 
—  
207,668  
251,153  

871,829 
— 
— 
— 

Level 1  

Fair value as at December 31, 2019 
Level 3 

Level 2  

9    
9     

$  1,015,143  
(575)  

$ 

—   $ 
—  

—   $ 
—  

1,018,854 
— 

Amounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents, tenant security deposits, amounts payable and accrued liabilities are carried at 
amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Subsidiary redeemable units and DUIP are carried 
at amortized cost, which approximates fair value as they are readily redeemable financial instruments.  

Recurring fair value measurements 
Financial liabilities 
  Fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps 
  Fair value of interest rate swaps 

Note 

Carrying value as at   
December 31, 2020   

Level 1   

Fair value as at December 31, 2020 
Level 3 

Level 2   

$ 

13   
13    

(9,484)    
(5,184)     

$ 

$ 

—    
—    

$ 

(9,484)    
(5,184)     

—    
—    

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  97 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring fair value measurements 
Financial assets 
  Fair value of interest rate swaps 
Financial liabilities 
  Fair value of interest rate swaps 

Carrying value as at   
Note  December 31, 2019   

Level 1   

Fair value as at December 31, 2019 
Level 3 

Level 2   

7     $ 

1,422   

$ 

—    $ 

1,422    $ 

13     

895   

—   

895   

— 

— 

The Trust uses the following techniques in determining the fair value disclosed for the following financial instruments classified as 
Level 1, 2 and 3: 

Mortgages 
The fair value of mortgages as at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is determined by discounting the expected cash 
flows  of  each  mortgage  using  market  discount  rates.  The  discount  rates  are  determined  using  the  Government  of  Canada 
benchmark bond yield for instruments of similar maturity adjusted for the Trust’s specific credit risk. In determining the adjustment 
for credit risk, the Trust considers market conditions, the fair value of the investment properties that the mortgages are secured 
by and other indicators of the Trust’s creditworthiness. As a result, these measurements are classified as Level 3 in the fair value 
hierarchy. 

Revolving credit facility 
Demand revolving credit facilities are variable rate debt priced at prevailing market interest rates plus a Trust-specific credit spread. 
Because the interest rate on the facilities fluctuates with changes in market rates, the fair value of the credit facilities is equivalent 
to amounts drawn on the facilities. Because the applicable interest  rate includes an unobservable Trust-specific credit spread, 
these are Level 3 measurements in the fair value hierarchy. 
Cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements 
The fair value measurement of the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangements was valued internally based on the present 
value of the estimated future cash flows determined using observable yield curves and foreign currency rates. As a result, these 
measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 

Interest rate swap arrangements 
The fair value measurement of the interest rate swaps was valued by qualified independent valuation professionals based on the 
present value of the estimated future cash flows determined using observable yield curves. As a result, these measurements are 
classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 

Note 32  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 
On January 29, 2021, the Trust completed a public offering of 20,240,000 REIT Units at a price of $12.80 per REIT Unit for gross 
proceeds of $259,072, including 2,640,000 REIT Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment  option granted to  
the underwriters. 

On  February  1,  2021,  the  Trust  early  discharged  seven  Canadian  mortgages  totalling  $130,681,  with  a  weighted  average  face 
interest rate of 3.59%. The Trust incurred debt settlement costs totalling $3,059 in relation to the early discharge of mortgages. 
The  early  discharge  of  mortgages  and  associated  debt  settlement  costs  were  funded  with  the  Trust’s  net  proceeds  from  the  
January 29, 2021 public offering of REIT Units. 

Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Trust completed the following acquisitions in Canada, Europe, and the U.S.:  

401 Marie-Curie Boulevard, Montréal, Québec 
Derchinger Straße 116, Augsburg, Germany(2) 
2000 Gateway Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH(3) 
Total 
(1) Gross purchase price before adjustments and transaction costs.   
(2) Acquisition in Germany was settled in euros and translated into Canadian dollars as at the transaction date. 
(3) Acquisition in U.S. was settled in U.S. dollars and translated into Canadian dollars as at the transaction date. 

$ 

$ 

Purchase price(1) 
114,150 
8,440 
15,467 
138,057 

Date acquired 
January 29, 2021 
February 1, 2021 
February 12, 2021 

Dream Industrial REIT 2020 Annual Report |  98 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trustees

Management Team

Dr. R. Sacha BhatiaInd.
Toronto, Ontario
Chief Medical Innovation Officer 
Women’s College Hospital

Vicky SchiffInd.,1,2
Los Angeles, California
Co-Founder
Mosaic Real Estate Investors

Michael J. Cooper3
Toronto, Ontario
President & Chief Responsible Officer
Dream Unlimited Corp.

J. Michael KnowltonInd.,1,2
Toronto, Ontario
Corporate Director

Ben MulroneyInd.,2
Toronto, Ontario
Television Anchor & Producer

Brian Pauls3
Denver, Colorado
Chief Executive Officer
Dream Industrial REIT

Vincenza SeraInd.,3,4
Toronto, Ontario
Corporate Director

Sheldon WisemanInd.,1
Toronto, Ontario
Chief Executive Officer
Gistex Inc.

Legend:
Ind.  Independent
1.  Member of the Audit Committee

2.  Member of the Governance, 

Compensation and 
Environmental Committee

3.  Member of the Executive Committee

4.  Chair of the Board of Trustees

Brian Pauls
Chief Executive Officer

Lenis Quan
Chief Financial Officer

Alexander Sannikov
Chief Operating Officer

Joe Iadeluca
Senior Vice President, 
Portfolio Management

Bruce Traversy
Senior Vice President, 
Head of Investments, 
Europe

30 Adelaide St. E, 
Toronto, ON

Corporate Information

HEAD OFFICE

AUDITOR

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PwC Tower, 18 York Street, Suite 2600
Toronto, Ontario  M5J 0B2

CORPORATE COUNSEL

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Box 50, 1 First Canadian Place, Suite 
6200, Toronto, Ontario  M5X 1B8

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

The Toronto Stock Exchange
Listing Symbol: DIR.UN
For more information, please visit
dreamindustrialreit.ca

Dream Industrial
Real Estate Investment Trust
30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 301
Toronto, Ontario  M5C 3H1
Phone: (416) 365-3535
Fax: (416) 365-6565

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Phone: (416) 365-3535
Toll free: 1 877 365-3535
Email: industrialinfo@dream.ca
Website: www.dreamindustrialreit.ca

TRANSFER AGENT

(for change of address, registration 
or other unitholder enquiries)
Computershare Trust 
Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, Ontario  M5J 2Y1
Phone: (514) 982-7555 or
1 800 564-6253
Fax: (416) 263-9394 or 
1 888 453-0330
Website: www.computershare.com
Email: service@computershare.com

DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT AND 
UNIT PURCHASE PLAN

The purpose of our Distribution Reinvestment 
and Unit Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) is to provide 
unitholders with a convenient way of investing 
in additional units without incurring transaction 
costs such as commissions, service charges or 
brokerage fees. By participating in the Plan, you 
may invest in additional units in two ways:

Distribution reinvestment: Unitholders will have 
cash distributions from Dream Industrial REIT 
reinvested in additional units as and when cash 
distributions are made. If you register in the DRIP 
you will also receive a “bonus” distribution of 
units equal to 3% of the amount of your cash 
distribution reinvested pursuant to the Plan. In 
other words, for every $1.00 of cash distributions 
reinvested by you under the Plan, $1.03 worth of 
units will be purchased.

Cash purchase: Unitholders may invest in addi-
tional units by making cash purchases.

To enrol, contact: 
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor 
Toronto, Ontario  M5J 2Y1 
Attention: Dividend Reinvestment Services
or call their Customer Contact Centre at 
1 800 564-6253 (toll free) or (514) 982-7555.

Corporate Office

30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 301
Toronto, Ontario  M5C 3H1
Phone: 416.365.3535
Fax: 416.365.6565
Website: www.dreamindustrialreit.ca
Email: industrialinfo@dream.ca