In real estate development you want to meet the demands of a growing population and improve the inventory of housing that is available for homebuyers. But it also comes with responsibility.
In the case of Alinea Land Corporation they also want to respond to community needs, improve the attainability of housing and serve as stewards of the environment. It’s all part of their larger vision for the work they do.
The company, which was known as Penta Properties Inc. when it started, has been in business for almost 60 years. They are the largest land owners in Burlington specializing in residential, retail and industrial property development across the GTA and the Hamilton-Niagara Region.
Paul and Michael Paletta have been with the family business for years. In October of 2022, they took the reins, establishing a new direction and vision for the company as “Alinea”. Under this new leadership—and new identity—the company has undergone a fundamental transformation.
Part of this includes prioritizing social impacts such as sustainability.
“The transformation is a direct result of what we see happening all around us in developments and communities across the region, country and world,” says Paul Paletta, CEO of Alinea. “There is a demand for a new way of living, playing and learning that we are passionate about at Alinea. As the world’s perspective shifts to a more sustainable outlook, we want to mirror this goal in what we are creating for future generations.”
Of course, there are already very strict environmental guidelines in place throughout the development process, which the company not only adheres to but exceeds. For example, on one of their properties they actually shrunk the amount of developable space to allow for more green space to support the wildlife and greenery in the area.
“We are always looking for ways to encourage and support the natural environment around us and are continually improving and expanding our processes and procedures to do so,” says Paul Paletta.
Charitable giving
In parallel to its development efforts, the company is also committed to giving back to the community through its philanthropy. This was most notable through its record-breaking pledge of $50 million dollars to the Hamilton Community Foundation last year; the largest single donation in the foundation’s nearly 70-year history.
This generosity is a continuation of a longstanding tradition. The company has had a decades-long legacy of philanthropy, dating back to its founders Pat and Anita Paletta.
The funds distributed this year alone, totalling well over $1 million, are being given out to a wide range of organizations that provide essential services to children and youth, among other causes. Among these most recent beneficiaries are:
- The Dr. Bob Kemp Childrens’ Hospice Initiative
- Distress Centre Halton
- Food 4 Kids
- Pathways to Education (delivered by Compass Community Health)
- Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK)
- Lynwood Charlton Centre
- St. Joseph’s Health Hamilton’s Youth Wellness Centre
- Cancer Assistance Program
- Foundation for Student Success
“We are deeply honored to collaborate with the Palettas and Alinea on this transformative endeavor,” said Terry Cooke, President and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation. “These latest grants exemplify their profound dedication to our community and their resolute commitment to making a significant and far-reaching difference through philanthropy.”
Ultimately, these commitments in conjunction with Alinea’s development vision “exemplify our unwavering commitment to making a substantial impact,” says Paul Paletta.
Learn more about how the Alinea Group is driving sustainable community development online here.
