Maxim Olshevsky is the CEO of Astra Group and Peoplefirst Developments, a group of companies involved in the development, construction and management of large-scale adaptive reuse and office conversion projects in Downtown Calgary.
Maxim grew up in the Downtown West End and has seen the area through both its strongest and most challenging periods. That experience has shaped his connection to downtown and his view of the role redevelopment can play in its future. He believes a strong downtown needs more than buildings. It needs people living there, businesses investing there, active streets, and spaces that serve a purpose, feel safe and contribute to the vibrancy of the area.
That is the approach behind much of the work he and his team are doing: creating practical new uses for underutilized buildings, adding homes and investment downtown, and helping strengthen the core for the long term.
His involvement with the Calgary Police Youth Foundation stems from a similar belief in contributing where he can. Its focus on prevention and early intervention supports better outcomes for young people and strengthens the sense of safety and community essential to a healthy city.