Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Expansions, mergers and conversions

Sutton Group expands in the west

Real estate company Sutton Group is expanding its reach with two new offices.

This month, Sutton announced the grand opening of Sutton Beeline Calgary and Sutton Centre Kelowna.

The establishment of the new locations was strategic, says Sutton, as both Kelowna and Calgary offer “significant market opportunities for growth.” 

Sutton Beeline in Calgary is led by managing broker Zaeena Gul, while Sutton Centre Kelowna is co-led by managing brokers Emily Coates and John Skender. 

“The opening of Sutton Beeline Calgary and Sutton Centre Kelowna represents a significant step forward for Sutton,” said Beatrice Cosentini, vice-president of Sutton’s western region.

“In a market where there is increased demand for innovative solutions, this team exemplifies the forward-thinking vision and enthusiasm required to drive meaningful change in the market.”

Royal LePage welcomes Saskatchewan brokerage

Mark Zawerucha

Royal LePage is announcing the opening of Royal LePage Success Realty, based in Yorkton, Sask. 

The brokerage will serve clients in Yorkton, as well as surrounding communities including Melville, Springside, Saltcoats, Theodore, Good Spirit Lake and beyond. 

The new brokerage is led by Mark Zawerucha, formerly an associate broker with Re/Max, who brings nearly a decade of real estate experience to his new ownership role.

“In the short term, my goal is to establish Royal LePage Success Realty as a trusted name in Yorkton and surrounding areas,” said Zawerucha. “Long term, I want to grow a strong team of professionals who share my commitment to delivering outstanding service to clients.”

Executives Property Management and Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. join forces

Treena Piva

Property management company Executives Property Management (Formerly Real Property Management), which services Kelowna and the B.C. Interior, has merged with Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

Treena Piva and Aaron Piva of Executives Property Management will continue their leadership as managing directors of property management.

Century 21 Assurance Realty is led by managing broker Kim Davies.

“Our mission has always been to serve with integrity, lead with purpose, and create value for both investors and residents,” said Treena Piva. “Together, we’re taking that promise to the next level – continuing our commitment to redefine and elevate the expectations of property management through strategic innovation, advanced technology, and next-level service.”

Corcoran Horizon Realty opens new Hamilton office

Corcoran Horizon Realty is deepening its roots in Ontario with the opening of its newest office in Hamilton. 

Heading up the office as broker/managing partner is Martinus Geleynse, who brings over 16 years of experience in real estate, marketing and community development to the role, according to a company statement. 

“Our new Hamilton office reflects our belief in the city’s resilience, diversity and unmatched character,” said Cliff Rego, CEO and broker of record for Corcoran Horizon. “Hamilton is a place of reinvention and grit, where heritage meets innovation. We’re proud to establish a presence in a city that’s not only steeped in history but also driving forward with creativity, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.”

Corcoran is already established in the markets of Kitchener, Cambridge, Port Severn and Toronto.

Odyssey Retail Advisors expands to Canada

Odyssey Retail Advisors, a premier real estate advisory firm, is expanding into the Canadian retail market with a footprint in Toronto.

Headquartered in New York, with offices in Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, the firm advises luxury and contemporary retailers in expanding their presence worldwide and guides developers in creating upscale shopping destinations.

Joining Odyssey as part of the Canadian expansion are Casdin Parr, David Bishop and Ryan McCarthy as executive vice presidents, along with Lesia Czech as director.

Together, they bring decades of experience advising national and international retailers across the Canadian retail landscape, says a company statement.

“This is a pivotal step in Odyssey’s continued evolution as a global advisory platform,” said Rich Johnson, principal at Odyssey Retail Advisors.

“Casdin, David and Ryan are widely respected for their deep client relationships, market expertise, and strategic thinking. Their presence enhances our ability to support clients in one of the most important luxury markets in North
America.”

Important milestones

New HQ for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Québec

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Québec is celebrating the grand opening of its new headquarters in Montreal.

Located minutes from Royalmount, dubbed the largest private development underway in the province, the move marks a step forward for the brokerage, which established itself in Québec in 2020.

The 2,000-square-foot space, located in suite 290 of 5929 Trans-Canada Highway, is designed to have the look and feel of a penthouse condominium, rather than an office, according to a company statement.

The brokerage is led by founder and CEO Sacha Brosseau, who is planning to expand across the province. 

“We will grow with the right people, at the right pace,” he said in a statement. “We’ve witnessed what happens when large corporations prioritize spreadsheets over their brokers, and we are building a different kind of company—one where growth serves to strengthen and support every member of our organization.”

Engel & Völkers Ottawa signs up for another decade

Engel & Völkers Ottawa recently announced the renewal of its franchise agreement, marking a decade in Ottawa’s high-end real estate market and committing to another 10 years under license partners John King and Larry Mohr. 

Since 2016, Engel & Völkers Ottawa has expanded to four shops across the metropolitan region. 

The brokerage has become a major player in Ottawa’s luxury segment, representing 12 per cent of all properties sold over $1 million and a commanding six per cent of the overall market share, according to a company statement.

Their 150 advisors make up three per cent of the local real estate board. 

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for October 2025 appeared first on REM.

He passed away of natural causes on Oct. 17. He and his wife lived in Barrie for the last two years.

St. John, who forged a path in real estate as a trainer before venturing into entrepreneurship, “will be remembered by thousands of agents across Canada for his leadership and his professionalism to our industry,” said his longtime business partner Jamie Johnston.

When the pair met 40 years ago, St. John was the national trainer for Royal LePage. 

“I was trying to hire a National Trainer for Canada Trust. I phoned Roy who was already the preeminent trainer in Canda for a recommendation for someone to interview,” said Johnston. “He said ‘Why not me?’” 

After Canada Trust, they worked together at Employee Relocation Services to set up the first federal government contract to relocate military personnel across Canada and to relocate troops from Europe.

They then started Family Realty and Family Mortgage together, where St. Roy was the senior VP. They built the business from 16 offices to over 60.

Their final venture together was at Re/Max Condos Plus, where St. John was the VP, branch manager and head of training.

“He was also a great salesperson who shared his knowledge to all,” said Johnston.

Roy leaves behind his wife Debi, two children and four grandchildren. 

The post Obituary: Toronto broker Roy St. John appeared first on REM.

To continue fostering thoughtful dialogue, we’re updating our comment policy. Going forward, readers will need to log in through Facebook to post comments on our website.

This change means we’ll no longer allow anonymous commenting. Our goal is simple: to encourage accountability and reduce slanderous or abusive behaviour that can undermine productive discussion. When readers stand behind their words, the conversation becomes stronger, more respectful and more valuable for everyone.

Using Facebook’s authentication system helps confirm that commenters are real people and connects each comment to a profile. We believe this extra step will help maintain the professional environment our community expects from us.

We also understand that transparency matters, so here are answers to a few common questions:

• Do you get my password? No. Passwords are never shared with us.

• Do you post on my Facebook? No. REM does not request or receive permission to publish anything on your behalf.

• What information do you store? We collect only your name, email address and a link to your Facebook ID to verify your account.

We remain committed to providing space for open, intelligent debate on the issues that matter most to Canada’s real estate industry. Let’s keep the dialogue constructive and continue learning from one another.

Jordana Springgay

Jordana is the editor of Real Estate Magazine. You can reach her by email. 

The post Letter from the Editor: We’re updating our comment policy at REM appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

CLAR golf tournaments raise over $18K for local shelter charities

The Central Lakes Association of Realtors (CLAR) raised more than $18,000 through two charity golf tournaments in support of 13 local shelter-based charities across the region.

The first tournament was held June 25 at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax. The second took place Aug. 21 at Black Diamond Golf Club in Pontypool. Both events brought together Rs, community members and supporters for a day of golf and fundraising.

Proceeds will benefit CLAR’s 2025 Charities of Choice, which include A Place Called Home, Denise House, Durham Outlook, Ed’s House Northumberland, Hope and Light Urban Outreach, Hospice Quinte, Hospice Whitby, One City Peterborough, PATH (Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes), Simcoe Hall, Sloane’s House, The Refuge and YWCA Durham.

“These tournaments are about more than just golf — they are about giving back to the communities where our members live and work,” said CLAR CEO Wendy Giroux.

The charities provide shelter, outreach and care services to individuals and families in need.

Calgary Realtors boost housing grants

Calgary Realtors are giving more money to local non-profits that help vulnerable people find and keep housing.

The CREB REALTOR Community Foundation awarded nearly $198,000 in community grants this year — about $80,000 more than in 2024. The money will support housing repairs and renovations through four organizations: the Society for Autism Support and Services, Inn from the Cold, Unison, and Discovery House.

“These organizations are making a meaningful difference every single day, transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve,” said Christian Twomey, chair of the foundation. “Every CREB Realtor contributes to the foundation, and they take great pride in giving back to their city by helping charities who provide safe, stable housing to those who need it most.”

The grants aim to help people stay housed and connected to their communities. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Calgary Real Estate Board and focuses on long-term housing solutions for those in need.

The post Good Works: Realtors giving back in September 2025 appeared first on REM.

Releven says it is Canada’s first non-profit (charity-owned and operated) real estate brokerage for faith properties. Its goal is to provide consultation, evaluation, tailored solutions and community impact options for congregations that have made the difficult decision to sell their properties, de Villiers says.

As part of its service, it works with local Realtors. “Releven Realty has designed a ‘work with’ business model, not a ‘compete against’ model to scale nationwide and to partner with the best local real estate salespeople in each city.”

Releven will host an official launch event under its new brand in Cambridge, Ont., on Thursday. 

Founded in 2018 as Trinity Centres Foundation, Releven’s goal is to preserve, restore and repurpose underused faith-based properties into community hubs and affordable housing. This enables church properties to facilitate positive change, while maintaining a secure financial future, its website says.

Releven, which has roots in Quebec and Europe, is secular, with engagement across faith groups.

It has helped transform more than 70 projects over its six-year history.

‘Once a building is gone, it’s gone’

Rising costs and declining attendance have left many faith-based properties underused. One solution is to sell to the private sector, but de Villiers says that often leads to seller’s remorse.

“Once a building is gone, it’s gone. A congregation may sell to a private developer, who knocks the building down and builds a massive condominium with no net benefit to the community. The Girl Scouts, food banks and AA meetings held at the church, all free and programs that make the community better and safer, are gone, and now there are high-end condos on the site,” de Villiers says. 

Instead, Releven looks at any and all possibilities, from selling to redeveloping to creating community hubs. It provides options so a congregation can make decisions with a “lens focused on the legacy of the property going forward,” looking at social and community-positive projects. 

The brokerage’s consulting function examines leasing, redevelopment or sales options, and presents those options to a congregation, smoothing a process that can typically take years. Many agents have been involved in selling churches, which can take years of debate and hand-wringing about what to do with the building, de Villiers says.

Among the biggest challenges for any site are NIMBY (not in my backyard) individuals. However, when Releven is involved, “the amount of NIMBYism is low because everything is done in consultation. We do a lot of listening to the community and congregation,” and provide two to three options for uses and their benefits.

Releven facilitates the process and makes sure the congregation is aware of the opportunities. Ultimately, the decision is congregation-driven, he says. “Most congregations are progressive and want their space to be used.”

The brokerage also finds a local agent who knows the market. In about six years, it has built a network of 20-30 agents across the country, working with industry-standard commissions. Becoming a brokerage helps formalize the process through referral agreements.

“The local agent pays Releven the standard referral fee. It’s clean, fully (Real Estate Council of Ontario) RECO compliant,” de Villiers says. 

Releven’s proceeds go back to supporting Canadian churches.

Conversations lead to community-oriented outcomes

A benefit to agents is that a “ton of due diligence is done for every site before an agent is hired,” making it an easier and quicker process for them.

When churches contact Releven, consultants work with ex-clergy and the arts community to find options.

In some cases, the conversation is about selling, but often it goes something like this, he says: “Actually, in this community, there are no arts spaces. This property would make a good arts hub,” providing the congregation with the opportunity to create something positive.

de Villiers says a United church in Scarborough, Ont. was looking to downsize to a smaller building. Instead, it was sold to The Boys and Girls Club, and the building became a community hub that includes social services. “The congregation has a small space they can use rent-free in return for selling at a discounted price.”

A large centralized church on 1.5 acres in London, Ont. formed a joint agreement with a not-for-profit in Toronto and will build 84 units, 40 per cent of which will be affordable.

Other examples include a church in Edmonton that now also houses a mosque and a church in Kitchener, Ont. that includes five active religious organizations and multi-denominations.

Along with delivering such options as leasing, redevelopment or sales to congregations, the brokerage also provides consultancy for property readiness and maximizing community impact.

After the deal, participating agents don’t brag about getting top dollar for themselves, de Villiers says. Rather, they’re proud of doing what’s best for the community and proud of what the future of the property is.

Now that Releven is registered with RECO, the brokerage plans to ramp up to increase its network of local agents and is actively recruiting.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Sept. 24 with correct information about the church sale in Scarborough. 

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

The post Charity-owned brokerage aims to reshape church property sales across Canada appeared first on REM.

Now, four years later, Power remains as committed, if not more, and enthusiastic about the Homes For Heroes Foundation (H4HF) Kingston Village cause. 

“Our committee worked together on three Ride for Refuge events, garage sales, bake sales, a sign rider program which brought in over $200,000, plus Jackie Blakney and ReMax each raised $100,000, so in total local Realtors have raised over $400,000 working together,” said Power.

Power says she wanted fundraising events to be open to all real estate companies so the Kingston community would know their Realtors are there for them.

While the rider program is on hold (due to difficulties administering it), Realtors from many different companies and other volunteers continue to raise money in other ways.

This year’s committee of volunteers from Sutton Group Masters is Michelle Cifala, Joe Cifala, David Hatt, Kay Langmuir, Ryan Power, and Gail Power. Community members include Kendra Hodgson of KH Realty and Kathy Williams of Williams Auto. Blakney of ReMax Finest Realty recently joined. She raised $100,000 to build one home in memory of her father.

Marco Dipietrantonio and Rob Colangeli of ReMax Finest Realty also raised enough money to build one home.

Supporting veterans beyond housing

The Kingston Village, one of three in Canada, includes 20 tiny homes that offer a private space for each veteran in a park-like setting.

“We have been supporting since before there were shovels in the ground,” Power says.  “When I heard about the project, I wanted to help. Homelessness is a big problem everywhere. Homes For Heroes has found a way to connect with those who have served.”

H4HF was co-founded by David Howard and Murray McCann. Howard’s father, a Navy vet, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and poverty.

The organization’s mission is to end veteran homelessness in Canada by providing a full-service program that includes resources, training, and counselling to help veterans live independently in the long term. 

“It’s not a Band-Aid solution,” Power says. “One must be fully committed to it. A person who wants a hand up will be able to move into a fully furnished tiny home, provided with counselling, support, and guidance. They have a chance to get reconnected and will even have assistance in finding a job.”

To date, the Kingston Village has had 13 graduates, and its houses are full, says Travis Cellini, H4HF veteran services manager.

Continuing the mission with new events

Although it is up and running, funds are still needed for day-to-day operations, Power says. H4HF was created by people who saw a need and wanted to help. It is not government-run and relies on philanthropy.

“We were there from the beginning and are here now to continue the support. Our newest fundraising efforts include a garage sale on Sept. 20 and a new event, the Glimmer Gala, in November. The committee chose Nov. 7 to put the event in front of Remembrance Day and far away from Christmas,” she says, adding the auction items will make good holiday gifts.

“We’re super excited about this event, which will offer dinner, dancing, and entertainment at the renovated Kingston Marriott ballroom.”

Kim Shippey, national director, development for H4HF, says Power has been influential for the mission in Kingston.

Cellini said that having the support of the local real estate agents “opens so many opportunities.”

“Funds that are raised go directly to supporting veteran care right here in Kingston. In addition to the financial support, (Realtors’) businesses rely so heavily on word of mouth, the network of contacts and support they have is truly endless,” he said. “Having local agents supporting our village allows us to access their networks for potential housing for the veterans graduating our program. We are proud and fortunate to have the community support.”

Commissionaires Kingston is one of the major sponsors of the Kingston Village. “We are Canada’s largest employer of veterans and Canada’s only not-for-profit security company. Thirty-five per cent of our employees are veterans and veteran dependants, as well as all of our board members,” says CEO David Patterson, Commissionaires Kingston and Region, who retired from the army in 2017 before joining Commissionaires in 2019. “We have committed to offering employment to any Homes for Heroes residents who are looking for a job.”

The federal government recently announced its support in the form of a $1.9-million investment to combat veteran homelessness in Kingston, but fundraising continues.

It costs $10 million to build each village, plus $450,000 to $500,000 per year per village for operating costs, says Shippey.

The first village was built in Calgary in 2019. In addition to Kingston, there is another village in Edmonton. London and Winnipeg villages are slated for 2026, and future sites include Halifax and Hamilton/Burlington.

The much-needed fundraising continues. For Glitter Gala tickets ($150), visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/glimmer-gala-in-support-of-homes-for-heroes.

For more information about Homes For Heroes Foundation, visit www.h4hf.ca.

“We’re also looking for more volunteers,” says Power. For more information, email Gail Power.

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

The post Kingston agents lead charge to fight veteran homelessness appeared first on REM.

Iguernane, based in Ottawa and a member of Realtor.ca’s marketing team, suffered multiple injuries in the crash that occurred on Sept. 3, only to find out later that her husband had passed away from his injuries. 

The couple was vacationing in Portugal when the tragedy occurred. Iguernane’s husband Aziz Benharref, 42, was one of 16 people who were killed in the accident. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up by her colleagues to raise funds for Iguernane’s essential and medical costs. 

“Our first and foremost priority is supporting Hind during this unimaginably difficult time. Hind is a valuable member of the Realtor.ca team, not just for the skills and professionalism she brings to her role on the marketing team, but for how her warm personality brings us all together at the office,” said Patrick Pichette, interim CEO of Realtor.ca.

 “Realtor.ca is committed to supporting Hind as she recovers. We appreciate any support people can provide.”

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Expansions and conversions

New growth at Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty

Re/Max Canada has expanded its presence in Windsor-Essex County with the addition of Paul Germanese and his AW4U – The Real Estate Group to Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty.

The group of 10 professionals joins from Royal LePage, where they established a reputation over more than a decade for serving buyers and sellers in the local market.

Albert Kantarjian, broker/owner of Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty, said the move reflects shared priorities between the brokerage and the team.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Paul and his team. This partnership is built on shared values, a passion for delivering outstanding service, and a vision for continued growth.”

Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada, welcomed the addition. 

“Congratulations to Re/Max Capital Diamond Realty. We look forward to seeing them thrive and expand their impact in the Windsor-Essex community.”

Ottawa group returns to Re/Max

The Inspire Team of Ottawa, led by Rahim and Eda Rasooli, has officially returned to Re/Max, joining Re/Max Prime Properties.

The Rasoolis said their decision was guided by the brand’s global recognition and strong network, which they believe will support their team’s continued growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rahim and Eda Rasooli and their incredible team back to Re/Max,” said Asif Khan, broker/owner of Re/Max Prime Properties. “With their deep understanding of the Ottawa region, they are a valuable addition to our growing network.”

Re/Max Canada president Don Kottick called the move “a testament to the power of the Re/Max brand.”

Royal LePage adds Our Neighbourhood Realty to Ontario network

Royal LePage recently announced it’s expanding in Ontario with the addition of Our Neighbourhood Realty.

The brokerage, formerly independent, is led by Rhonda and Bob Best, along with co-owners Luiz and Paula Lameiras and Gary and Darlene Hibbert. It has more than 140 sales representatives.

The firm serves Durham, Toronto and Northumberland, handling residential, recreational and commercial transactions. The ownership group has more than 30 years of combined experience in the real estate industry.

Leadership moves

Royal LePage COO announced retirement

This week, Royal LePage’s longtime chief operating officer Carolyn Cheng announced she will be retiring from the role later this fall.

Cheng has 25 years experience in the real estate sector. Cheng previously served as a director and then senior vice-president of strategic business services at Royal LePage.

Her resume also includes several years in leadership at Brookfield Real Estate Services. 

Good works

Record result for Slice4Shelter Charity Golf Tournament

Winnipeg’s Royal LePage Prime Real Estate raised more than $27,000 at its 3rd annual Slice4Shelter Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

The record-breaking tournament brings the event’s grand total to $70,500.

All proceeds were directed to Alpha House to fund safe and supportive shelter services for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

“Our supporters at Royal LePage Prime Real Estate have a longstanding history of generosity towards families who are bravely walking away from violence and building the safer, happier and more hopeful lives that they deserve,” said Carly Neill, fundraising and communications manager with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We count ourselves very lucky to have them as part of our charitable family.”

Sutton Centre Realty signs cheque for St. John Ambulance

Over 300 attendees gathered in May for the St. John Ambulance Charity Gala led by Vancouver Realtor Corwin Kwan of Sutton Center Realty headquartered in Burnaby.

The event raised over $23,000 in total with a $5,000 matched donation from The Home Foundation. The proceeds will support critical programs like first aid training, therapy dog visits, and emergency response initiatives.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for August 2025 appeared first on REM.

Steven Welchner, chair of Linden, Lindsay Blair, owner of 2B, and Stephanie Corrin, vice chair of Linden.

The non-profit group is building 36 new units and four renovated homes in the town, just southwest of Ottawa, by December 2026, with the mission of having affordability at its core. 

Lindsay Blair, owner of 2B Developments, who acted as a consultant on the project, said one of the biggest strengths of co-ops is the protection of long-term affordability. 

“I’m not aware of any co-ops that were once established that no longer exist,” she said. 

For Blair, Linden proves new co-ops can still be built in today’s housing climate. 

“I certainly believe…that municipalities are very much so in favour of more co-ops being built across Canada, and would welcome them in their communities,” she said.

The sprint to funding

When the volunteer-led Linden board approached Blair in late 2023, they didn’t own land. 2B Developments began with a feasibility analysis, then guided the group through property selection, rezoning, design, consultant reports, and cost estimating to meet all requirements for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Co-op Housing Development Program.

The timeline was tight since CMHC announced the fund in June 2024, with a September deadline for shovel-ready applications. 

“We basically are herding cats non-stop in a direction,” Blair said.

By February 2025, Linden had secured $12.3 million from CMHC, including a $3-million forgivable loan.

How can real estate professionals support the co-op model?

Blair said Realtors also have a role to play. 

In Linden’s case, a private seller agreed to hold the property for eight months while financing was secured. 

She believes agents can help more projects succeed by encouraging sellers to consider extended closing timelines, which could open the door for additional co-ops and affordable housing developments.

Built to last

Co-ops are self-governed by their members, with an elected board that makes decisions about budgets, maintenance and policies.

Linden’s one-bedroom units will be capped at $1,331 a month, with 10 allocated to Lanark County’s rent-geared-to-income list.

Blair says the model creates connection and a sense of agency to its members. 

“The co-op model really is one that promotes community within the membership of the building,” she said. “Co-ops really empower members to feel like they’re in control.”

But self-governance also brings risk. A poorly managed board can lead to financial missteps or operational issues. 

“You do want to make sure that there’s good financial oversight,” Blair said, adding that member engagement and management are critical to a co-op’s success.

Blair said there’s strong interest in the co-op model beyond Perth, with more than 100 across Canada, and several more with projects ready to go. 

They can be attractive to municipalities because they create affordable units without the need for operational subsidies. 

“Co-ops are really meant to be a self-sufficient model providing deeply affordable housing that addresses isolation, creates community, and has positive ripple impacts.”

For most non-profits, the toughest hurdle is reaching the stage where they can even apply for capital funding since it requires zoning approvals, a full project team, and detailed budgets, often without any guaranteed financing. 

The Linden Co-op has now hit that inflection point, unlocking access to federal programs like CMHC that can make the build possible. It creates the shift from years of planning and scraping together resources to finally having capital to bring the project to life. 

Motivation rooted in home

Blair said her commitment to the non-profit housing sector is shaped by what she’s seen in her own community. 

“I come from Perth, and five years ago, as a result of COVID-19, I started to see homelessness in the town of Perth. I never saw homelessness growing up,” she said. 

She said she watched seniors on fixed incomes lose long-time rentals and face limited options. “They’re so vulnerable … and it really is what drives me.”

Samantha Long

Samantha Long is a contributing writer for REM. Based in Atlantic Canada, she has over a decade of experience covering business and politics across digital, print and broadcast media.

The post Reviving the co-op model: Ontario project signals new path for affordable housing appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty raises over $37,000 for women’s shelters

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty proudly announced that its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised over $37,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Every dollar will go directly to YWCA Genevra House in Sudbury and Haven House women’s shelter on Manitoulin Island.

“I am exceptionally proud of our team for far surpassing this year’s fundraising goal and for once again helping make a real difference for local families seeking safe shelter,” said Luc Bock, broker of record.

He added, “We know there is much work to be done in ending intimate partner violence in Canada, but our brokerage is steadfast in our commitment to funding the hope and healing of those affected in our community.”

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raises $37,000 at Summer Soirée for local shelter

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raised $37,000 at this year’s Summer Soirée in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. All funds will go directly to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis to support critical services for women and children escaping intimate partner violence.

The annual event, championed and led by broker of record Jeff Morley, has raised $165,000 since it began in 2018.

“We are deeply grateful to our amazing community for joining us for this elegant evening under the stars, which will truly make a difference in the lives of so many local families,” said Gillian Atkinson, broker/manager. “Our Royal City volunteers, led by Lisa Klempner and a dedicated group of agents, are the magic that makes this event possible.”

EXIT Realty marks $8M milestone through Spirit of EXIT charitable giving

EXIT Realty Corp. International has surpassed $8 million in donations through its Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, highlighting the company’s dedication to community impact across North America.

“This milestone is a testament to the collective generosity and passion of our EXIT family, who continuously seek out ways to make a difference beyond real estate,” said Tami Bonnell, co-chair of EXIT Realty.

The program matches funds raised by local offices to support causes meaningful to them. In 2024, donations supported children, community programs, medical support, veterans, Habitat for Humanity, medical research, cancer initiatives and animal welfare.

A portion of each transaction fee is held in trust and matched up to $3,000 per initiative.

“Since stepping into the directorship earlier this year, I’ve seen firsthand the courage and heart behind these efforts,” said Sharron Richardson, vice-president of broker services. “Their commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities is truly inspiring.”

The post Good Works: Realtors giving back in July 2025 appeared first on REM.