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.

The annual PAC Days conference, to be held this year from Oct. 26 to 28, allows Realtors to advocate for housing policy recommendations. 

“Realtors live and work in every part of Canada. They are deeply invested in their communities, and when they come to Parliament Hill to talk about important housing issues, MPs listen,” said David Humphreys, CREA consultant and founding PAC Days organizer.

This year, Realtors will be urging the federal government to accelerate the construction of missing middle housing such as townhomes, duplexes and family-sized apartments, and to dedicate a share of the Build Canada Homes projects to these types of projects.

“When an MP hears directly from a constituent who lives and works in their riding, it resonates in a way no lobbyist ever could. That’s the enduring genius of PAC Days – local voices shaping national decisions,” said James Lorimer, CREA consultant and founding PAC Days organizer.

The first PAC Days in 1985 brought together about 100 association members to meet with 60 to 70 MPs. In 2024, more than 400 PAC reps from across Canada came together in Ottawa to meet with more than 120 MPs.

“For 40 years, PAC Days has shown the power of Realtors speaking with one voice. As we look ahead, that voice will be more important than ever in shaping policies that build more homes across the continuum, strengthen communities, and keep the pathway to homeownership within reach,” said Janice Myers, CREA CEO.

PAC Days programming features training, panels, educational sessions and speeches from experts.

The post CREA celebrates 40 years of PAC Days appeared first on REM.

Nearly two-thirds of residents say they are concerned about losing their home or rental unit if their financial situation suddenly changes, while four in five are concerned about the overall state of housing in Ottawa today, according to a survey of 1,000 city locals conducted in September by Abacus Data.

“When six in ten residents worry about losing their home if their financial situation changes, it’s a clear sign that we must do more to improve housing affordability and choice,” said OREB president Paul Czan. “We must make it easier to build more homes that families need and can afford.”

OREB to meet with city officials

In a statement, OREB said it is meeting this week with Ottawa city councillors to advance policy solutions that will speed up the development of more affordable homes.

Specifically, OREB has a three-point policy plan that is asking the city to reform development charges to lower costs, pass a zoning bylaw that enables more housing choices and protect tenants while expanding rental supply. 

“Ottawa renters need protection, not more paperwork,” said Czan. “Most residents support fixing the Landlord and Tenant Board and cracking down on bad landlords, but they don’t want new red tape that drives small landlords out of the market.”

What do residents think?

When asked which issues they most want elected officials to focus on, respondents to the Abacus survey identified cost of living (47 per cent), housing affordability (44 per cent) and homelessness (29 per cent) as the most important priorities.

Two-thirds of residents (67 per cent) describe housing in their area as unaffordable, yet 71 per cent of non-homeowners still hope to buy a home someday. 

However, of all respondents doubt they’ll ever be able to afford a home in their community of choice.

“Ottawa residents are telling us that what they need are more affordable housing options—especially missing middle housing like duplexes, triplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings that seniors, families and young people can afford,” said Nicole Christy, CEO of OREB. “The good news is that there’s broad public support for action on things like lowering development costs, modernizing zoning and reducing red tape.”

Elected leaders at all three levels of government recieved poor grades from respondents on improving Ottawa’s housing situation. Three in five residents say they are dissatisfied with the leadership shown by the federal, provincial and municipal governments alike on housing issues, while only 36 per cent believe the City of Ottawa is prioritizing housing affordability.

The post OREB sounds the alarm on affordability with new report appeared first on REM.

The federal government has released a catalogue of standardized housing designs aimed at reducing costs and speeding up the construction of new homes across the country.

The Housing Design Catalogue includes 50 technical design packages for rowhouses, fourplexes, sixplexes and accessory dwelling units.

Each package contains architectural and engineering drawings, energy reporting templates, building performance reports, cost estimate summaries and a climate resiliency guide. The designs, categorized by region, were developed by local architects and engineers to comply with each province’s building codes.

In a press release issued Tuesday by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), officials said the designs support “gentle density” of Canadian neighbourhoods, and will cut red tape by reducing the time and expense of developing construction plans, making it easier for municipalities and builders to increase housing supply. 

The plans prioritize wood-frame construction to support local industries.

The initiative draws inspiration from design catalogues published by CMHC between the 1940s and 1970s, which were used to guide post-war housing development.

As of Tuesday, 14 municipalities have agreed to pre-review the catalogue’s designs to help speed up approvals. These include Burnaby, Kelowna, Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Ajax, Kitchener, Mississauga, Ottawa, Toronto, Saint John, Halifax Regional Municipality, Whitehorse and Yellowknife.

The catalogue is part of the federal government’s broader housing strategy, which aims to double the rate of home construction, improve affordability and reduce homelessness.

Officials say work is ongoing with more municipalities to encourage pre-approval of the designs and expand the program nationwide.

The post Ottawa unveils housing design catalogue to speed up construction appeared first on REM.

From Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. to Oct. 5 at 5 p.m., the World’s Longest Open House will take place at Metric Homes’ model home at 51 Axel Crescent in Stittsville, West Ottawa. 

The event will run continuously for more than 73 hours, offering visitors the chance to tour the new home while helping raise funds and awareness for the children’s charity.

“You can come at 1 a.m. and grab a bowl of popcorn and join the Realtor on their shift,” said Lucas Smith.

According to research conducted by Smith and the organizing team, the current record of 72 hours was set in Colorado in March.

“It’s less about the record and more about the ability to raise funds,” said Smith.

Smith said the fundraising goal is to surpass $10,000. Funds are being raised primarily through corporate sponsors.

“This is more than an open house — it’s about building community, making history, and giving back. It’s for the kids,” said Smith. “We’re inviting everyone to come out, experience this incredible event, and help us support a cause that transforms lives.”

Smith challenges other Realtors to go for the record. He hopes to be back next year with a 74-hour marathon open house. 

Realtors from several brokerages banded together to pull off the event. They include Julian Hyams, Joel Leclerc, Serge Guénette, Tyler Verheul, RJ McComber, Meghan Courtemanche, Shawn McFarlane and Martin Clement.

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John King, license partner and broker at Engel & Völkers Ottawa, coined the term “microbursts” to describe these pockets of intense activity in the city’s most desirable areas, like Westboro, the Glebe, Old Ottawa South, Golden Triangle, Wellington Village, and Highland Park, among others.  

“If a home is priced right, you can still see multiple offers,” King said. “It’s really location and price-sensitive.”

Luxury market trending up

According to Engel & Völkers’ 2025 mid-year Canadian Luxury Real Estate Market Report, properties priced between $1 million and $1.99 million accounted for 10.8 per cent of all real estate transactions in Ottawa in the first half of the year, up from 8.6 per cent in the same period last year. 

As of the end of June, total residential and condo sales in the $1 million-plus segment were up 31.2 per cent year-over- year, underscoring Ottawa’s role as one of Canada’s most “resilient luxury markets amid broader national volatility,” reads the report.

Still, notes Engel & Völkers, buyers remained somewhat cautious. 

“Unlike the bidding wars of recent years, 2025 saw extended decision timelines and increased scrutiny of floor plans, renovation needs and neighbourhood trends,” reads the report.

Ottawa Real Estate Board backs up the case for a strong luxury market, with homes over $1 million up 31 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Those homes represent 11 per cent of all Ottawa sales, up from nine per cent a year earlier. However, inventory has risen 60 per cent, meaning “there is a lot more competition for luxury buyers than ever before,” King said.

‘Sellers can still call the shots’

Robert Hogue, assistant chief economist at RBC, says Ottawa’s steadiness comes from a tighter balance between supply and demand than in other major Canadian centres. “It has seen an increase in supply, but nowhere as much as markets like Toronto or even Vancouver,” he said. “Sellers can still call the shots … that’s why we’re seeing prices remaining relatively resilient in Ottawa compared to other markets.”

While inventory has risen, Hogue described the shift as a market correction after the extremely tight conditions of the past few years. He linked it to the sharp interest rate hikes between 2022 and 2024, which slowed demand and lengthened selling times. “This has been starting to reverse since the Bank of Canada’s cut rates, but not entirely.”

The broader economy is also a factor, he said. “Ottawa has been a bit more … resilient in its labour market, but it’s softened as well,” Hogue said. Consumer confidence, he added, has been challenged by a slower Canadian economy and the trade dispute with the U.S.

What’s in store for the rest of the year?

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, King said he expects “more of the same” with strong competition in desirable neighbourhoods, increased bargaining power for buyers, and an emphasis on correct pricing. “You’ve got to be priced right, you’ve got to be marketed properly, and you’ve got to be well represented to get the people in there,” he said.

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.

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Developed after a survey of more than 1,000 members, interviews with partners and focus groups with over 60 stakeholders, the plan focuses on three main areas:

• Enhancing member experience and professionalism through education, tools and support, while ensuring the MLS system meets evolving needs.

• Fostering community and influence by strengthening brokerage engagement, partnerships, and advocacy.

• Ensuring sustainable growth by investing in infrastructure and revenue streams.

“The 2026-2028 strategic plan is not just about where we are now – it is about where we are going and how we will get there. It is grounded in values that matter to our members,” OREB CEO Nicole Christy said. “And it is about making our members’ work easier by removing barriers and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive for years to come.”

The post OREB releases strategic roadmap for the next three years 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.”

The post Realtor.ca fundraising for colleague hospitalized by Lisbon funicular crash appeared first on REM.

In Ottawa, Raymond Chin of Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty has watched the interest in micro-units dry up almost entirely.

“The demand is actually very low,” the Realtor says, noting that in June, residential prices increased about nine per cent while the condominium market dropped about seven per cent. “Two-bedroom condominiums, or even a one-bedroom plus den, are much more sought after than just a one-bedroom or these bachelor-types.”

Shifting buyer priorities

Though new units may appear affordable on paper, often ranging from $320,000 to $375,000, Chin notes, he says the buyer pool is limited — mostly comprising first-time buyers or downsizers with limited options, not retirees with a nest egg ready to move south. Investors, meanwhile, remain very conservative and hesitant to dive into these smaller condominiums.

Buyer preferences have evolved significantly since the pandemic reshaped lifestyles and work habits. Chin explains that before COVID, proximity to downtown workplaces and amenities drove demand for compact living, but that dynamic has changed in Ottawa.

“You get from city to city, end to end, in maybe half an hour with no traffic. Commute times are fairly short compared to bigger cities like Toronto … (here), a lot of people take an Uber downtown, to live in a bigger, better, quieter place.”

A supply surge and investor shift

In Calgary, Rob Vanovermeire, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Mountain Central, is also seeing sluggish movement in the smallest condominium segment, which he notes has historically been and remains a small inventory pool.

“Calgary, percentage-wise, doesn’t have as many micro-units as some of the bigger markets like Vancouver and Toronto. We just haven’t built them.”

He notes the condominium market hit its peak in 2015, followed by a downturn that lasted until 2021. While activity surged again in 2022, largely due to investors from Ontario and British Columbia, many of those buyers were targeting presales, not resale micro-units.

When it comes to micro-condominiums, Vanovermeire says those buyers are typically single professionals or couples, and he hasn’t seen many older than 35 years old.

Regardless of size, Vanovermeire notes Calgary’s resale condominium absorption is down, with roughly 22 per cent of total units selling.

The power of narrative

Vanovermeire’s optimistic that small condominiums still have a market — but only if agents put in the right work and know how to sell the lifestyle that comes with them.

“What’s been really successful for me is video tours,” he recalls. “But not just a quick introduction and let the video play some music as you tour the condominium.”

Instead, Vanovermeire takes a more immersive, personalized approach to help buyers envision life in a small space.

“You have to be willing to treat the camera like it was a buyer and point out the lifestyle, amenities in the building and what’s offered in the area,” he explains, including the things you wouldn’t be doing at home, because, “When you’re looking for micro-condominiums, you have to be the kind of person that likes to be out a lot.”

That means showing — not just telling — what makes the location work for the target buyer, whether it’s nearby bars, restaurants, shops or events. “Get some b-roll of an event and incorporate that (so viewers can) see themselves attending … That’s power.”

But despite being a leader who vocally encourages video, Vanovermeire feels most agents still hesitate to fully embrace the medium.

“I really advocate for getting out of your comfort zone … but to this day, the majority of Realtors don’t embrace video the way that they could,” perhaps due to lack of confidence or concern about their appearance, he adds.

Building for people, not profit

If agents are rethinking how they sell micro-units, some developers are rethinking whether to build them at all.

B.C.-based Realtor Shane Styles is also a partner at Tradecraft Consulting, where he advises developers. He’s seeing a changing market, where, at its smallest end, demand rapidly diverges from what’s still being built.

“All things being equal, people want to live in something as large as they can get. We’re getting downward pressure on price and rent in Vancouver, probably for the first time in forever. Now, you can get a larger place for the same rent as a smaller place was two or three years ago.”

Styles feels it all comes down to supply, demand and market elasticity.

On top of that, he adds, are many people on the sidelines not selling, plus reluctance from banks to lend on (tiny) places, “So you’ve got to get creative with financing. How’s that for irony?”

In Styles’ view, these factors create the perfect storm, making micro-units the least desirable homes to live in, and therefore less likely to resell and rent.

‘If you can’t fix it, feature it’

He saw this firsthand when brought into a condominium project that didn’t reach its presale requirement — twice. 

The original pitch was familiar: compact units, priced for short-term rental buyers and branded for weekend use. But it just wasn’t working.

The developer had created the floor plans a few years back with an architect from the East Coast who was used to larger spaces for lower prices, Styles shared. He recognized that the 750 square foot one-bedroom + den units should today be 550 square feet to sell at an attractive price, arguably with the same utility.

Since the developer had no more capital to change the unit sizes, Styles went with the old adage, “If you can’t fix it, feature it.”

He analyzed the local market and found a huge gap. “No one was building anything for locals,” who, Styles notes, comprised first-time buyers paying $2,600 a month in rent and long-term, single-family home residents with nothing to downsize to.

So, it was a game of “repositioning, reexamining the marketplace and ensuring we orchestrated the product to fit the hole we’d identified,” resulting in the larger units offered at $499,000.

At the end of the day, Styles asserts it’s all about utility, as “The everyday consumer can’t equate price per square foot to the value they’re getting … You can have a $1,000/square foot home and a $650/square foot home and they’ll deliver the same utility.”

Emma Caplan-Fisher

Emma Caplan-Fisher is an editor and writer for REM. She has over a decade of experience in various content types and topics, including real estate, housing, business, tech, and home & design. Emma’s work has also been featured in Cottage Life, the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast, the Chicago Tribune, Narcity Media, Healthline, and others. She holds a Certificate in Editing from Simon Fraser University.

The post Tiny footprints, tougher sales: Can micro-units still find their market? appeared first on REM.

Longtime Keller Williams Realty brokers Sunny Daljit and Marvin Alexander are moving their hundreds of Ontario agents to Royal LePage.

Daljit, of Mississauga, and Alexander, of Ottawa, shared their news on Wednesday. 

“Through research, I was surprised by what I thought was a legacy brand. In fact Royal LePage has progressed and invested more in the past five years than any other real estate brokerage in Canada,” said a post from Daljit, who, through Keller Williams, served Mississauga and Ottawa for 22 years.

“Royal LePage is worth taking a relook at for those interested in taking their real estate business to the next level.”

Alexander has been licensed in real estate for over 30 years and started with Keller Williams in 2009.

He founded Keller Williams Realty Centres, and led Keller Williams Integrity Realty as president.

It is understood that the conversions will bring more than 600 people into the Royal LePage network in the markets of Mississauga, Oakville, Georgestown and Ottawa. 

“We are proud that these top-tier brokerages chose to affiliate themselves with our brand, and look forward to supporting their continued success with the comprehensive resources, innovative tools and strong brand reputation that Royal LePage has cultivated over many decades,” said Royal LePage in a statement to Real Estate Magazine.

“We are confident that this partnership will further strengthen our presence and service to clients in Ontario.”

Keller Williams responds

Keller Williams is working to provide retention opportunities for the agents associated with the offices converting to Royal LePage, said spokesperson Darryl Frost.

Frost says for decades the brand has made substantial investments in its Canadian franchisees, “reaffirming our long-term commitment to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen our presence across Canada. We’re proud of our continued record of growth in Canada.”

“We’re seeing increasing demand for the Keller Williams value proposition across Canada as more agents and real estate brokerage leaders seek a model built on proven models and systems, training, and wealth-building,” Frost told REM.

He said in the last two years alone, Keller Williams has added five market centers (franchise locations) and six smaller branch office locations in Canada. Two of those franchises, including the affiliation of Living Realty, Inc., which added more than 550 agents in Canada, were launched this year.

“We have plans to launch new offices in Canada, led by strong, growth-oriented leaders committed to helping agents build thriving businesses,” said Frost.

There are currently 30 market center franchises with more than 4,300 affiliated real estate agents, as of May 31.

Over the 43-year history of Keller Williams, it has become the world’s top real estate franchise by agent count.

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