After nearly a decade of leadership, Marina R. James is stepping away from her role as CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board (WRREB).

Since joining WRREB as CEO in 2016, James has guided the organization through a period of growth, modernization and strengthened industry and community partnerships, according to a statement from the board. Her final day is Oct. 31. 

Outside of this role, James’ leadership extends to service as chair of the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board and vice chair of the Inland Port Special Planning Authority.

James chaired the 2023 national task force charged with making recommendations to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) board of directors on the future of Realtor.ca as a new for-profit subsidiary. 

She was also recognized with CREA’s 2024 Association Executives Network (AEN) Award of Excellence.

“It has been an honour to serve as CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board and to work alongside such a talented and passionate team, dedicated board of directors and an engaged membership,” said James. “Together, we have navigated change and strengthened our impact as an organization focused on economic development, removing barriers to home ownership and addressing impediments to the growth of housing and real estate in Manitoba.”

Incoming CEO named

The WRREB board of directors has appointed Crystal Hollas, senior vice president and chief privacy officer, as the organization’s next CEO.

Hollas brings over 19 years of experience with WRREB, in addition to a law degree and deep institutional knowledge of the board’s operations and member relations. 

“As we look to the future, I remain committed to supporting our members, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s continued leadership in advancing the interests of real estate in our market region,” said Hollas.

Established in 1903, the WRREB is one of Canada’s longest-running real estate boards, representing more than 2,500 agents.

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CMHC’s monthly report released Tuesday says the seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts came in at 245,791 units in August, down from 293,537 in July.

In a statement, CMHC chief economist Kevin Hughes called the slowdown “notable,” as it’s well below the six-month trend. However, a sustained decline would be consistent with forecasts, he said.

“It is worth noting that current housing starts levels are generally reflective of decisions made when interest rates were receding and investor confidence was higher than it is today,” said Hughes. 

In urban markets, the decline was driven by the multi-family sector, where starts plunged by nearly 50,000 units, compared to July, to 183,000 units. Meanwhile, single-detached starts dipped 1,800 to 40,000 units.

The only province to see a rise in housing starts last month was Manitoba.

A note from TD Bank economist Rishi Sondhi said stable building permits point to a healthy pipeline of housing starts in the near term. 

“However, we expect some moderation in homebuilding in 2026 amid slowing population growth and falling rents,” said Sondhi. “Meanwhile, past declines in pre-construction home sales should keep a lid on construction in the ownership market.”  

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Manitoba Tipi Mitawa is a First Nations homeownership program that assists off reserve indigenous families and individuals who meet stringent credit, job history and other requirements.

“It turned out great, lots of food and I managed to fit everyone, 20 in all, although it was little tight!” Peebles says. In her dining room, she put three long tables together. A friend loaned her an extra folding table and chairs and the family celebrated with turkey and all the trimmings.

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