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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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.

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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.

Royal LePage’s Carolyn Cheng has announced her retirement from the brokerage after nine years as its chief operating officer. 

She wrote on social media on Tuesday that her last day will be Nov. 30.

“Over the past 25 years, I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with the best executive team in our business – they make me proud of our work, embody the highest of values, and have become part of my extended family,” reads her post. “Together, we have kept Royal LePage in a leadership position in our dynamic industry,” she said.

Cheng wrote that in her retirement, she wants to focus on photography, spend more time with family and friends, and move to part-time board and consulting work.  

Her photography has been shown at Red Head Gallery, Gallery 44, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, and TMU’s Paul H. Cocker Gallery, according to her website.

“This will be a new beginning for me,” she wrote.

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. 

The post Carolyn Cheng announces retirement from Royal LePage appeared first on REM.

Left to right: Luiz Lameiras, Paula Lameiras, Bob Best, Rhonda Best, Gary Hibbert, Darlene Hibbert.

Royal LePage is 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.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting milestone in our journey,” said Rhonda Best. “By aligning with Royal LePage, we are setting the stage for the next chapter of growth for our brokerage, our agents, and our clients. Together, we will continue to raise the standard of real estate service across southern Ontario.”

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.

The post Royal LePage adds Our Neighbourhood Realty to Ontario network appeared first on REM.

The announcement was made at an event at OREA’s headquarters on Friday just before noon.

Favaro, currently VP of partnerships, has been with the association for more than 17 years. 

“I am honoured to continue working with our members, staff, and stakeholders to further our mission of supporting Ontario Realtors in helping people find a great place to call home, work and thrive,” said Favaro in a statement. “Together, we will continue to address the challenges and opportunities facing our profession and ensure that our members are equipped for success.”

OREA has been planning to hire a permanent CEO since Tim Hudak’s resignation in August 2024. Sonia Richards has served for the last 11 months as interim CEO.

“We are thrilled to have Luigi lead the association and drive our strategic direction during such a pivotal time,” said OREA president Cathy Polan in a statement. “With his extensive experience in both leadership and real estate, we are confident he will provide the vision and direction necessary to continue elevating our Association and strengthening the profession.”

More details to come.

The post BREAKING: OREA names new CEO appeared first on REM.

The appointment is effective immediately, as announced by RECO’s board of directors on Monday. 

Following the retirement of the previous CEO Michael Beard, RECO’s board named Buchanan as interim CEO in February 2025, following a six-year tenure as the organization’s COO.

“I am honoured to continue to lead the RECO team as we build on our momentum as a consumer-focused, forward-looking and technology-enabled regulator,” said Buchanan in a statement. 

“I’m excited to deepen our collaboration with the Ontario government, and our stakeholders, as we work together to support the real estate profession and ensure strong consumer protection.”

Buchanan is an “accomplished and empathetic leader,” said RECO, who brings to the CEO role “deep experience, strong support for team and stakeholder engagement, and an unwavering commitment to consumer protection.”

She has more than 20 years of experience in the Ontario regulatory environment and has held senior positions in both public and private sector organizations. 

“We are proud to welcome Brenda as RECO’s new CEO,” said Katie Steinfeld, chair of RECO’s board. 

“Brenda is a bold, forward-thinking leader whose vision and drive will lead RECO into a new era of innovation, transparency, and consumer trust. Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for RECO as we embrace change and reimagine the future of real estate regulation in Ontario.”

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The board of directors released a statement Wednesday that it’s actively seeking candidates.

“We are excited to begin this search and identify the leader who will guide Realtor.ca through its next phase of development,” said David Oikle, board chair. 

“This appointment will be pivotal to advancing our strategic growth and continued innovation.”

Patrick Pichette currently serves as interim CEO.

With a market share sustaining close to 50% year-after-year, Realtor.ca is poised to launch a new chapter, it said, offering “significant opportunities for revenue diversification, leveraging emerging technologies, and deepening consumer trust.” 

This CEO search will be led by Toronto-based The Leadership Agency, which has a track record of recruiting executives for high-growth companies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. 

Applications are now open. The board says it anticipates making an appointment later this fall.

Realtor.ca’s transition 

Until recently, Realtor.ca operated as a not-for-profit, but with growing competition and rising costs, CREA said it saw a need to rethink its approach. 

By transitioning to a for-profit model, it believes the platform can unlock new revenue streams and reduce its reliance on member dues, reinvesting profits back into the platform.

Already, Realtor.ca has appointed six members to its board. 

The post Realtor.ca launches search for CEO appeared first on REM.

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!

Leadership appointments

Parm Sidhu joins Re/Max Elite as broker of record

Re/Max Elite has appointed Parm Sidhu as its new broker of record and operations manager. With 18 years of experience in Alberta real estate, Sidhu will manage operations across all three Re/Max Elite offices in Edmonton, offering strategic direction and agent support.

Previously, Sidhu helped grow Alberta’s largest non-franchise brokerage, increasing its agent count from 50 to over 1,300 in six years. Her approach emphasized compliance, accountability, and development.

A Canadian Army veteran, she leads with structure and service. She has also served on the boards of the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Realtors Association of Edmonton.

“I’m excited to join Re/Max Elite and lead a brokerage that shares my values of professionalism, transparency, and excellence,” said Sidhu.

Retirements

Century 21 Canada broker Marg Bowlen retires after four decades of leadership

Marg Bowlen has stepped down as broker-owner of Century 21 Trident in Dartmouth, NS. after more than 40 years with the company. She began her career in 1980 as the office secretary when the brokerage first opened and became office manager in 1986. She was licensed the following year and became co-owner with Gary Chambers. In 1988, Bowlen became the broker.

Throughout her career, Bowlen focused on building strong operations and supporting agent growth. Under her leadership, the office developed a reputation for consistency and agent support. She worked closely with her leadership team, including longtime colleague Lisa Surette.

She also served with the provincial association for many years, offering input on real estate issues in the province. Outside of real estate, she supported several community programs, including youth hockey leagues, school breakfast programs, and Century 21 Canada’s national charitable partner, the Easter Seals Kids to Camp Program.

Surette, who worked alongside her for years, said, “She’s the kind of friend you always want in your corner… when the agents succeed, the company succeeds. And she has lived that truth every single day.”

Century 21 Trident will continue operations under its current team.

Business expansions

Century 21 Green Realty acquires Brampton-based Century 21 Empire Realty

Century 21 Green Realty has acquired Century 21 Empire Realty, a Brampton-based brokerage founded in 2017. The deal adds over 100 agents to the Century 21 Green Realty network and expands its operations in the Greater Toronto Area.

Century 21 Green Realty, led by broker of record Lakhvir Randhawa, now has offices in Mississauga, Brampton, and Milton. The brokerage offers weekly training, full-time admin and marketing support, and a structured leadership team.

“Our mission has always been to train, mentor, and elevate agents into industry leaders,” said Randhawa.

Agents from Century 21 Empire Realty will now have access to additional support systems and professional development resources.

“This isn’t just about growth in numbers, it’s about elevating the quality of service and leadership,” said Todd Shyiak, executive vice president of Century 21 Canada.

Century 21 Green Realty plans to continue expanding its services and training across the region.

Awards and accolades

Five Canadian agents named to “30 Under 30” list by Coldwell Banker

Five Coldwell Banker Canada agents have been named to the 2025 Coldwell Banker 30 Under 30 list, an international recognition awarded to top young professionals in the global Coldwell Banker network.

Selected from over 100,000 affiliated sales professionals in approximately 2,900 offices across 45 countries and territories, the honourees were chosen for their leadership, innovation, and service early in their careers.

The Canadian recipients are:

• Brody Reimer – Coldwell Banker Signature (Saskatoon, Sask.)

• Hunter Butts – Coldwell Banker Performance Realty (Amherst, N.S.)

• Stephen Jacyk – Coldwell Banker Park Avenue Real Estate (Beausejour, Man.)

• Jake Sherninin – Coldwell Banker Executives Realty (Castlegar, B.C.)

• Nathan Round – Coldwell Banker Northern Bestsellers (Yellowknife, N.W.T.)

“We couldn’t be prouder of these five Canadian agents and all they have accomplished,” said Karim Kennedy, CEO of Coldwell Banker Canada. “They reflect everything our brand stands for: entrepreneurial spirit, strong community roots, and a genuine commitment to helping people find their way home.”

The recognition highlights Coldwell Banker Canada’s growing national network and focus on supporting next-generation talent.

The post The Real Deal: Industry highlights for June 2025 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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