On September 12th from 11 AM – 3 PM EST, you’re invited to join us for a virtual conference and be part of something bigger.

Grow your business while giving back: Help raise much-needed funds for SickKids Foundation

This isn’t just another conference. This is a chance to grow your business with insights from top-tier speakers while helping Bruce Johnson cross the finish line on his incredible mission to raise $1,000,000 for SickKids, in memory of daughter, Alyssa Rae Johnson.

Why this matters 

Bruce’s story matters. He’s raised $900,000 so far, and now he’s battling stage 4 lung cancer. With your help, we’re pushing to get him to that $1 million mark. 100 per cent of ticket sales go directly to the SickKids Foundation through Bruce’s campaign.  

Every speaker. Every bonus. Every dollar. All for a great cause. This is your opportunity to grow AND give back. 

Together, we can make a difference — for your business, for Bruce, and for kids in need of lifesaving care at SickKids. 

Speaker lineup

Check out our top real estate & marketing expert speaker lineup and walk away with actionable strategies to boost your business. 

Andrew Perrie

Andrew Perrie is a luminary in the realm of real estate who stands as a beacon of charisma, leadership and inspiration. With over five years of unparalleled experience, he has not only established himself as a triumphant real estate team leader but has also ascended to the pinnacle of oratory prowess, captivating and motivating audiences on stages of all sizes.

From his early days, Andrew’s innate ability to forge connections and genuinely understand clients’ needs sowed the seeds of his flourishing career. This passion evolved into the creation of his own real estate team in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Muskoka, where his unwavering dedication to both clients’ triumphs and the team’s expansion earned him acclaim as a charismatic and results-driven leader.

Beyond his undeniable real estate acumen, Andrew’s exceptional gift for simplifying intricate concepts and inspiring through his podcast, “That Fine Life,” further solidifies his standing. His influence extends to the digital realm, where he has amassed a substantial and engaged following, emphasizing the importance of personal branding in today’s digital landscape. Andrew’s journey is marked not only by personal achievements but also by his fervent commitment to mentoring aspiring real estate professionals, making him a true luminary in the industry.

Justin Konikow

Justin Konikow is a visionary leader and co-owner of Prime Real Estate Brokerage and PRIME Media Productions, where he’s known for turning the industry on its head with innovative strategies and a fresh perspective. With decades of experience in the real estate market, Justin has become a national thought leader and sought-after speaker, guiding agents, developers and investors on mastering the art of market domination. His expertise spans luxury and waterfront properties, commercial investments and cutting-edge media production, making him a triple threat in the industry.

Justin owns one of the only firms that touch all aspects of real estate, a concept he calls “focused diversification.” His firm handles residential, commercial, investment, agricultural, land and recreational properties, cross-pollinating clients across these asset classes to offer a truly comprehensive service. His team operates like a Navy SEAL unit, assembling a tactical group of specialists, tailored to each client’s needs, all guided by the same core values, mission statement and decentralized command.

Beyond his role as a top real estate agent, Justin is a successful entrepreneur, content creator, and host of the Prime People Podcast, where he dives into the intersection of real estate, entrepreneurship and personal development. His work is a blend of sharp business acumen and creative storytelling, leveraging the latest in technology and social media to reach and engage a global audience.

Kelley Skar

Kelley is a second-generation realtor, Max/Recruit real estate coach and real estate trainer with a proven track record, as well as an international speaker.

He knew early on in life that he was going to be an educator. Kelley started in university with the goal of becoming a high school teacher; however, life took him in a different direction. His passion for learning and educating has never left and as a result, he’s a dedicated learner and a student of history, business and life. His passion lies in high-level discussion around business strategies and helping agents & brokers build a bigger, better, highly profitable real estate business.

He has been married to his beautiful wife for over 17 years and they have smart, athletic and articulate 15-year-old twins. They enjoy hiking through the Okanagan, spending time at the beach and on the lake as well as travelling the continent and hopefully at some point, the globe. He loves to play golf, work out in the gym, hang out with friends and take in Green Bay Packers football games — as a huge fan.

One of his favourite quotes comes by way of Jocko Willink: “Getting better isn’t about a hack or a trick or one change that you need to make. Getting better is a campaign. It’s daily, weekly, an hourly fight. Against weakness, temptation & laziness. It’s a campaign of discipline. A campaign of hard work and dedication. It’s about getting up early, going to bed late and grinding out every second in between!”

Jess Lenouvel

Jess Lenouvel is an author, speaker, media contributor and founder of The Listings Lab. A real estate marketing and business scaling vanguard, she made the decision to stop selling after 13 years in the business and help agents create scalable, sustainable businesses by creating relationships at scale. The Listings Lab was founded in 2018 and Jess and her team have shown over 20,000 agents how to build scalable, sustainable businesses for the digital era that don’t require a choice between lifestyle and financial freedom.

A sought-after media expert on real estate marketing, Jess and The Listings Lab method have been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, and she has spoken at the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Sales Convention for 55,000 agents.

When she isn’t helping agents grow their businesses across the company’s three programs, she’s probably snuggling up with a cat, eating peanut butter and watching a British crime drama.

Tony Joe

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Tony has been selling real estate since 1991 and has earned production awards including VREB Gold, Special Gold and President’s Awards as well as Re/Max Diamond, Circle of Legends and Western Canada Special Services Award (2009). Tony was president of the Victoria Real Estate Board in 2008 and of AREAA (the Asian Real Estate Association of America) Vancouver 2015-2019.

He’s an Instructor for the B.C. industry regulator (BC Financial Services Authority), a subject matter expert for the B.C. Real Estate Association and a certified coach for Richard Robbins International. Systems and processes allow Tony to run a hyper-productive yet small team while being massively active in his community, serving on several community boards and fundraising initiatives while balancing abundant family time and an exciting personal life. His radio show, The Whole Home Show, airs weekly on iheartradio.ca and its podcast can be found on iTunes and elsewhere.

The Leads are Sh*t

Taylor Hack

Taylor Hack is so dedicated to saving families from 3-star experiences in real estate that the team he leads, HACK&CO @ Re/Max River City, became the most-reviewed real estate team in Edmonton, Alberta on rankmyagent.com.

A passionate entrepreneur, Taylor is considered notable within the real estate industry for his creative business solutions and strategy. In less than three years, Taylor broke into the top 2 per cent of Re/Max Agents in the world and was asked to appear on stage throughout North America, featured as a Top-35-Under-35 in Real Estate Professional Magazine, and honoured as a finalist for Real Estate Innovator of the Year by Inman.

As a dedicated team leader, Taylor has helped HACK&Co teammates achieve rare experiences in real estate that are hallmarks of performance, such as making million-dollar listings and Top Teammate rankings and becoming strong providers for their families.

Andrew Fogliato

Andrew Fogliato has been in the real estate industry since you still had to physically print out six copies of an offer plus a clean one for the lawyer when the deal was done.

He’s worked as an agent, a trainer for one of the big brands, a proptech consultant, a marketer, a speaker and more.

Now he owns Just Sell Homes, a real estate marketing agency specializing in helping realtors grow their business, and RealEstateMagazine.ca, the premier news source for Canadian realtors.

Learn more or get your tickets for the Sept. 12th event.

On September 12th, real estate professionals from across the country will come together for a virtual conference unlike any other. It’s your chance to grow your business, learn from the industry’s best and support a cause that touches the hearts of many.

Bruce Johnson is on a mission. Over the years, Bruce has raised almost $900,000 for the SickKids Foundation, helping fund the world-class care and groundbreaking research that SickKids is known for. But now, Bruce is facing his toughest battle yet: stage 4 lung cancer. Despite this, his goal is clear — to reach $1 million for SickKids.

Why you should attend

Not only will you walk away with practical insights to drive your business forward, but 100 per cent of your ticket purchase goes directly toward Bruce’s incredible cause. This is your chance to learn, grow and give back in a meaningful way.

We’ve lined up top-tier speakers who will deliver actionable strategies for success in today’s real estate market. And as a bonus, everyone who attends will receive exclusive offers and resources to help take their business to the next level.

The virtual event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT on September 12th, giving you plenty of time to soak in the knowledge and connect with other like-minded professionals.

Here’s how you can make an even bigger impact

For those who want to do more, we’ve got something special. If you donate at least $500, you’ll get a private 1:1 session with one of our expert speakers. Whether it’s a consulting call or a training session for your team, this is an exclusive opportunity to get personalized advice that will take your business to new heights.

Why this cause matters

For Bruce, the journey to raise $1 million is personal. It’s a cause that hits close to home, and we’re all rallying behind him to help get there. Every dollar raised during this virtual conference will go directly to SickKids, ensuring that the hospital can continue its life-saving work.

Bruce has been a fixture in the real estate world for decades, and now is our chance to give back to someone who has given so much to our community.

How to register

Tickets are just $20, and it’s all going to an incredible cause. Visit Real Estate Magazine to grab your spot today. Together, we can help Bruce hit his $1 million goal and make a real difference for kids in need.

This September 12, be a part of something bigger. Get your ticket and join us for a day of learning, growth and giving back. Bruce’s mission is nearing its final chapter, and your support will help write a story of hope, resilience and generosity.

Sign up now and help us make history.

Bruce Johnson, realtor and salesperson with Wasaga Bay, Ontario’s Re/Max By The Bay Brokerage has been a strong supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and brought in hundreds of realtors worldwide to support their children’s hospitals.

A heartbreaking journey

As his career began in 1997, Johnson signed up to be a Miracle Agent for the Children’s Miracle Network, donating a portion of every home sale to his local children’s hospital. Shortly after, he and his wife, Mary, learned that they were expecting their firstborn child.

Alyssa Rae was born on November 17, 1998, and was immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at SickKids Hospital in Toronto with a rare condition known as omphalocele, where organs had grown outside of her body. Her condition was further exacerbated by an exposed heart and issues with her lungs and brain. After three weeks of fighting for her life, on Sunday, December 6, Alyssa passed away.

“We had her for 20 days, and that itself is a miracle. Without SickKids, that would not have happened,” shares Mary.

Mary and Johnson welcomed their second daughter, Holly, and youngest, Jocelyn. Both children also needed treatment from SickKids.

Turning grief into action: The birth of ‘Motorcycle for Miracles’

In 2013, a promise made during one of Holly’s eye surgeries at SickKids turned a planned father-daughter adventure into a fundraiser in memory of Alyssa known as “Motorcycle for Miracles.”

Fundraising began in Wasaga Beach and included the pair riding their motorcycle to Costa Rica to raise money for the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund at SickKids, supporting high-priority needs in medical research, education and patient care — from stubborn cancers and involved heart conditions to rare diseases and more.

Realtorscare.ca

Over the next six years, with the support of their whole family, Johnson and Holly took an additional two trips: Canada to Costa Rica was followed by Newfoundland to British Columbia and then the “Ends of the Earth” ride spanning the Americas — from the Northwest Territories to Argentina.

“These kids are the toughest human beings on earth. They really are. And they haven’t done anything to deserve to be in the hospitals,” says Johnson. “That’s the steel in our spines that kept us going through stuff that most people would stop for.”

60,000 kilometres for kids: Spreading hope across the Americas

Along their routes, Johnson and Holly met with local agents and brokerages at each stop, to speak with them about the impact of realtor-driven donations and raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network. They also encouraged realtors to start their own campaigns in support of local children’s hospitals.

In total, they rode 60,000 kilometres and raised $750,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network to support sick children everywhere.

In recognition of his worldwide impact, Johnson received a 2019 Good Neighbors Award from the National Association of Realtors in the United States (making him the only non-American recipient ever).

Following this, Johnson ventured on a final solo “Road to a Million” ride through Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022. He successfully raised $1 million for the Children’s Miracle Network — $865,000 of which went directly to the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund at SickKids in Toronto.

Continuing the fight: Johnson’s promise despite his own battle

This past spring, the Johnsons again received devastating medical news: Bruce had non-operable, stage four lung cancer and his doctors didn’t know how much longer he had. He’s currently receiving targeted treatment to prolong his life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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While many in his position might slow down and take a step back from work and other commitments, Johnson has tirelessly continued to raise money and awareness of children dealing with severe health issues, despite his own prognosis.

“If I could, I think that I’d like to tell Alyssa about how awesome our Dad is,” says Holly. “I think that he deserves to know that she would be really proud of him and everything that he’s given for her memory.”

The final push to $1 million for Alyssa Rae

Johnson’s final goal is to see the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund reach $1 million.

Realtorscare.ca

“We are so fragile, and these places put us back together, put these kids back together, are magically trying to put me back together,” he shares. “Even if the drugs are failing me, those will be my last days because that’s something that I really think is meaningful to leave that legacy behind. For Alyssa. I promised her, I can’t and won’t forget her.”

Learn more and support Johnson and his cause here.

Photo: Realtorscare.ca

This year, Camp Choice BC brought together a group of realtors who volunteered their time and energy to make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth. In six days, they immersed themselves in the camp experience, leading a series of empowering activities designed to build confidence, leadership and resilience among the participants.

A week of growth and adventure

The camp offered a wide range of activities that were both challenging and rewarding for the youth, including archery and horseback riding. Under the guidance of their realtor mentors, the youth learned to overcome initial fears and embrace the excitement of these activities.

One of the most transformative experiences of the camp was the high ropes course. This physically demanding challenge required the youth to confront their fears head-on, with the realtors offering support, encouragement and guidance throughout the journey.

Breaking through barriers

Another powerful activity was the board-breaking exercise, where youth were encouraged to write down things that were holding them back, whether it was fear, self-doubt or negative influences. With the support of their peers and mentors, they then physically broke through the boards, symbolizing their commitment to overcoming these barriers in their lives.

Tackling tough topics

The camp also provided important educational sessions on critical issues such as drug and alcohol use and self-harm. These sessions were designed to equip the youth with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and understand the consequences of harmful behaviors. Realtors led discussions, offering a safe space for the youth to ask questions, share their experiences and seek support.

Building leaders for the future

The camp also featured classroom sessions focused on leadership development. Led by the realtors, these sessions emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Through interactive exercises and discussions, the youth explored what it means to be a leader and how they can apply these lessons in their communities.

As well, realtors shared their own experiences, offering insights into how the skills learned at camp could translate into real-world success.

A commitment to community

Facilitators John Patricelli, Phil Moore, Xyrina Gutierrez, Celia Chiu & Chelsea Wiseman

Phil Moore, the camp’s vice chair and mentor, notes that realtors’ involvement in Camp Choice BC is a testament to their deep commitment to giving back to the community. “By taking time out of their demanding careers to mentor and guide these young people, they are making a profound difference in their lives,” he highlights.

“The impact of their work extends far beyond the camp itself, as the lessons learned and the confidence gained will continue to influence these youth for years to come. The camp continues to be a place where young people can discover their potential, build lasting friendships and develop the skills they need to succeed.”

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Trevor Koot, the mind behind the Business is Fcking Hard podcast, to delve into the insights and experiences that shaped his journey. In our candid Q&A session, Koot shared the inspiration, challenges and personal stories that have driven the creation of his impactful podcast.

This conversation has excellent value for real estate agents and broker-owners, as we’re all entrepreneurs. And it’s hard.

The inspiration

When asked about the inspiration behind the Business is Fcking Hard podcast, Koot emphasizes the need for vulnerability among business owners. He recalls a pivotal moment in 2008 when, during a speech at the Provincial Chamber of Commerce in Saskatchewan (he had been nominated for an entrepreneurship award), he candidly declared, “Business is f*cking hard,” which was met with resounding applause.

This reaction underscored the shared struggles of entrepreneurs and the necessity for open conversations about the realities of running a business. His TED Talk further fueled the podcast idea, aiming to connect with business owners who often feel isolated in their challenges.

Relevance to realtors

The insights and experiences shared on the Business is Fcking Hard podcast are particularly relevant to real estate agents. Like other entrepreneurs, agents face the daily challenges of managing their own businesses — from financial stability and staffing decisions to maintaining morale and navigating the ever-changing market.

The podcast’s emphasis on vulnerability, shared struggles and practical lessons can provide valuable guidance and reassurance to real estate agents as they navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

A defining experience

Koot recounts a particularly tough day in his entrepreneurial journey when he had to lay off seven employees to save his company. This experience of grappling with unsustainable growth fueled by the belief that Silicon Valley popularized — “growth for growth’s sake” equals success — deeply impacted him.

Koot’s raw, honest and actionable blog posts have also chronicled the struggles of navigating the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship, from facing financial instability to managing staff expectations and morale. Before the podcast, Koot wrote articles sharing these stories, setting the stage for the more expansive and personal format of podcasting.

Debunking misconceptions

Koot’s podcast delves into the difficult aspects of entrepreneurship, confronting common misconceptions.

Many people mistakenly believe that the entrepreneurial journey is easier for others while their own struggles are unique. By sharing raw and real stories, Koot aims to dispel this myth and foster a sense of solidarity among business owners.

A surprising theme underpinning success: Purpose before profits

One of the most impactful — and unexpected — themes Koot has identified after interviewing entrepreneurs is “purpose before profits.” This notion suggests that true entrepreneurs are driven by a deeper mission beyond mere financial gain.

For instance, Koot interviewed a health supplement company owner who prioritizes creating a healthier community over simply boosting sales figures. This purpose has worked to motivate him over all sorts of struggles. Another interviewee, a woman who founded a workwear company, started her business with the goal of making women feel comfortable and confident in their appearance and clothing — far beyond just turning a profit. Yet, she makes one. 

Research supports this concept of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Studies have shown that businesses with a strong sense of purpose tend to outperform those solely focused on profits. For example, a study published in the Harvard Business Review found that companies with a clearly articulated purpose were more likely to achieve consistent revenue growth. Additionally, Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report highlighted that purpose-driven companies often have stronger employee engagement, which in turn drives better business outcomes.

Koot’s exploration of this theme on his podcast serves as a powerful reminder to all entrepreneurs, including real estate agents, that a clear purpose can lead to more meaningful and sustainable success. By focusing on the broader impact of their work, real estate professionals can create lasting relationships with clients and contribute to the communities they serve.

The podcast’s influence on Koot

Hosting the podcast has profoundly influenced Koot’s approach to business and entrepreneurship.

Initially intended as a side project, the podcast has inspired Koot and motivated him to share what he’s learning more broadly. Despite selling his last companies in 2021 and becoming CEO of the British Columbia Real Estate Association in 2022, Koot remains connected to the entrepreneurial spirit.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Avoid the superficial success lure. When offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Koot stresses the importance of avoiding the lure of superficial success. The entrepreneurial journey is often glamourized, especially in industries like real estate where success can sometimes appear effortless from the outside. However, true success requires dedication, hard work and a deep commitment to the craft of business. 

For real estate agents, this advice is particularly relevant as we’re bombarded with Million Dollar Listing and endless Instagram photos of real estate agents driving fancy cars or drinking expensive champagne. The allure of quick commissions and the perception of flexibility can overshadow the reality of what it takes to build a successful real estate business.

Koot advises agents to approach their work with the mindset of a business owner rather than just a salesperson. This means investing time in understanding the market, developing a solid business plan and continuously refining their skills.

Improve financial literacy. Moreover, Koot emphasizes the importance of financial literacy: “Financial literacy is crucial for real estate agents to thrive in their careers and maintain long-term success. Many agents overlook the importance of understanding their cash flow, tracking expenses and setting aside money for taxes and other obligations,” he notes.

Koot’s own admitted oversight on understanding his company’s cash flow is what led him to a variety of financial stresses. His podcast guests attribute part of their success to mastering financial basics, and he encourages agents to take note so they too can avoid common pitfalls like overspending during high-income periods or being caught off guard by tax bills.

The real estate market is constantly evolving, and agents must be prepared to navigate changes, whether they be economic downturns, shifts in consumer behavior or technological advancements.

By sharing raw stories of struggle and triumph, practical advice and insights on purpose-driven success, Koot offers a virtual support system for agents navigating the complexities of running their own businesses. In an industry where challenges can feel isolating, this podcast reminds you that you’re not alone.

On September 12, 2024, the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation (ORCF) is holding its 17th Motorcycle Ride for Charity.

With a mission to enable and empower realtors across Ontario to fundraise in support of shelter-related causes in the communities in which they live and work, ORCF funds registered charities that improve the quality of Ontarians’ lives by providing refuge, a haven or another type of protection from the effects of hunger, the elements, abuse, disabilities and illness.

The event

Participants will choose to ride one of two routes this September. At the end, they’ll meet to end their day together in Peterborough over dinner.

While the full itinerary is still coming, the Eastern and Western routes are:

• Ottawa — Smiths Falls — Kingston — Peterborough
• Kitchener — Barrie — Peterborough 

Previous years help but need still great

In 2023, ORCF granted out over $1.8 million dollars in funds to over 170 organizations to support individuals who need it the most. This included the Motorcycle Ride for Charity’s best year ever, when it raised approximately $49,000.

And the need is great. In Ontario:

• 45 per cent of tenant households spend 30 per cent or more of their total income on shelter — the highest rate in Canada.
• Food bank use has increased 42 per cent over the past three years and a third of those visitors are using this service for the first time.

Source: Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Goal for 2024

This year, ORCF has set an ambitious goal to raise $52,000, which it will use to support shelter-related causes in Ontario.

“In 2023, the Foundation made a major impact on shelter and food insecurity in Ontario by donating $1.8 million to over 170 charitable organizations. But the need is great, and we can do more,” Shannon Ketelaars, ORCF’s executive director, explains.

She notes that skyrocketing housing costs and food inflation are causing more households to choose between feeding their families or putting a roof over their heads. “Now more than ever, it’s important that our community stays connected and comes together to build awareness, raise much-needed funds and discuss the positive impact that realtors and our industry can make through the work of the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation,” expresses Ketelaars.

Get more information, register to ride or pledge a rider here.

Image: Ontario Realtors Care Foundation

In recent years, the concept of “home” has taken on new meaning as a hub to live, recharge, work and play. That’s why residential communities have become even more appealing. They provide residents with convenient services and shared amenities that enhance community spirit and bring this modern concept of “home” to life.

However, managing such communities is an increasingly complex task, and this is where our industry has had to evolve to better serve our customers. 

More than just rule enforcers

Council/board members in residential communities play a crucial role in making essential long-term decisions to enhance property values and support resident well-being. Yet, as volunteers, they often lack the time and expertise required to handle the many aspects of community management.

That’s why today’s property management companies are more than just rule enforcers. The best of them build teams with diverse skills ranging from hospitality to technology, insurance, financial, operations, sustainability, training and development — not to mention expertise in complying with rapidly evolving regulations, at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. 

Professional insurance advice

For example, property insurance availability and premiums are important factors impacting condominium corporations and stratas. More than ever, council/board members need expert advice to secure the coverage they need.

Property management companies can play a crucial role by offering a team of insurance professionals to consult council/board members, even in evolving and volatile markets. These teams work with the goal of securing improved coverage to help corporations achieve savings in premiums, bringing peace of mind to councils/boards and residents in a shifting insurance environment. 

EV charging

Another example is EV (electric vehicle) charging, which is becoming an expectation and an essential utility. Communities are looking for guidance and support to update their electrical and parking infrastructure, so they provide that amenity in a sustainable, easy-to-manage and cost-effective manner.

Property management companies need to be equipped with the resources, relationships and expertise to deliver custom solutions for each community. 

Expert guidance to drive energy savings & comply with new regulations

When it comes to sustainability in general, properties need expert guidance to drive energy savings and to comply with new regulations. This requires market-level experience to leverage local incentives and secure funding for extensive capital projects.

For example, a 500-unit condominium community in Toronto recently implemented an extensive energy-saving capital project. Their property management team identified a Save on Energy incentive program called BizEnergySaver, which offers substantial incentives for installing LED and lighting control upgrades, parking garage exhaust fan controls and variable frequency drives. After applying for the program, the community secured $35,000 in incentives, so the capital cost was dramatically reduced from $51,000 per year to $17,000. 

Technology: An essential tool to the business

While our business is about relationships, technology is also an essential tool that can save time and improve the resident experience. Each community has unique needs and requires custom technology solutions to operate seamlessly — from security to package management and reserving amenities to managing billing.

In Vancouver, for example, communities are simplifying operations with technology designed to reduce emails and provide owners and residents with quick answers to general inquiries on accounts and payments, maintenance, document requests, strata lot renovation requests and more. This tool immediately reduces the time managers spend on recurring questions so they can focus their time engaging with strata councils/boards and residents, providing thoughtful service and support. 

Education investment: Key to setting up the new generation for success

As I think about the future, I’m excited to see a new wave of homeowners taking on leadership roles in their corporations. In markets such as Vancouver, more first-time homebuyers are moving into high-rises and joining their strata councils/boards.

To set this new generation of strata council/board members up for success, property management companies must invest in council/board education programs to develop their skills. That includes dedicated webinars, training and continuing education to help both new and seasoned council/board members learn and navigate change.

Good property managers, including those working with developers, need a varied team of experts

These examples support my view that a good property manager always has a team of experts in different fields to offer comprehensive solutions. That means providing council/board members with resources to make decisions that put residents and owners’ interests first.

This also applies to property management companies working with developers. Each developer has a unique vision for their community and the resident experience. The property management company can set the developer and residents up for success from the initial planning stages to the eventual transition to the condominium council/board.

As the industry evolves, property management needs to be about simplification. By providing expertise, anticipating needs and offering innovative solutions, our industry needs to make life easier for council/board members, developers, residents and property management teams alike. 

It’s clear that professional property management will continue to play a vital role in creating thriving, harmonious communities that residents are proud to call home, however they choose to define it.

For Brenda Knights, CEO of BC Indigenous Housing Society, the recent announcement from the City of Vancouver about a land transfer agreement at 990 Beatty Street was a long time coming.

“It was really hard to keep to ourselves because we’ve known about it for a while,” she now enthusiastically shares with us.

The agreement will facilitate the creation of over 670 affordable rental homes across three sites.

Project is about housing ‘in proximity to culture and community services access’

Knights is a member of Kwantlen First Nation. The ancestors of its members were guided by their seven traditional laws: health, happiness, generations, generosity, humbleness, forgiveness and understanding.

In a similar fashion, Knights believes in four areas which Indigenous people need support for healthy communities. “There needs to be good governance, access to community services, access to culture and some form of an economy,” she says.

To Knights, the delivery of affordable rental homes through this new project goes beyond just housing, as it touches on some of these areas: “The housing announcement is much more than just providing housing for Indigenous people,” she explains. “It’s having housing in proximity to access to culture, having housing in proximity to access to community services.”

Keeping families together: A key priority

Kelly Lin, partner at Terra Social Purpose Real Estate, has also been involved in this project through work with Brightside Community Homes Foundation. While she has worked in the real estate development sector for almost two decades, she’s the first to acknowledge that she still has a lot to learn. Lin firmly believes that all Indigenous projects should have a subject matter expert involved. 

“As a non-Indigenous person, I don’t know what’s best for the community,” she explains.

The 990 Beatty Street project will also bring a new child-care facility and firehall to the community. Keeping families together was a key priority for Knights in helping develop the residential unit mix.

“The first thing we want to try is to get in as many larger units because we look at our waitlist and we’re needing more family units. Unfortunately, the economics of the site, sometimes with land costs, don’t always work out that way,” Knights explains.

Creating spaces to share culture, gather, set up for success

Knights says the next way to keep families together is to work with them on applications. “So, we could have an elderly couple staying in a one-bedroom and then have a family in a two- or three-bedroom. They’re in the same building, at least, so that they can support one another.”

Childcare programs such as Head Start also serve as safe spaces; community hubs for Elders to pass on culture and stories to the next generation. The benefits can carry over well beyond the sandbox, in Knights’ opinion. This is reinforced by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s 2022 research that shows highly positive feedback and evaluation findings from participants in the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities Program.

“We’ve seen success in my own community, where we have more people going into post-secondary than we’ve ever seen, so we want to bring some of those things to the urban environment for our tenants, and help them be set up for success. I think it starts with their youth having a safe place where they can come and gather, where Elders can come and they can share their culture.”

The Indigenous perspective in their own communities ‘hasn’t always taken first precedence’

These differences in culture are apparent even at the earliest stages of the development process itself, according to Lin’s years of experience as a development manager. When working on projects that involve Indigenous communities, she’s found that their perspective hasn’t always taken first precedence.

“How we typically work with development is thinking through a non-Indigenous lens,” says Lin, “But Indigenous people have very different processes; there are multiple levels of detail. We need to build the capacity for Indigenous people, build their confidence and capacity in the development industry.”

How the industry can do better and truly help

Education is the first path she recommends for anyone in the real estate development sector looking to work more closely with Indigenous communities.

“I get more and more people chatting with me about the question, “How can I really help?” … The very first thing one can do is try to educate yourself and open your mind,” Lin advises.

Indigenous-led developments seem poised to continue making a major impact in shaping the future of Metro Vancouver. But Knights knows there’s still a long way to go.

“My Nation name, Kwantlen, translates to “Tireless Runner,” says Knights. “I’ve been taught intergenerationally that when there’s a job to do, the job’s never done. So we’re just going to continue to try and get as much housing until we no longer have waitlists.”

Photo credit: Vancouver.ca

May 16 was Moose Hide Campaign day and to date, over 5 million pins have been gifted that are creating conversations about gender-based violence. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation donated $5,000 to the campaign to help fund moose hide pin production and distribution, and workshops for take K-12 students and teachers.

The Moose Hide Campaign started in British Columbia through an Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has grown nationwide with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations committed to taking action.

Moose hide is associated with gentleness, warmth, comfort, hope and love and has been used for ceremonial purposes and clothing for generations. In the campaign, moose hide honours this relationship, maintaining traditional protocols and teachings of Indigenous Elders.

Pinning the square of moose hide or animal-free fabric on your lapel shows a commitment to honouring, respecting and protecting women and children and working to end violence against them.

Photo source: royallepageleadingedge.ca

Applications for the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) Realtor Community Foundation’s Community and Transformation grants, which support local housing and shelter initiatives, are open until June 28.

$150,000 in Community and Transformation grants to support community housing

Community grants fund major repairs or renovations to existing community housing or shelter supply. This year, $105,000 in total Community grants will be awarded.

Transformation grants fund minor renovations to existing infrastructure that will improve housing quality. This year, $45,000 in total Transformation grants will be awarded.

“Everyone deserves the safety and security of a home,” says Catherine Chow, chair of CREB Realtor Community Foundation. “Through our Community and Transformation grants, realtors are committed to supporting Calgarians by keeping them housed and improving housing quality through renovation and repair.

All eligible organizations are strongly encouraged to apply for these grants for extra support on their projects. We look forward to learning more about all the amazing, hard work being done in the community.”

$350,000 in Legacy grant funding to RMHC this year

The Foundation will also award $350,000 in Legacy grant funding to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) this year, making it the third installment of a three-year $1 million funding agreement to support an expansion project that will more than double the number of families RMHC can support.

“The positive impact we’re making year after year is just amazing,” says Jason Yule, CREB’s director of communications and governance.

“CREB realtors are deeply invested in making a difference in the area of housing and shelter, which is why this year we’re offering $500,000 in grant funding to support local non-profit organizations to create new housing options and sustain the quality of existing housing for those who need it most.”