The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) board of directors recently announced that Dale Marsh will serve as its chair in 2025.

Marsh moved to London in 1994 and trained as a survey technician. He holds an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation and became a Realtor in 2006. Marsh served on the LSTAR board of directors in 2013, 2014 and 2018.

“2025 is an exciting time for our industry. There is lots of attention on the market and housing supply both locally and across the country,” Marsh said in a press release.

“It’s important that we as an industry continue to engage with all levels of government and community stakeholders to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

 

LSTAR’s 2025 board of directors

 

Marsh said he looks forward to working with LSTAR’s “fantastic board of directors” to better serve its members, advocate for improved housing attainability and build stronger communities.

Joining Marsh on the 2025 LSTAR board of directors are Past-Chair Kathy Amess, Chair-Elect Robin Tiller, Commercial Director Lisa Lansink and Directors Lindsay Reid, Neda Beaulac, Michelle Orsini, Andy Sheridan, Blair Campbell and Dan Grantham.

 

“I am honoured to lead LSTAR in 2025 and am committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community and the real estate industry,” Marsh added.

 

Editor’s note: REM reached out to MREB for more information on the SGM and outcome. We’ll update this article as we hear back and learn more.

 

On January 31 this year, Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB) members voted to amalgamate with the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), the Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR) and the Simcoe & District Real Estate Board (SDREB) to become Cornerstone Association of Realtors on July 1, 2024.

However, due to large concerns, last month, some MREB members, with the support of several past presidents of MREB, requested the board call a members-only special general meeting (SGM) to rescind the vote to amalgamate.

The request was granted, and a meeting was held on June 26.

 

‘Consensus was unanimous … It’s all about MLS data and access. That’s what we need as working realtors’

 

“An overwhelming majority of the membership was in the room, and the membership’s consensus was unanimous,” Tehreem Kamal, broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage, reports about rescinding the vote to amalgamate.

Kamal notes there were more members present than at the earlier SGM in January, where the amalgamation was voted in favour. “However,” she points out, “As cited before, the landscape was different and things have changed rapidly.”

Kamal also highlights that a key factor swaying the vote transpired over the past two weeks: “The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) decided they would be leaving ITSO (Information Technology Systems Ontario) once their contract comes to an end, and joining Cornerstone wouldn’t be an option.

Basically, it’s all about MLS data and access to data, because that’s what we need as working realtors.”

 

OMDREB’s decision

 

Initially, the proposed amalgamation had MREB and other Ontario boards being part of one board and one MLS system: ITSO’s Matrix. MREB, OMDREB, London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR), Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) and WRAR all use this system.

Kamal explains that OMDREB’s decision plays a key role as there’s a lot of business crossover from Mississauga to Oakville and vice versa, and that Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) statistics support this.

About the upcoming change for OMDREB, Anthony Danko, OMDREB president, says:

“Realtors can see for themselves how fast things are changing in organized real estate. Local boards are amalgamating, how we access and receive our MLS data is changing and, perhaps most importantly, the push for province-wide data is becoming stronger than ever.

OMDREB’s goal has always been to ensure our members have access to the most comprehensive data set possible, culminating in one province-wide MLS. Additionally, reviewing and considering your options when contracts approach renewal is good business practice. Knowing that the ITSO contract was approaching renewal, OMDREB’s board of directors did its due diligence by exploring all avenues to provide our members with the best data set possible.

Based on our extensive consultations and the feedback we received from members, along with the fact that it holds nearly all of the data within our jurisdiction, OMDREB decided to move forward with using PropTx as our MLS services provider, which will happen later this year.”

 

The MREB membership directed its board of directors to immediately stop the process, terminate the amalgamation and, if there’s any need, seek an injunction.

 

Editor’s note:

On June 5, 2024, at the SGM, BRREA’s membership installed a new board of directors. Learn more here.

On May 14, 2024, LSTAR shared the following statement from Kathy Amess, LSTAR 2024 chair:

“LSTAR thanks everyone who joined us for the May 13 Special Meeting. Nearly 700 members attended, with another 244 members voting via proxy. It was the largest attendance recorded at an LSTAR event, with 937 voting delegates, and it was a very productive and respectful meeting.

During a question-and-answer open forum, the delegation received responses to 40 questions that had been submitted by members, with additional questions and comments shared throughout the forum. With respect to the proposed motions, the board of directors was pleased by the overwhelming vote of confidence, with 83 per cent voicing their opposition to removing the board. In addition, the proposed motion requesting the resignation of LSTAR CEO Bill Madder never even made it to the floor, because no one came forward to make the motion.

The LSTAR Board of Directors has a clear path forward and we look forward to continued engagement with the membership, to deliver what our members need and expect from us, to lead LSTAR into the future.”

 

Special general meetings (SGMs) are being held in the near future by the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors as well as the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association to discuss how decisions are being made in those organizations.

The LSTAR meeting is scheduled for today, May 13, while the BRREA meeting is on June 5. 

“A Special Meeting of London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) members has been called. LSTAR respects that this is a members’ only meeting, so details are reserved for the members of our association. We look forward to what we anticipate to be a well-attended, interactive meeting with our members,” says Kathy Amess, 2024 LSTAR chair, in a statement.

 

LSTAR meeting motions for consideration

 

In a document obtained by REM, the Notice of Meeting cites several motions to be considered, including that:

• All changes to MLS or LSTAR services/MLS or LSTAR providers/MLS systems be communicated to the membership and brokerages in an item-specific email and news alert outlining the benefits and disadvantages at least 30 days prior to any contracts signed, changes implemented or contracts terminated
• LSTAR revoke the notice of termination from the Information Technology Systems of Ontario (ITSO) (and) immediately take the required action to extend the service from ITSO to December 31, 2024
• The board strike a task force to review all the currently available MLS platforms in Ontario and the decision to move to the PropTx MLS System
• The board undertake a full governance review by a qualified independent third-party
• The board be immediately removed and an election of directors be held immediately with nominations of potential directors from the floor at this meeting
• Bill Madder CEO of LSTAR be requested to resign from his position with LSTAR

Last fall, LSTAR announced it was joining the PropTx MLS service along with other real estate boards, including the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.

 

‘Ontario-wide MLS listing system is the way to go, but not by one board saying ‘our way or no way’’

 

Jim McCarvell, an associate broker with Re/Max Centre City Realty Inc. in London, has been a member of LSTAR since 1982. He says two main issues have raised concerns with fellow realtors.

“This is the second time, probably within 12 months, that the administration of LSTAR is trying to jam something down the throats of the members without any input and without any regard,” he explains. “The first one was an insurance program (the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program). Our board just says it’s going to cost you $500 a year and too bad, so sad. There was a big chunk of people that said, ‘My wife works as well and she’s got a good plan so we’re going to stay with that.’ They basically told you, ‘Who cares? It’s going to cost you if you like it or not.’”

The second issue McCarvell points out is about amalgamating with the Toronto system: “They had four people out of 1,500 test the system on a very time-limited basis and they got back all kinds of feedback. They already had one meeting and it was sort of forced on them.

The microphones were just lined up. People were clapping for the resistance. Booing. They brought in a lawyer. They brought in an official MC and this sort of stuff. They knew it was backfiring on them — that there were just too many people ready to stand up and say ‘enough is enough.’”

McCarvell says an Ontario-wide MLS listing system is the way to go, but “not by one board jamming it down everybody’s throat saying, ‘It’s our way or no way.’”

 

BRREA meeting called to remove and install new board of directors

 

Ryan Campbell, real estate broker with The Crew Real Estate at Real Broker Ontario Ltd., in Paris, Ontario, says the BRREA meeting was called to remove the current board of directors and install a new board due to the current board’s handling of its MLS provider agreement. A two-thirds vote of those members in attendance plus proxy votes is needed to remove the board. 

“BRREA’s current contract with ITSO is expiring in August and rather than sign another contract, the current board decided that we should use PropTx, the current provider for TRREB. This would leave us without a data-sharing agreement with the boards that surround Brantford where our agents do a good deal of business as well, (like) Waterloo, Hamilton, Burlington and Simcoe,” he says.

Campbell explains that the surrounding boards decided to amalgamate into the Cornerstone Association of Realtors (CAR). “I hosted the presidents of these boards at my office for an information session for interested agents last month. They informed us that they have a data-sharing agreement with the ITSO boards but not with PropTx at this point.”

He says the primary issue for the agents that called for the SGM is data and the idea of needing a dual membership to access the boards surrounding them. “We are a one-member, one-vote board and the question was asked if the board needs the membership’s vote to change MLS providers. The answers given were unclear about whether this was required.” This is what led a group of members to call for the SGM and bring the issue to the membership.

“Since this issue has arisen, three members of the board have resigned and new members were appointed by current board members. A commitment was made to take another look at the PropTx agreement (it’s a 10-year commitment and some members were uneasy about the length) and a task force was to be formed regarding amalgamating with CAR.”

 

Response from BRREA

 

In an emailed statement, David DeDominicis, president of BRREA, says special meetings of the membership are available as an option to members who have an item they would like to see debated or an action they would like to see taken.

“In this instance, a minority of members have raised concerns with ongoing discussions between the board of BRREA and the board of PropTx. It is factual and well-known that the board is engaged in contract negotiations to transition to this platform; however, at this time, no contract has been signed with PropTx and BRREA continues to be in the process of negotiating the best deal for our members,” he says.

The statement goes on to say: “BRREA recognizes the MLS landscape in Ontario is changing and it is the board’s responsibility to ensure our members are best served by the platforms and services we use. After a lengthy review of the MLS platforms surrounding our regional jurisdiction, it was determined that PropTx, under the correct terms, is the best option for our members.

The volunteer board members of BRREA are informed in their evaluation not only by their expertise as local realtor members but also through the continuous conversations they have with the membership of our organization. The board’s highest priority is always finding the best value for our members and ensuring every decision made has the best interest in mind for the membership.”

 

Editor’s note:

On June 14, 2024, REM received the following information from Tehreem Kamal: “More than 10 per cent of MREB’s members have signed a petition for an SGM to be called to rescind the vote to amalgamate with WRAR, RAHB and SDREB. MREB is holding the SGM for its members on June 26.”

 

Over the past several months, members of the Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB) have been expecting to amalgamate with several other Ontario boards on July 1, as the new Cornerstone Association of Realtors (Cornerstone).

What they likely weren’t expecting are some major concerns that have come up since January’s membership vote.

 

Background

 

In October 2023, the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), the Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR), the Simcoe & District Real Estate Board (SDREB) and MREB announced that SDREB and MREB signed a letter of intent to join the amalgamation of the four organizations.

On January 31 of this year, MREB members voted to amalgamate with RAHB, WRAR and SDREB to become Cornerstone Association of Realtors on July 1, 2024.

Tehreem Kamal, broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage, sat down with REM to explain the issues concerning many members and past presidents of MREB — with less than a month to go before the change takes place.

Kamal, a past president herself, has not served MREB or its committees (or any other board) since her term finished in 2019. She was alerted to the concerns in May at an event hosted by MREB, where conversation ensued about the landscape rapidly changing and what MREB is doing.

“I inquired further to find out the facts, what has changed, why there are concerns and who has them,” she explains. “A few questions were asked of the board of directors and president, and a meeting of past presidents was called on May 8 where (they) answered questions.” This included an inquiry about where the strategic plan could be found. Kamal says the group was told MREB is working under status quo and to “trust the process.”

 

Original vision for amalgamating

 

Initially, the two immediate past presidents of MREB were tasked to engage in conversations on behalf of MREB about an amalgamation, as per their leadership positions. They provided their consent for amalgamation, along with and based on the unanimous consent of MREB.

“All sides came together and started working on a plan and feasibility, and there was a lot of work done from all ends. MREB has spent a lot of money and staff resources,” Kamal notes.

The original vision of the proposed amalgamation was for MREB and other Ontario boards to be part of one board and one MLS system: Information Technology Systems Ontario (ITSO)’s Matrix. MREB, Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB), London and St.Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR), Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) and WRAR all use this system.

Boards from Mississauga to London, Niagara and others in between were to become part of one amalgamated organization with better representation and collaboration among member boards. Members could access all they need to serve clients while not paying too many fees for it.

“The main thing is a member on the street is tired of paying too much for too many boards,” Kamal explains. “Agents are always struggling with the fact that to access one system or one MLS or a particular property, they must pay multiple fees throughout Ontario. With Matrix, a lot of boards were being served from one MLS system. It was very convenient and facilitating — agents can just go into that system and pull up the archives to serve their client better, to get all the information on hand.”

 

MLS system decision extension

 

The initial term of ITSO’s MLS services agreement was three years and ends on December 31, 2024. Any association/board that does not wish to renew the term is required to give ITSO six months’ notice, which would have made the deadline July 1, 2024.

However, ITSO confirmed that many of its member groups expressed a desire for more time to decide to continue with the services or switch to a different provider.

For this reason, in February, ITSO’s board of directors notified all its members that they would extend the deadline for giving notice of non-renewal until September 30, 2024.

Tom Lebour, broker at Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage, and past president of MREB and the Toronto Real Estate Board (now the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board), says this extension is a result of the changes taking place. “While MREB was given the amalgamation mandate four months ago by membership, since then the MLS landscape has changed quickly and several boards have switched systems.”

He believes that since ITSO has delayed the deadline for its MLS agreement renewal until September 30 — giving three additional months at status quo — this gives boards at least that much time to reassess, take a better look and decide later.

 

Missing pieces and a changed vision

 

While Kamal feels the vision was well intended and done in good faith, some key pieces seem to be missing. Early on, MREB’s two immediate past presidents sent concerns in a letter and email to MREB, asking things like what the organizational chart would look like, who would be CEO, what would happen to MREB’s membership money and if MREB was vetting all their contracts with a lawyer.

As a MREB member, Kamal has requested the board provide her with summaries or minutes of the meetings from October to date, so she can review them to see what’s changed and how.

The boards that were originally going to amalgamate have changed course, too. Since the start, she says that LSTAR and NAR joined another service provider. OMDREB is also possibly leaving Matrix for another system with 80,000 members in Ontario. “There’s power in numbers,” she notes. “If the strength of membership is with one MLS provider to the tune of 80,000 members, where we’d see most GTA listings, then how does it make sense to create a silo of possibly 8,000 members?”

Although this changing landscape alters the original vision, Kamal acknowledges these decisions were surely made with members’ best interests in mind. She knows the boards are autonomous non-profit organizations serving their membership, and she’s confident they’re listening to their membership and what’s best for them.

Nonetheless, with the original amalgamation plan being multiple boards and a few having since changed their MLS system plans, Cornerstone now comes down to four: MREB, RAHB, WRAR and SDREB.

 

Key concerns

 

Kamal and others wonder if MREB is truly listening to what’s going on in the industry as a whole and to what will be most beneficial for membership since the landscape and technology are changing so rapidly. There are a few key concerns about amalgamating.

For one, the original vision is fragmented because the new group of amalgamated boards is smaller and won’t have the same power and benefits as intended. Plus, some MREB members feel they will end up paying for multiple boards all over again instead of one where everyone would be under the same umbrella.  

“I have personally listed and sold properties in London, and so have colleagues in my office — we go all over the GTA, wherever the client takes us,” Kamal explains.

“Likewise, many in my office work and live in Niagara, and they work here (in Mississauga), Oakville and Milton, too. For them, it’s going to be the same problem. The solution that was created, unfortunately, is not relevant or realistic anymore.” Kamal stresses that this is why information and access to data and archives are extremely important.

She says another main concern is the premise being presented to Mississauga’s membership that with the amalgamation there will be a stronger voice in the industry at large, with the provincial and national assemblies.

“It’s actually the opposite. On their own right now, the boards left in the proposed amalgamation total (a certain number of) votes in the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) assembly. When they come together, the formula that allocates votes kicks in differently and cuts down the votes. How are we a stronger voice if we don’t have the same vote count? This was my question at that (May) president’s meeting with the board.”

The way it works with OREA is a member board’s vote allocation is calculated by a formula set out in the OREA bylaw and is based on the number of individual members of the member board.  A newly amalgamated member board’s vote allocation would be based on the total number of individual members of the newly amalgamated member board and calculated according to that formula.

As well, Kamal and others are wondering what happens to MREB’s money once July 1 comes. “More than $2 million of membership money will be folded over to (Cornerstone). How will accessing it be handled if we need to get something done in Mississauga in the coming months to, let’s say, do any advocacy work?”

Lebour echoes this sentiment and is concerned the funds will be much harder to access once they’re within the new organization. “The $2.5 million that will be thrown into the (Cornerstone) pot wasn’t hidden, but it wasn’t pointed out,” he notes.

These concerns were raised repeatedly and Kamal says there’s been no clear answer, “Which means that things are not clear. So why the rush to get into this amalgamation? All over the world, whether it’s real estate or a multinational company, organizations come together. However, they do years and years of feasibility reports, studies and what-if scenarios.

All of this is happening, to my knowledge, from October 2023. Within a span of less than 12 months, how can we fold an organization that has sustained itself for 70 years?”

 

Advocacy and MREB’s role

 

Right now, there’s a mayoral by-election in Mississauga. Kamal explains that during these times, MREB has historically reached out to city council and been engaged in government relations and advocacy efforts. But right now, she says MREB is nowhere to be seen.

“This is one of the most important key events in Mississauga. Everybody’s talking about housing and MREB is the pillar, the stakeholder that represents people directly connected with housing — yet, they’re hugely absent in this, which is a huge red flag.”

Lebour points out that in 2021, a rumour surfaced about implementing a land transfer tax and MREB worked with OREA to stop it. “It never materialized,” he recalls. “Now, I’m not sure Cornerstone will be effective at devoting time to local issues, which is very important.”

Wondering why MREB’s focus has shifted, Kamal emailed the board to ask how it’s positioning itself in terms of mayoral debate, reaching out to candidates — and a potential municipal land transfer tax being implemented, again.

Lebour notes one of the leading Mississauga mayoral candidates in the by-election hinted about revisiting the tax and that MREB has a strong government relations committee for local advocacy work. “Mississauga has historically defended imposing a municipal land transfer tax over the years, and I have been part of that,” Kamal affirms.

The response she received to her email was that the board is too busy hosting events like a golf tournament and receptions. Kamal acknowledges the importance of running well-intended charity events like these but stresses that MREB’s job, first and foremost, is “to protect the interest of the consumer on the street pertaining to housing.”

“We cannot take our eyes off the ball,” she stresses. “If this amalgamation or anything else is detracting from what MREB has actually stood for in the past and should still be standing for, there is something seriously wrong.”

 

Transparency needed with partner boards

 

Kamal points out that other amalgamating boards should know about what’s happening. “Do they understand that MREB’s membership is not on the same page as they were in January and that they’re probably moving towards an amalgamation with potential turbulence? They have a duty of care to their membership, so who’s keeping them in the loop?”

Kamal feels that MREB should be very transparent with their partners and not just the people representing the amalgamation task force. They shouldn’t be led into something that MREB isn’t 100 per cent ready for. “Even if a director is not on the task force, they should know they need to go back to their brokerages and say, ‘We’re heading into an amalgamation where one of the key partners coming in with possibly 2,200 members and resources of more than $2.5 million is probably having second thoughts.’”

 

The SGM request

 

“Every member that I’ve spoken to, every past president that has discussed, exchanged ideas and brainstormed — we are all for collaboration, but not for creating silos of the Mississauga board and others. This is the challenge and why membership has requested MREB to call an SGM,” Kamal states.

In May, past MREB presidents and industry members collected signatures that would go on a letter petitioning MREB for a special general meeting (SGM). An email (obtained by REM), signed by past presidents John Cassan and Michael Mills, reiterates concerns regarding the proposed amalgamation, mentions the petition being signed with the SGM request, asks MREB to “pause the amalgamation and call for a meeting of the membership” and states, “It is foolhardy, risky and downright reckless to proceed with the amalgamation.”

The pair recount a past error when MREB’s MLS system was sold to the Toronto board in the 1980s, despite membership concerns: “This short-sighted decision cost us dearly. It took us almost four decades to recover from this mistake, making our board a successful enterprise and here we are again.” They warn MREB it’s about to make a “terrible mistake which will cost us dearly.”

Following this, on May 28, 10 past presidents of MREB, including Cassan and Mills, signed a letter to MREB that requested it call a members-only SGM within the next 10 days. The letter advised the board to “not be hasty in signing any contracts without satisfying members’ concerns at the proposed SGM.”

While Kamal acknowledges that MREB’s repeated response, “the membership voted yes in January to amalgamate,” is indeed true, at the same time she points out, “The information the membership was provided in January is not completely relevant anymore. It has changed drastically.

The membership, in view of today’s reality, would like to rescind the vote from January 31, have the board put a hard stop on anything (relating) to this proposed amalgamation and genuinely take stock of what’s happening in the real estate industry at large that will benefit our members.”

From there, she points out there’s always time to look into future options.

 

MREB’s response

 

As of the time of writing, MREB had not accepted the SGM request, nor had it responded to the email from Cassan and Mills. However, REM received the following statement from Rita Asadorian, chair of MREB:

“We have respected the clear and decisive mandate from our members. Despite this, a small group of individuals has attempted to disrupt the process. While a petition for a special general meeting was submitted on May 28, 2024, signed by 10 past presidents, it did not meet the 10 per cent member threshold required by the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.

Nevertheless, we have been proactive in addressing concerns. The MREB board of directors hosted delegates from our partner boards at a board meeting to discuss and resolve any issues. This session was productive and satisfying for all attendees. 

Similarly, we held a session with our past presidents, providing comprehensive information and addressing their questions. Both meetings concluded with a positive consensus supporting the amalgamation.”

Asadorian points out that MREB understands significant decisions can generate some discontent but that, “We have consistently addressed the same concerns and must now proceed with the mandate provided by our members’ unanimous vote. We remain open to all questions and concerns, which can be directed to me at any time.”

She says that all four associations are “eager to demonstrate the benefits of our united efforts,” confirming that the amalgamation documents have been formally filed with the Ontario government and the process will move forward.

 

The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors, Huron Perth Association of Realtors, London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) and Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg and Area Association of Realtors recently conducted a study that revealed most residents in the region believe it has good access to daily activities and is an excellent environment for raising a family. However, they’re concerned about housing and economic stability.

 

Top issues: Cost of living, housing accessibility and affordability

 

“Residents identified cost of living, as well as housing accessibility and affordability, as the top two issues across the region,” says Kathy Amess, LSTAR 2024 chair. “In LSTAR’s jurisdiction, these issues resonate the strongest with residents between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, with 58 per cent saying that cost of living is the issue elected officials should be focusing on the most.”

About two-thirds of homeowners needing to renew their mortgage are concerned about affording monthly payments. Nearly half of all respondents feel that housing will become less affordable in the next five years.

 

Provincial government should do more

 

Amess notes that many of the region’s residents believe increased immigration to Canada is the most important factor connected to housing affordability. “Nearly 40 per cent say housing has become unaffordable and expensive because the population is growing too fast.”

86 per cent of respondents believe the provincial government should prioritize making housing more affordable. “Respondents want to see more from all levels of government,” Bill Madder, LSTAR CEO, says. “There is no silver bullet to address the housing crisis and it will require a collaborative effort, between government and all sectors of the community.”

 

Headed in the right direction

 

Still, most Western Ontario residents feel their region is headed in the right direction, with nearly 75 per cent of respondents saying they have an excellent or good quality of life.

Madder notes this is encouraging since recent findings from Abacus Data show 25 per cent feel things in Canada are headed in the right direction. “The data indicates Western Ontario as a very desirable place to live and we should be proud of that.” 

 

Review the full survey results here.

 

The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) supported the 16th Ontario Realtors Care Foundation Motorcycle Ride for Charity, which raises financial support for causes related to shelters in Ontario.

Adam Miller, LSTAR’s 2023 chair, explains, “LSTAR Realtor members have deep roots of supporting shelter-related organizations. With inflation and affordability challenges, charitable organizations are needed more than ever to help our neighbours in need.”

 

Events in London

 

The two-day ride across the province aimed to do just that. LSTAR helped out by hosting the riders at an end-of-day event on day one, followed by a kickoff breakfast the next morning.

Close to 35 riders started in Whitby and ended in Windsor, also riding through Brampton, Guelph, Brantford, London, Sarnia and Chatham.

 

Most funds raised in event history

 

This year’s ride was the most successful in its history of over a decade and a half. The provincial event has raised over $46,000 so far (donations are still being accepted through the charity’s website).

“We couldn’t have gotten there without each rider’s fundraising efforts and the support of all Ontario real estate boards and associations, including those along our route representing Central Lakes, Toronto, Guelph, Brantford, London and St. Thomas, Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex,” expresses Shannon Ketelaars, executive director of the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation, about this year’s ride.

She says, “We also had incredible sponsors, like Appraisal Institute of Canada’s Ontario arm and #Mindshare101. Bringing all of these incredibly philanthropic stakeholders in the real estate business together gave us results beyond our wildest dreams. The funds raised will go a long way toward supporting shelter-related charities in Ontario.”

 

Photo shows participants in the 2023 Motorcycle Ride for Charity at LSTAR headquarters
Credit: Stacey Rodas