Cathy Polan: A New Era of Leadership for Ontario Real Estate
(Image: Cathy Polan, supplied)
Stepping into the prestigious role as the new President of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), Cathy Polan openly shares her feelings of being “nervous, anxious, and excited all at the same time.” Her appointment marks a significant moment, not just for OREA, but for the broader Ontario real estate market, as she joins a growing cohort of influential women ascending to top leadership positions within the industry. Polan proudly highlights this trend, noting, “Over the last four years, three of OREA’s presidents have been women.” This isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it represents a powerful and sustained “movement” toward greater diversity and inclusion at the highest echelons of professional organizations.
Based in Belleville, Polan is a seasoned Realtor and a dedicated sales representative with Royal Heritage Realty. Her elevation to OREA’s 2025 President was formally announced following the association’s annual general meeting on March 27, where she succeeded outgoing president Rick Kedzior. In her new capacity, Polan now proudly represents nearly 100,000 Realtors across Ontario, a formidable responsibility that underscores her commitment to the sector. Her primary objective is clear: to ensure that every Realtor has access to the essential resources, comprehensive support systems, and a robust regulatory framework, all fortified by strong leadership. This foundational work is crucial not only for empowering individual professionals but also for strengthening the entire real estate sector and diligently advocating for increased housing supply and affordability—challenges that are more pressing than ever in the province.
Polan emphasizes OREA’s strong and collaborative relationship with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, recognizing the critical importance of a united front. “During such a pivotal time, it’s more important than ever that we work together to keep the dream of home ownership alive for the next generation,” she asserts. She passionately stresses that achieving this vital goal will require sustained engagement and concerted effort from all levels of government, working hand-in-hand with industry stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the current housing landscape.
Addressing Ontario’s Housing Crisis: Supply, Affordability, and Innovation
The challenges facing Ontario’s housing market are profound, and Polan approaches her role with a realistic understanding of their magnitude. She readily admits that the province’s deeply entrenched housing affordability crisis and persistent supply issues are complex problems that will not be resolved within the span of her presidency. “It’s not a quick fix,” she states, underscoring the need for long-term strategies and sustained commitment.
In response to the urgent need for innovative solutions, OREA is actively championing the adoption of factory-built modular housing as a crucial option to help alleviate the province’s severe housing supply crunch. This modern approach to construction offers significant advantages in terms of speed, cost-efficiency, and reduced on-site labor requirements, making it a promising avenue for accelerating housing development. The organization firmly asserts that the future of Ontario’s housing market critically depends on embracing such innovative solutions to meet the growing demand effectively and sustainably.
Beyond the broader housing agenda, Polan faces a multitude of other pressing challenges during her tenure. “It’s been very busy,” she remarks, highlighting the intense demands of her new role. She expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support of her husband, Bruce, who is also a dedicated Realtor. His ability to competently step in for her at their brokerage when necessary provides invaluable relief. “He’s my calm to the storm,” she says, illustrating the personal sacrifices and collaborative spirit required to lead a major provincial association.
Navigating Internal Transitions and External Pressures
Internally, one of Polan’s immediate undertakings at OREA involves leading the search for a new permanent CEO, a critical leadership position that has been vacant since Tim Hudak’s resignation last summer. She hopes to finalize this crucial appointment “hopefully in the next couple of months,” recognizing the importance of stable executive leadership for the association’s strategic direction. This leadership transition is vital for OREA to maintain its momentum and effectively pursue its advocacy goals.
Another pressing matter on Polan’s agenda is ensuring that vital housing issues do not get sidelined amidst other provincial and international concerns. Specifically, she is focused on keeping housing at the forefront of policy discussions, especially as the Ontario Premier is compelled to be laser-focused on the evolving U.S. tariffs crisis. The interconnectedness of economic factors and their potential impact on the Ontario housing market necessitates constant vigilance and strong advocacy to protect the sector’s interests.
The urban landscape also presents its own set of challenges, including Toronto’s much-discussed condo glut. “We’re hoping it’s just a bump in the market,” observes Polan, signaling an optimistic but cautious outlook on this specific market segment. This surplus of condominium units raises questions about market absorption and future development strategies. Furthermore, the need for comprehensive landlord/tenant reforms is acutely felt across the province, as current regulations often struggle to balance the rights and responsibilities of both parties, impacting rental market stability and affordability. Addressing these reforms is a key area for OREA’s advocacy, aiming to foster a fairer and more predictable environment for both tenants and property owners.
Confronting Controversial Issues and Longstanding Challenges
Polan’s radar also includes several controversial issues and longstanding challenges that directly impact the integrity and fairness of the real estate profession in Ontario. Among these is the persistent and widely criticized ‘auctioneer loophole.’ This outdated provision permits auctioneers to sell real estate without requiring them to hold a formal real estate license, creating an uneven playing field and raising concerns about consumer protection. OREA has consistently advocated for the closure of this loophole to ensure that all individuals engaged in real estate transactions adhere to the same professional standards and regulatory oversight, ultimately safeguarding the public interest and professional integrity of Realtors.
Another significant issue that has garnered considerable attention is the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program (ORWP), a mandatory health-benefit package for OREA members introduced early last year. This program, while designed to support the well-being of Realtors, initially “ruffled a lot of feathers” due to its mandatory nature and associated costs. Polan is resolute about its future: “The ORWP isn’t going away,” she maintains. She acknowledges that while “the program is working for the most part,” there are still members who express dissatisfaction. OREA’s commitment is to continuous improvement, actively working to address concerns and enhance its effectiveness. “We have data now which will help with that,” Polan notes, indicating a data-driven approach to refine the program and better serve its members. This ongoing effort highlights OREA’s dedication to the holistic well-being of its members, recognizing the demanding nature of the real estate profession.
It is abundantly clear that the presidency of OREA is far from a simple undertaking; it requires navigating complex policy landscapes and managing diverse stakeholder expectations. Polan and the OREA board are keenly aware that their decisions will not always please everyone. “We know that,” she states, reflecting a pragmatic and resilient approach to leadership. Her extensive background within the industry positions her uniquely for these challenges. With 16 years of hands-on experience in the business, complemented by a deep and varied background in organized real estate—which includes serving on various key OREA committees and previously holding the presidency of her local real estate association—Polan is truly an industry veteran. Her comprehensive understanding of the sector, from local nuances to provincial policy, means she is exceptionally prepared for the formidable tasks ahead.
This preparedness is echoed by her friend Lisa Comerford, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Central Lakes Association of Realtors (Polan’s local association). Comerford attests to Polan’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Cathy has shown time and again an incredible level of commitment to this industry and its advancement, whether it was a popular position or not.” This testament speaks volumes about Polan’s integrity and dedication to the long-term health and progress of the Ontario real estate profession.
A Viral TikTok Moment and Strategic Future Direction
While some of Polan’s duties involve complex policy and stakeholder management, she has also achieved a surprising level of popularity in an unexpected arena: TikTok. Recently, one of her videos garnered a mind-boggling 6.5 million views, demonstrating a unique ability to connect with a broad audience. Many might wonder, how did an OREA president achieve such viral fame?
It turns out that Cathy Polan—the staunch OREA president and a proud grandmother of six—is also a devoted “Belieber.” Her viral moment originated from a deeply empathetic response to news about Justin Bieber struggling with impostor syndrome. “I saw an article that said he felt unworthy” of his success, she explains, admitting that the news deeply moved her, nearly bringing her to tears.
In a spontaneous act of support, she posted a heartfelt TikTok video, hoping it would reach the international superstar. In her message, she offered reassurance, reminding him that experiencing such feelings is a normal part of the human experience and does not diminish his authenticity or talent. “You are worthy, Justin,” she declared, “Not because of perfection but because of the beautiful, real person you are.” The video resonated globally, drawing comments from all corners of the world. While Polan did not receive a personal reply from Bieber, she did get a message from someone claiming to be close to him, conveying his gratitude for her supportive post. “I hope that’s true,” remarks Polan, her sincerity evident.
Not one to let a unique opportunity pass her by, Polan is now strategically exploring ways to leverage this immense social media engagement. She aims to convert some of those millions of TikTok responses into tangible leads, demonstrating an innovative approach to outreach and engagement that blurs the lines between public relations and professional networking. This viral moment underscores her adaptability and willingness to embrace modern communication channels to further OREA’s message and objectives.
Fired up by a desire to make her own significant stamp on the industry, Polan has embarked on a proactive mission: she has been actively meeting with OREA’s member boards, soliciting their unfiltered views—”the good, the bad, and the ugly.” This comprehensive feedback gathering is a critical first step as she and the dedicated OREA team begin to formulate a new and robust strategic plan. This inclusive approach ensures that the strategic direction is informed by the diverse experiences and needs of Realtors across the province.
Polan’s ethos for this strategic overhaul is encapsulated in her straightforward declaration: “If we don’t do anything, that was wasted time.” This statement reflects her profound commitment to action, efficiency, and delivering tangible results for OREA members and the wider real estate community. “And I don’t like wasting anyone’s time,” she concludes, signaling a presidency focused on purposeful engagement and effective leadership in tackling Ontario’s most pressing real estate challenges. Under her guidance, OREA is poised for a period of dynamic evolution, focusing on advocacy, member support, and innovative solutions for a thriving Ontario housing market.