(Top row: Group photo of Ashley Amato, Janice Wieringa, Jean Lépine, Carrie Patrick and Samantha Pinto, Akash Bedi, Wendy Giroux, Christian Twomey. Bottom row: Narinder Singh, Bob Rennie, group photo of Lainey Bonsell, Teresita Link and Karen Temple, Rebecca Kopel.)
Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to [email protected] by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!
Leadership appointments, role changes and industry insider moves
Manitoba Real Estate Association starts new chapter with president Akash Bedi
Akash Bedi (contributed).
The Manitoba Real Estate Association has named seasoned broker Akash Bedi as its new president. With more than two decades in the industry, Bedi says his priorities will include promoting professional standards, improving consumer education and strengthening cooperation with regulators.
Bedi emphasized the importance of close collaboration with regulatory bodies as the association responds to shifting market conditions. He also stressed that ongoing education is vital for consumers and licensees alike, especially in a market with limited housing supply.
Before moving into provincial leadership, Bedi served in leadership roles at the local board level, bringing extensive hands-on experience to the association’s executive team.
Conversions, acquisitions and expansions
Royal LePage expands GTA network with new brokerage and acquisition
Faiz Tahir and Tahir Sheikh (contributed)
Royal LePage is growing its presence in the Greater Toronto Area by launching a new brokerage and completing an acquisition. Royal LePage Pinnacle Real Estate, formerly affiliated with RE/MAX Millennium Real Estate and RE/MAX Hallmark, has joined the Royal LePage network under the leadership of Faiz Tahir and Tahir Sheikh. Based in Oakville, the office serves the west GTA and includes more than 35 sales representatives working across residential, commercial and development sectors.
Separately, Royal LePage Certified Realty has expanded by acquiring Homelife Woodbine Realty Inc., adding a new office location and strengthening its regional footprint. Broker-owner Narinder Singh said the acquisition aligns with a shared commitment to client service, professional standards and sustainable growth.
rennie partners with The Agency to expand North American reach
Vancouver-based real estate services firm rennie has entered a strategic partnership with global brokerage The Agency to extend its development advisory, marketing and sales capabilities across North America. The collaboration gives rennie access to The Agency’s network of more than 3,500 agents across 14 countries.
rennie said the partnership builds on its long-standing experience in the Vancouver market, where it refined its approach to development strategy, data analysis and sales execution. The company will bring those systems and expertise to new markets while maintaining its current operating model.
The agreement is also expected to deepen connections between the Vancouver market and international buyers as local conditions evolve.
Other news
CLAR CEO receives national real estate leadership award
Wendy Giroux accepting her award at the CREA AGM (contributed).
Wendy Giroux, CEO of the Central Lakes Association of Realtors (CLAR), received the Association Executives Network Award of Excellence from the Canadian Real Estate Association. Presented at CREA’s annual general meeting, the award recognizes outstanding leadership and service within the Realtor community.
Giroux, who has more than 15 years of real estate experience, was honored for her leadership in integrating several local associations to form CLAR. She has also been active in advocacy, mentoring association executives and supporting charitable initiatives through the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation and local community programs.
CKAR hosts education session on legal and cybersecurity risks
Trevor Hinnegan (Hinnegan Law Professional Corporation), Janice Wieringa (executive officer of Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors), Carrie Patrick (president of CKAR), Colin Beasley (MicroAge Cybersecurity Specialist), and Jon Quaglia (J. Quaglia Law)
The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors recently organized a professional development session on legal, cybersecurity and regulatory issues affecting real estate professionals. Held at the Links of Kent Golf Course, the program featured presentations from lawyers Jon Quaglia and Trevor Hinnegan and speakers from MicroAge Chatham.
Panelists covered topics such as complex real estate transactions, probate and power of attorney issues, cybersecurity awareness and regulatory compliance. Jean Lépine, administrator at the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), provided attendees with an update on regulatory expectations and professional accountability. CKAR president Carrie Patrick emphasized that access to expert guidance is essential as the industry adapts to rapid change.
SRA weighs in on registry sale
The Saskatchewan Realtors Association commented on the planned acquisition of Information Services Corporation (ISC) by Plenary Americas, calling it a significant development for the province’s real estate sector. ISC manages registry and information services that underpin property transactions and ownership records in Saskatchewan.
The SRA noted the transition could bring opportunities to modernize digital services and improve operational efficiency, but it cautioned that strong oversight and meaningful stakeholder engagement will be critical. The association stressed that agents, lenders, lawyers and consumers depend on ISC systems and that service disruptions or higher costs could affect transactions and confidence in the market.
The SRA said it is prepared to work with government, ISC leadership and any new owners to help ensure registry services remain reliable and accessible.
CLAR launches redesigned website for members, homebuyers
The Central Lakes Association of Realtors has launched a redesigned website to improve the online experience for members and consumers. The updated site features a modern layout and tools that let users search residential and commercial listings, find open houses, connect with CLAR Realtors and explore properties using interactive maps.
The platform exclusively showcases listings, open houses and Realtor profiles from CLAR members. Visitors can search by region and filter results by property type, status, bedrooms, bathrooms, neighbourhood, street name and MLS number—making it easier for buyers and sellers to find relevant properties and for Realtors to increase exposure.
Good Works
Ontario Realtors Care Foundation launches charity summer cruise
The Ontario Realtors Care Foundation will host its inaugural Summer Cruise for Charity on July 16, bringing together realtors and industry leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area. The three-hour waterfront event will include networking, music, an industry showcase and a silent auction to raise funds for shelter-related programs and food security initiatives in Ontario.
Organizers say the event is intended to foster professional connections while supporting charitable causes through collective giving.
LTHome fundraiser supports Toronto family shelter
Toronto brokerage LTHome of Royal LePage Estate Realty reports that its second annual Prom for Shelter fundraiser raised nearly $6,000 for the Red Door Family Shelter. The April 11 event brought together supporters, sponsors and community members to support the shelter’s programs and services. Brokers Lainey Bonsell and Teresita Link thanked attendees and sponsors on social media and said plans are already underway for next year’s event.
CREB foundation opens applications for housing grants
The CREB Realtor Community Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 grant program, which supports housing and shelter initiatives across Calgary and the surrounding area. The foundation will distribute $360,000 through Community Grants and Transformation Grants to projects that help vulnerable residents remain housed and improve existing housing and shelter facilities.
Since 1987, CREB realtors have contributed more than $9.8 million through the foundation, supporting over 165 non-profit organizations focused on housing and shelter programs.