The Real Deal: Industry highlights for May 2026

(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 editor@realestatemagazine.ca 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 welcomed Akash Bedi as its new president, with the longtime broker focusing on professionalism, consumer education and industry collaboration.

Bedi, who has more than 20 years of real estate experience, said his immediate priorities include strengthening relationships with regulators and helping agents navigate evolving market conditions.

“We are moving in the same direction,” Bedi said of the association’s work with regulators.

He said education remains critical as Manitobans face limited housing supply and changing market conditions, adding agents play an important role in helping consumers make informed decisions.

Bedi previously served at the local board level before moving into provincial leadership.

Conversions, acquisitions and expansions

Royal LePage expands GTA network with new brokerage and acquisition

Faiz Tahir and Tahir Sheikh (contributed)

Royal LePage has expanded its Greater Toronto Area presence through the launch of a new brokerage and the acquisition of an existing real estate office.

Royal LePage Pinnacle Real Estate, formerly affiliated with Remax Millennium Real Estate and Remax Hallmark, has joined the network under the leadership of Faiz Tahir and Tahir Sheikh. Based in Oakville, the brokerage serves the west GTA and includes more than 35 sales representatives specializing in residential, commercial and development properties.

Meanwhile, Royal LePage Certified Realty has expanded through the acquisition of Homelife Woodbine Realty Inc., adding a new office location and growing its regional footprint.

Broker owner Narinder Singh said the acquisition reflects a shared focus on client service, professional excellence and long-term growth.

rennie partners with The Agency to expand North American reach

Vancouver-based real estate services company rennie has announced a strategic partnership with global brokerage The Agency to expand its development advisory, marketing and sales capabilities across North America.

The partnership gives rennie access to The Agency’s network of more than 3,500 agents operating in 14 countries.

rennie said the agreement builds on decades of experience in the Vancouver market, where the company developed its approach to development strategy, data analysis and sales execution.

The company said the partnership will allow it to bring those systems and expertise into new markets while maintaining its existing operating model.

rennie added the deal will also strengthen connections between the Vancouver market and international buyers as local market conditions continue to evolve.

Other news 

CLAR CEO receives national real estate leadership award

Wendy Riroux accepting her award at the CREA AGM (contributed).

Central Lakes Association of Realtors CEO Wendy Giroux has received the Association Executives Network Award of Excellence from the Canadian Real Estate Association.

The award was presented during CREA’s annual general meeting and recognizes leadership and service within the Realtor community.

Giroux, who has more than 15 years of industry experience, was recognized for her role in leading the integration of multiple associations that formed the Central Lakes Association of Realtors.

CLAR said Giroux has also been active in advocacy efforts, 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 hosted a professional development session focused on legal, cybersecurity and regulatory issues affecting the real estate industry.

Held at the Links of Kent Golf Course, the event featured presentations from lawyers Jon Quaglia and Trevor Hinnegan, along with representatives from MicroAge Chatham.

Topics included complex real estate transactions, probate and power of attorney matters, cybersecurity awareness and regulatory compliance.

Jean Lépine, administrator of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), also provided an update on regulatory expectations and professional accountability.

CKAR president Carrie Patrick said access to expert insight is critical as the industry faces rapid change.

SRA weighs in on registry sale

The Saskatchewan Realtors Association says the planned acquisition of Information Services Corporation by Plenary Americas represents a significant development for the province’s real estate sector.

ISC provides registry and information management services that support property transactions and ownership records across Saskatchewan.

The association said the transition presents opportunities to improve digital services and operational efficiency, but warned strong oversight and stakeholder engagement will be essential.

The SRA said agents, lenders, lawyers and consumers rely heavily on ISC systems and that disruptions or rising costs could affect housing transactions and consumer confidence.

The association added it is prepared to work with government, ISC leadership and future ownership to help maintain reliable and accessible registry services.

CLAR launches redesigned website for members, homebuyers

The Central Lakes Association of Realtors has launched a redesigned website aimed at improving the online experience for both members and consumers.

The updated platform features a modernized layout and new tools that allow users to search residential and commercial listings, find open houses, connect with CLAR Realtors and explore properties using interactive map features.

The association said the site exclusively showcases listings, open houses and Realtor profiles from CLAR members.

Visitors can also search by region and filter listings by criteria including property type, status, bedrooms, bathrooms, neighbourhood, street name and MLS number.

CLAR said the new website is intended to enhance consumer access to listings while increasing member visibility and property exposure across the region.

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 event on Toronto’s waterfront will feature networking, music, an industry showcase and a silent auction in support of shelter-related causes and food insecurity initiatives across Ontario.

Organizers said the event is designed to encourage professional connections while supporting charitable initiatives through collective giving.

LTHome fundraiser supports Toronto family shelter

Toronto brokerage LTHome of Royal LePage Estate Realty says 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 raise funds for the shelter’s programs and services.

On social media, brokers Lainey Bonsell and Teresita Link thanked attendees and sponsors for their support 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 supporting housing and shelter initiatives across Calgary and the surrounding area.

The foundation said it will distribute a total of $360,000 through its Community Grants and Transformation Grants streams.

The funding supports projects aimed at helping vulnerable residents remain housed and improving the quality of existing housing and shelter spaces.

Since 1987, CREB realtors have invested more than $9.8 million through the foundation, supporting more than 165 non-profit organizations focused on housing and shelter programs.

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