The Boards of Directors of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) and the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) have signed a letter of intent to pursue amalgamating the two organizations.

The Directors of RAHB and WRAR recognize that REALTOR® Members want and deserve better services. This amalgamation seeks to solidify REALTOR® Members’ confidence and heighten the value they receive from their membership.

RAHB and WRAR are also mindful of ongoing changes in the structure of organized real estate. The consolidation of MLS® Systems, amalgamations of Boards and Associations – and imbalance of influence among Boards in Ontario, along with the evolving relationships between Provincial and National Associations, Member Boards and REALTORS® –  generally are affecting any one Board’s ability to impact positive change for their REALTOR® Members.

In this context, RAHB and WRAR propose amalgamating to establish a new, more influential and capable organization to meet these changes and provide Members with the most robust MLS® System.  RAHB and WRAR appreciate the value of having a more assertive and aligned voice for Members. Through amalgamation, REALTORS® will benefit from increased coordination and value. Notably, this is an evolving opportunity, and we welcome discussions with other boards and associations. 

If approved by each organization’s Board of Directors, the amalgamation proposal will be brought to both the RAHB and WRAR memberships for approval at two separate Special General Meetings in November 23, 2023. 

If both memberships approve, the amalgamation will occur in early 2024.

As part of the amalgamation, a two-year transition management plan will be implemented to ensure a smooth changeover to the New REALTOR® Association.

During a two-year transition period:

• Initially, RAHB and WRAR members will continue to use their existing MLS® Services and will work towards harmonization, including establishing common MLS® System rules.
• The New REALTOR® Association will enter into discussions with ITSO regarding terms of service.
• RAHB and WRAR members will continue to follow their existing Professional Standards.
• As province-wide data is essential to every Ontario REALTOR®, the New REALTOR® Association will collaborate with all boards towards this goal.

During the two-year transition period:

• RAHB and WRAR members will continue to follow their existing Professional Standards.
• The New REALTOR® Association will form a Professional Standards Task Force to align policies, processes and procedures.

During a two-year transition period, RAHB and WRAR anticipate maintaining their respective offices and function as local centres for REALTOR® excellence.

Office usage and requirements will continue to be monitored and assessed to determine how best to serve Members as needs and services continue to evolve.

A New REALTOR® Association Board of Directors will be formed and will model governance best-practices.

The initial Board of Directors will be approved from among the RAHB and WRAR Boards of Directors for the two-year transition period and will include Directors from both RAHB and WRAR.

The transition Board of Directors will recruit and appoint a CEO.

Updated governance documentation will be developed and adopted (Bylaws, Policies, Practices, Rules).

The Transition Board of Directors will recruit and appoint a CEO.

RAHB and WRAR anticipate maintaining their existing staffing levels.

Staffing requirements will be continuously monitored and assessed to determine the levels of staffing required to best support Members.

WRAR is a respected and leading association with a growing  membership. By amalgamating with WRAR we will have a larger voice and can collaborate on even better services for the benefit of our members. While we share a physical jurisdictional boundary, our organizational cultures also firmly align. Joining together will magnify, solidify and unify our individual strengths.

By taking a proactive stance towards the future, rather than simply reacting to changes, both RAHB and WRAR can pave the way for our members’ brighter future, providing unparalleled access to the most robust MLS® Services available in Ontario.

RAHB is a highly regarded association with an impressive history of providing innovative solutions for its members. By amalgamating with RAHB, we open ourselves up to a wealth of opportunities to amplify our influence and work together towards providing even better services for our valued members. While we share a physical jurisdictional boundary, our organizational cultures also firmly align. Joining together will magnify, solidify and unify our individual strengths.

By taking a proactive stance towards the future, rather than simply reacting to changes, both RAHB and WRAR can pave the way for our members’ brighter future, providing unparalleled access to the most robust MLS® Services available in Ontario.

RAHB has an advanced IT department and helpdesk that would facilitate some of the projects WRAR finds increasingly common as well as provide enhanced Member support.

Both Associations are in solid financial positions and saving money is not a motivating factor in this amalgamation.

One of the key objectives of amalgamation is enhancing the value both Associations provide to Members. By uniting resources, RAHB and WRAR believe the Member experience will be enhanced to a greater degree than what either Association can achieve individually.

While RAHB and WRAR are committed to financial stewardship and recognize that costs are an important consideration, both Associations also believe that enhancing services and value will help make Members more competitive and valued by their clients.

While the success of this project is focused on what is best for RAHB and WRAR Members, the two Associations are open to discussions with other real estate Boards who share our member-centric values and wish to explore participation in the amalgamation effort.