New Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® to Launch July 1, 2024.
On November 23, 2023, the Members of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB), the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® and the Simcoe and District Real Estate Board (SDREB) held respective Special General Meetings (SGM) and voted to approve amalgamating together under the name of Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (CAR). Members of MREB will vote on being part of the amalgamation at their membership meeting on January 31, 2024.
This amalgamation, which will come into effect on July 1, 2024, will combine approximately 3,800 RAHB Members, 2,600 WRAR Members, and 160 SDREB Members, as well as 2,500 MREB Members should they approve the partnership on January 31st, into an organization that will become Ontario’s second-largest real estate association, comprised of nearly 9,000 REALTORS®.
“This momentous vote brings our Members one step closer to belonging to Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®, a new Association poised to provide the tools REALTORS® want and need,” says Christal Moura, President of WRAR. “By harnessing the power of collaboration, the new organization will strengthen and empower REALTORS® with technology providers, consumers, government, and other stakeholders.”
“I am thrilled that Members of SDREB have ratified our Board’s decision to join forces with Cornerstone,” says David Puddy, President of SDREB. “Together, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter of organized real estate in Ontario focused on reinforcing the value of local REALTORS®. Our Members should take pride in being part of this innovative partnership.”
“For RAHB, this is the culmination of three years of work towards this goal,” says Nicolas von Bredow, President of RAHB. “We are very confident in our joint vision – that by bringing REALTORS® together, we will be stronger together. We truly believe this strategic decision will be the cornerstone for the future.”
“The MREB Board of Directors is very pleased to learn Members of our three partnering Associations have all voted in favour of this amalgamation,” said Michael Kennelly, President of MREB. “I’m excited for our Members to choose the same path at our upcoming Special General Meeting on January 31, 2024, where they will vote on this definitive opportunity to chart our future. I encourage my fellow Mississauga REALTORS® to make their voices heard by attending and casting their votes.”
On an immediate basis, MLS® Services will continue as today, and REALTORS® will continue to be served by their local offices and staff.
During a two-year transition period, CAR will align, harmonize, and standardize the amalgamating Associations/Boards’ systems, services, staffing, and programs into one robust REALTOR® eco-system.