In my last President’s Message, I outlined an issue regarding a special levy proposed by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), and I now have an update on the matter.
At its General Meeting on March 11, OREA brought forward a motion for a $30 special levy, to be imposed on all Members for each of the next three years in order to support an advertising campaign.
While I believe strongly in communicating to consumers that home ownership is a great investment, I also believe that doing so should be undertaken within existing budgets. As such, I, along with many other TREB Directors, did not support the motion. Unfortunately, the vote on this issue, which was administered by secret ballot, was carried, with 73 votes cast in favour and 50 against.
Given that TREB had concerns as to the process undertaken in this matter, legal advice was sought and as a result of the counsel we have received, TREB will not collect the $30 special levy from its Members.
I am also happy to report that TREB recently held a very successful networking event, which raised more than $8,000 for a very worthwhile charity.
On April 29, more than 300 of you came out to support Camp Winston at TREB FEST, which was held at CUBE nightclub on Queen Street West. The night included door prizes, a silent auction, and specialty entertainment including an astrologer, a handwriting analyst, and a henna artist.
Although Camp Winston, which sends kids with complex neurological conditions to camp in Muskoka every summer, is the recipient of the event’s proceeds, Members who took part in the event benefitted equally by enjoying the amazing sense of community that we, as Greater Toronto REALTORS®, share.
It is worth noting that events such as TREB FEST; our annual REALTOR® QUEST conference, which takes place May 6 and 7 at the Toronto Congress Centre; and all other Member products and services are delivered by a staff of just 116 people. Recognizing that they serve the needs of more than 40,000 of us, and by contrast, in 2001, a staff of 121 people served 17,290 Members, I am grateful for their many efforts.
I look forward to seeing you at REALTOR® QUEST on May 6 and 7, and in the meantime, if you have input you would like to share, please feel free to reach out to me anytime at trebpres@trebnet.com
Paul Etherington, President
Toronto Real Estate Board