Cathy Polan (supplied)
Cathy Polan, the new president of the Ontario Real Estate Association, admits to feeling a mix of nervousness, anxiety, and excitement about her new role.
She is part of a growing trend of women taking on top leadership positions in the industry. Polan acknowledges that in the past four years, three of OREA’s presidents have been women.
The Belleville-based Realtor, who works as a sales rep with Royal Heritage Realty, was appointed as OREA’s president for 2025 after the association’s annual general meeting on March 27. She takes over from outgoing president Rick Kedzior and now represents the province’s nearly 100,000 Realtors with the goal of providing them with necessary resources, support, and regulatory framework to strengthen the real estate sector and advocate for increased housing supply and affordability.
Polan emphasizes OREA’s strong relationship with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stating the importance of working together to preserve the dream of home ownership for future generations.
Tackling supply, affordability, and CEO succession
Addressing Ontario’s housing affordability crisis and supply challenges is a complex task that won’t be resolved during Polan’s presidency.
OREA is advocating for factory-built modular housing as a potential solution to alleviate the province’s supply shortages. The organization believes that innovative approaches are crucial for the future.
In addition to these challenges, Polan is tasked with finding a new permanent CEO for the association and ensuring that housing issues remain a priority amidst other pressing matters.
She also acknowledges the need for reforms in Toronto’s condo market and landlord/tenant regulations.
Controversial issues and longstanding challenges
Among the issues on Polan’s agenda is the ‘auctioneer loophole,’ which allows auctioneers to sell real estate without a formal license.
She also mentions the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program (ORWP), a health-benefit package for members that sparked controversy. While the program continues to draw mixed reactions, Polan affirms that efforts are being made to enhance it based on available data.
Being president of OREA presents its challenges, and Polan acknowledges that it’s impossible to please everyone. With her extensive experience in the industry and background in organized real estate, she is prepared for the task ahead.
Her friend Lisa Comerford commends Polan’s unwavering commitment to the industry and its advancement, even when taking unpopular positions.
A viral TikTok moment and new strategic direction
Despite the challenges, Polan gained significant popularity on TikTok with a video that garnered 6.5 million views. Her post expressing support for Justin Bieber, who was struggling with impostor syndrome, resonated with viewers worldwide.
While she didn’t receive a personal response from Bieber, Polan was informed that he appreciated her message. This experience showcases her ability to connect with others and offer encouragement, even in unexpected ways.
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