Realtors in Kingston, Ont. will have another vote in June to determine if they will form a single entity with their peers across Eastern Ontario, but some members have raised concerns about the process.
A special meeting of the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association (KAREA) is scheduled for Jun.12, following a previous vote against amalgamation with neighboring boards in March.
Out of nearly 300 votes, 163 (55 per cent) were in favor of amalgamation, falling short of the 66 per cent majority needed for approval.
Joel Thompson, a Realtor with eXp Realty in Kingston, expressed the need for more information to make an informed decision, feeling that the process is rushed.
“We’re being asked to commit to amalgamation with unclear language in the draft documents,” he said.
“We wouldn’t advise our clients this way, so why should we trust the board?”
Following a member-led petition meeting the required threshold, the board is obligated to hold a second vote as per the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
Thompson highlighted that crucial information has not been shared with members, including full financial disclosure from each board, a staffing plan, dues and fees analysis, governance structure, and a finalized amalgamation agreement.
Kingston members were informed that financial reports from other boards are under a non-disclosure agreement.
“The setup is causing conflict,” Thompson remarked.
“This is a long-term process, not a quick decision.”
Several Kingston Realtors expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on the benefits of amalgamation and the presentation of one-sided information, with insufficient consideration of potential drawbacks.
Members requested anonymity to safeguard their professional relationships and reputations.
Ambrose defends the process
In a statement to Real Estate Magazine, KAREA president Mary Ambrose outlined six ways members have been engaged, including email updates, discussions at meetings, townhalls, an educational website, documents on the portal, and participation in office meetings.
“KAREA and its board are dedicated to transparency and member-driven decision-making,” Ambrose stated. “We believe members have had sufficient time and resources to make informed choices regarding the proposed amalgamation.”
What are the upsides?
Thompson sees minimal benefit in merging with other boards due to access to shared data on MLS provider Realm.
Sylvie DesHaies, chair of the integration task force, mentioned the potential for enhanced government lobbying, leadership opportunities, and training through collaboration.
“We each bring something unique to our members, and by sharing, we can all benefit,” she explained.
DesHaies declined to speculate on the outcome if the upcoming vote in Kingston fails.
“There would need to be further discussions,” she noted.
She emphasized that Kingston’s previous rejection does not shake her belief in the benefits of amalgamation for members.
Task force was formed one year ago
Last June, members of KAREA, Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), Renfrew County Real Estate Board (RCREB), and Rideau-St. Lawrence Real Estate Board (RSLREB) were informed of a regional integration plan led by a task force comprising representatives from all five Eastern regional real estate boards.
The proposal aimed to improve professional services, advocacy, and member positioning in response to industry changes.
In December 2024, all five boards tentatively approved the proposed amalgamation, pending member voting results.
Ottawa and Renfrew County boards have already approved the merger, which would establish the third-largest real estate association in Ontario.
Cornwall board bows out
Although Cornwall and District Real Estate Board proposed amalgamation, they withdrew from the process before an official vote.
Cornwall’s vote was scheduled for March, but Kingston’s rejection disrupted the merger motion for the five boards, as per CDREB president Derek McEwen.
Rather than a formal vote, “Cornwall’s Board…
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