ONTARIO, Canada, December 20, 2024 - OnePoint Association of REALTORS® continued to strengthen its advocacy efforts this year, representing the interests of REALTORS® and advancing solutions to address housing challenges at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Through active participation in key advocacy events and initiatives, OnePoint achieved significant milestones and set the stage for continued progress in 2025.
CREA PAC Days on Parliament Hill
Delegates from OnePoint participated in the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) 39th annual PAC Days on Parliament Hill, joining REALTORS® from across Canada to meet with Members of Parliament (MPs) and advocate for policies to improve housing affordability and supply. CREA emphasized the importance of federal leadership and cross-government collaboration, advancing three key recommendations:
Stimulate Housing Supply with Innovative Construction
Support offsite construction technologies through targeted funding, including the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and the Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund.
Create a National Housing Secretariat
Establish a permanent secretariat or roundtable to coordinate policy and development among governments and housing stakeholders.
Expand HST/GST Relief for Non-Profit Affordable Housing
Extend tax relief for purpose-built rentals to include non-profit affordable ownership housing, enhancing access to affordable ownership options.
OREA REALTOR® Advocacy Day
OnePoint delegates also engaged with provincial leaders during the Ontario Real Estate Association’s (OREA) REALTOR® Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park. The event included discussions on OREA’s advocacy achievements, such as the passage of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) in 2020, and the following key recommendations for TRESA’s final phase:
Eliminate the Auctioneer Exemption Loophole
Require auctioneers involved in real estate transactions to register with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
Introduce a Mentorship Requirement for New REALTORS®
Implement a two-year mentorship program for new registrants to enhance professionalism and consumer service.
Enable RECO to Issue Monetary Penalties for Infractions
Allow RECO to impose administrative monetary penalties for clear infractions, prioritizing serious violations.
These advocacy efforts aim to advance professionalism and bolster consumer confidence in Ontario’s real estate industry.
Local Advocacy and Community Engagement
In late fall, OnePoint hosted panel events featuring municipal planners, providing members with updates on bylaws, developments, and official plans across various municipalities. These events were highly popular among members, and the Government and External Relations (GER) Committee is exploring opportunities to expand them across OnePoint’s jurisdiction.
Recognition for Advocacy Excellence
A major highlight of the year was the former Guelph & District Association of REALTORS® (now part of OnePoint) receiving the 2024 Canadian Real Estate Association PAC Team Award in the Small Board category. This award recognized GDAR’s commitment to advocacy as a strategic priority, demonstrating tangible results in their community.
Looking Ahead
OnePoint’s advocacy momentum in 2024 underscores the association’s dedication to addressing housing challenges and supporting REALTORS® in our local communities. Building on this success, OnePoint looks forward to advancing its advocacy initiatives and achieving even greater impact in 2025.