Industry highlights for February 2026

Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to [email protected] by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Expansions, mergers, conversions and agent moves

Sutton-Québec continues expansion

Sutton – Québec has announced the opening of Groupe Sutton – GO in Gatineau, expanding its presence into the greater Outaouais region. The launch comes one year after the banner marked its 30th anniversary and represents continued growth for the franchisor network.

The new office strengthens Sutton – Québec’s footprint in a growing market and builds on its established presence across the province and in Ottawa. Groupe Sutton – GO is located at 455 boulevard de la Gappe, Suite 201.

“We are pleased to welcome the brokers joining Groupe Sutton – GO and, in doing so, becoming part of the great Sutton family. Their expertise, professionalism and commitment will contribute significantly to establishing a strong, sustainable and inspiring presence in the Outaouais region. This new agency embodies our vision: a growing network, rooted in local realities and firmly oriented toward the future,” said Julie Gaucher, founder and president of Sutton – Québec.

The agency is led by Jesse Bigras, with support from JP Chartrand of Groupe Sutton – Ottawa.

Remax Fairlane announces new ownership in Truro, NS

Joanne Bouley (courtesy: Remax)

Remax Canada has announced that Joanne Bouley is the new broker-owner of Remax Fairlane Realty in Truro, N.S. She takes over from longtime broker-owner Sharon Corcoran, marking a new chapter for the brokerage.

Bouley brings more than 20 years of real estate experience, including serving as managing associate broker of Remax Fairlane Realty since 2021. Her background provides strong market insight and a deep understanding of the brokerage’s agents, operations and community presence.

Corcoran founded Remax Fairlane in 1988 and built the firm through decades of leadership and service. She will remain active in the business as part of the Truro Home Team, continuing to work with clients while supporting an ownership transition.

Sabrina Kaufman Team joins Remax Hallmark in Toronto

Remax Canada has announced that Sabrina Kaufman and her five-person team have joined Remax Hallmark in Toronto from Slavens Associates Real Estate. The move strengthens the brokerage’s presence in the Greater Toronto Area.

Kaufman brings nearly 20 years of experience and a client-focused approach to her business. Her team has built a reputation for consistent results, disciplined operations and a focus on long-term growth, says a company statement.

The decision to join Remax was driven by access to advanced technology, industry tools and a global referral network.

Leadership news

Vancouver Island Real Estate Board elects chair

Tom Garvey of Re/Max Professionals has been named chair of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for 2026.

The board’s leadership team also lists Bill Anglin as chair-elect and Olivier Naud as past chair.

Headquartered in Nanaimo, VIREB is a not-for-profit, member-based association with over 1,000 Realtors who live and work in communities from the top of the Malahat to the northern tip of Vancouver Island, according to the organization’s website.

Chris Lim elevated to Remax president

Remax has expanded its global leadership structure with the promotion of Chris Lim to president, in addition to his role as chief growth officer.

The company also announced the appointments of Pierre Montagna as vice-president of global sales and Lisa Sennstrom as director of global sales at Remax World Headquarters. The company says the leadership changes are designed to support accelerated international growth, strengthen affiliate services and drive continued innovation across the global network.

Lim joined Remax in February 2025 as chief growth officer and has played a key role in advancing the brand’s expansion strategy. In his new role as president, he will oversee all aspects of the global network, including international development, broker-owner and agent support, and long-term strategic planning. Lim will continue to report directly to CEO Erik Carlson.

Industry announcements

New OREA course in ‘business essentials’

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has partnered with the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the David Feldman Centre for Real Estate and Urban Economics to launch a new education program for industry professionals.

Called Real Estate Business Essentials, the program is designed for real estate agents, brokers and other professionals whose work is tied to property, development and housing markets. It is also geared toward business leaders involved in investment decisions, portfolio management and housing policy.

The course will cover key topics such as how real estate markets function, property valuation, development economics and investment strategy. Organizers say the goal is to give participants a stronger understanding of the factors shaping Canada’s real estate landscape and to help them make more informed business decisions in a changing market.

Good works

Cornerstone Association of Realtors donates $191,680 to local housing initiatives in 2025

The Cornerstone Association of Realtors donated $191,680 in 2025 to support housing-related initiatives across Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Mississauga and Waterloo Region. The funding responds to rising demand for housing and food support, as food banks report record use and growing connections between homelessness and food insecurity.

The donations were distributed to 38 registered charities through the Ontario Realtors Care Foundation’s Every Realtor Campaign, funded by Cornerstone’s $2 per member monthly contribution. The recipients provide shelter and services addressing hunger, abuse, illness and other vulnerabilities. In 2024, 28 organizations received $127,416.95.

“Our communities are facing a serious housing crisis due to a lack of shelter and affordable homes,” said Cornerstone chair Julie Sergi. “The rising number of funding requests highlights the urgency of these issues and the need for broad support.”