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The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® and Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® Announce Merger

May 20, 2021, Huntsville and Collingwood, ON —The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® (The Lakelands) and Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR) are pleased to announce their merger, following an overwhelming membership vote in favour on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at each association’s respective membership meeting. The merger is scheduled to be effective October 1, 2021.

“By merging our two associations to create a membership of over 1,400 REALTORS®, our new association will be in a strong position to represent the small community and recreational property perspective within organized real estate,” offered Chuck Murney, President of The Lakelands. “It will also increase our political clout with the provincial and federal governments since the boundary of our new territory is better aligned with our political boundaries. We are pleased that the Lakelands and SGBAR members saw the benefits of this merger and voted in favour of the motion.”

“Our members will enjoy the cost savings that come through the merger and benefit from reduced member fees to improved programs and services, made possible by having a larger membership base”, offered Matthew Lidbetter, President of SGBAR. “Our members have put our new association in a stronger position to add depth and strength to our many programs and services, many of which exist to enhance the professionalism of our REALTOR® members and better respond to the evolving conditions as the market shifts.”

The proposed name for the new association will be Trillium REALTORS® Association, pending approval from Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

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For more information, please contact:
Kelly Warr, Interim Executive Officer, The Lakelands, 705-788-1504, ext. 229
Sandy Raymer, Executive Officer, SGBAR, 705-445-7295, ext. 5

About The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®: The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® represents over 850 local REALTOR® members who serve the District of Parry Sound, District Municipality of Muskoka, Haliburton County, and Northern Simcoe County including the City of Orillia.

About The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®: The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS represents over 640 REALTORS® who serve Townships of Clearview, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Tiny, Tay, Severn and Georgian Bay, as well as Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands including The Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Midland, Penetanguishene.

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