The post Revel celebrates the pulse of a brokerage appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

CLAR golf tournaments raise over $18K for local shelter charities

The Central Lakes Association of Realtors (CLAR) raised more than $18,000 through two charity golf tournaments in support of 13 local shelter-based charities across the region.

The first tournament was held June 25 at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax. The second took place Aug. 21 at Black Diamond Golf Club in Pontypool. Both events brought together Rs, community members and supporters for a day of golf and fundraising.

Proceeds will benefit CLAR’s 2025 Charities of Choice, which include A Place Called Home, Denise House, Durham Outlook, Ed’s House Northumberland, Hope and Light Urban Outreach, Hospice Quinte, Hospice Whitby, One City Peterborough, PATH (Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes), Simcoe Hall, Sloane’s House, The Refuge and YWCA Durham.

“These tournaments are about more than just golf — they are about giving back to the communities where our members live and work,” said CLAR CEO Wendy Giroux.

The charities provide shelter, outreach and care services to individuals and families in need.

Calgary Realtors boost housing grants

Calgary Realtors are giving more money to local non-profits that help vulnerable people find and keep housing.

The CREB REALTOR Community Foundation awarded nearly $198,000 in community grants this year — about $80,000 more than in 2024. The money will support housing repairs and renovations through four organizations: the Society for Autism Support and Services, Inn from the Cold, Unison, and Discovery House.

“These organizations are making a meaningful difference every single day, transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve,” said Christian Twomey, chair of the foundation. “Every CREB Realtor contributes to the foundation, and they take great pride in giving back to their city by helping charities who provide safe, stable housing to those who need it most.”

The grants aim to help people stay housed and connected to their communities. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Calgary Real Estate Board and focuses on long-term housing solutions for those in need.

The post Good Works: Realtors giving back in September 2025 appeared first on REM.

Releven says it is Canada’s first non-profit (charity-owned and operated) real estate brokerage for faith properties. Its goal is to provide consultation, evaluation, tailored solutions and community impact options for congregations that have made the difficult decision to sell their properties, de Villiers says.

As part of its service, it works with local Realtors. “Releven Realty has designed a ‘work with’ business model, not a ‘compete against’ model to scale nationwide and to partner with the best local real estate salespeople in each city.”

Releven will host an official launch event under its new brand in Cambridge, Ont., on Thursday. 

Founded in 2018 as Trinity Centres Foundation, Releven’s goal is to preserve, restore and repurpose underused faith-based properties into community hubs and affordable housing. This enables church properties to facilitate positive change, while maintaining a secure financial future, its website says.

Releven, which has roots in Quebec and Europe, is secular, with engagement across faith groups.

It has helped transform more than 70 projects over its six-year history.

‘Once a building is gone, it’s gone’

Rising costs and declining attendance have left many faith-based properties underused. One solution is to sell to the private sector, but de Villiers says that often leads to seller’s remorse.

“Once a building is gone, it’s gone. A congregation may sell to a private developer, who knocks the building down and builds a massive condominium with no net benefit to the community. The Girl Scouts, food banks and AA meetings held at the church, all free and programs that make the community better and safer, are gone, and now there are high-end condos on the site,” de Villiers says. 

Instead, Releven looks at any and all possibilities, from selling to redeveloping to creating community hubs. It provides options so a congregation can make decisions with a “lens focused on the legacy of the property going forward,” looking at social and community-positive projects. 

The brokerage’s consulting function examines leasing, redevelopment or sales options, and presents those options to a congregation, smoothing a process that can typically take years. Many agents have been involved in selling churches, which can take years of debate and hand-wringing about what to do with the building, de Villiers says.

Among the biggest challenges for any site are NIMBY (not in my backyard) individuals. However, when Releven is involved, “the amount of NIMBYism is low because everything is done in consultation. We do a lot of listening to the community and congregation,” and provide two to three options for uses and their benefits.

Releven facilitates the process and makes sure the congregation is aware of the opportunities. Ultimately, the decision is congregation-driven, he says. “Most congregations are progressive and want their space to be used.”

The brokerage also finds a local agent who knows the market. In about six years, it has built a network of 20-30 agents across the country, working with industry-standard commissions. Becoming a brokerage helps formalize the process through referral agreements.

“The local agent pays Releven the standard referral fee. It’s clean, fully (Real Estate Council of Ontario) RECO compliant,” de Villiers says. 

Releven’s proceeds go back to supporting Canadian churches.

Conversations lead to community-oriented outcomes

A benefit to agents is that a “ton of due diligence is done for every site before an agent is hired,” making it an easier and quicker process for them.

When churches contact Releven, consultants work with ex-clergy and the arts community to find options.

In some cases, the conversation is about selling, but often it goes something like this, he says: “Actually, in this community, there are no arts spaces. This property would make a good arts hub,” providing the congregation with the opportunity to create something positive.

de Villiers says a United church in Scarborough, Ont. was looking to downsize to a smaller building. Instead, it was sold to The Boys and Girls Club, and the building became a community hub that includes social services. “The congregation has a small space they can use rent-free in return for selling at a discounted price.”

A large centralized church on 1.5 acres in London, Ont. formed a joint agreement with a not-for-profit in Toronto and will build 84 units, 40 per cent of which will be affordable.

Other examples include a church in Edmonton that now also houses a mosque and a church in Kitchener, Ont. that includes five active religious organizations and multi-denominations.

Along with delivering such options as leasing, redevelopment or sales to congregations, the brokerage also provides consultancy for property readiness and maximizing community impact.

After the deal, participating agents don’t brag about getting top dollar for themselves, de Villiers says. Rather, they’re proud of doing what’s best for the community and proud of what the future of the property is.

Now that Releven is registered with RECO, the brokerage plans to ramp up to increase its network of local agents and is actively recruiting.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Sept. 24 with correct information about the church sale in Scarborough. 

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

The post Charity-owned brokerage aims to reshape church property sales across Canada appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty raises over $37,000 for women’s shelters

Royal LePage North Heritage Realty proudly announced that its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised over $37,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Every dollar will go directly to YWCA Genevra House in Sudbury and Haven House women’s shelter on Manitoulin Island.

“I am exceptionally proud of our team for far surpassing this year’s fundraising goal and for once again helping make a real difference for local families seeking safe shelter,” said Luc Bock, broker of record.

He added, “We know there is much work to be done in ending intimate partner violence in Canada, but our brokerage is steadfast in our commitment to funding the hope and healing of those affected in our community.”

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raises $37,000 at Summer Soirée for local shelter

Royal LePage Royal City Realty raised $37,000 at this year’s Summer Soirée in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. All funds will go directly to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis to support critical services for women and children escaping intimate partner violence.

The annual event, championed and led by broker of record Jeff Morley, has raised $165,000 since it began in 2018.

“We are deeply grateful to our amazing community for joining us for this elegant evening under the stars, which will truly make a difference in the lives of so many local families,” said Gillian Atkinson, broker/manager. “Our Royal City volunteers, led by Lisa Klempner and a dedicated group of agents, are the magic that makes this event possible.”

EXIT Realty marks $8M milestone through Spirit of EXIT charitable giving

EXIT Realty Corp. International has surpassed $8 million in donations through its Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, highlighting the company’s dedication to community impact across North America.

“This milestone is a testament to the collective generosity and passion of our EXIT family, who continuously seek out ways to make a difference beyond real estate,” said Tami Bonnell, co-chair of EXIT Realty.

The program matches funds raised by local offices to support causes meaningful to them. In 2024, donations supported children, community programs, medical support, veterans, Habitat for Humanity, medical research, cancer initiatives and animal welfare.

A portion of each transaction fee is held in trust and matched up to $3,000 per initiative.

“Since stepping into the directorship earlier this year, I’ve seen firsthand the courage and heart behind these efforts,” said Sharron Richardson, vice-president of broker services. “Their commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities is truly inspiring.”

The post Good Works: Realtors giving back in July 2025 appeared first on REM.

Karen Willison recently hosted her first hospital fundraiser, raising more than $85,000 to date with the one-night event. 

When the campaign is over at the end of July, she hopes to have cracked the $100,000 mark, with funds benefiting hospitals in Meaford and Collingwood, Ont.

Willison, a sales representative with Royal LePage Locations North, a brokerage in Collingwood, chooses to support inclusive charities that serve diverse communities. Because people are faced with challenges they don’t expect and most pass through these doors at one time or another, supporting hospitals made sense, she says.

Stepping it up

Until now, her team has been an “active sponsor,” showing up and being part of an event, which from a Realtor standpoint is good public relations. It’s always good to be seen, she says.

But at the urging of her clients, it was time for something different. Willison, a Realtor for 24 years, and her team, K/W Collaborative Real Estate and Associates, decided to raise funds for two hospitals. “They both serve the area we cover and 99 per cent of our clients use one or the other, or both.”

Party planning started five months ago

Plans for the K/W Collaborative Hospital Fundraiser Event 2025 began in February for the July date. Willison says the goal was to create an “impactful and memorable” event.

The BYOB event included appetizers, a live band, short speeches by a speaker and a patient partner from each hospital – and lots of mingling and fun.

The team collaborated with the property owners, who donated the venue. The barn venue is rustic and not zoned for events, but the owners, The Wilkinson family, reserve it for fundraising, Willison says. The band offered a charity discount rate.

Getting organized with the foundation

When the foundation asked how much she expected to raise, she decided not to put a number on it and add to her stress. Willison told them “as much as possible.”

Willison met with the hospital foundations to find out “what they needed from us for the third-party event.” 

Her questions included: How would attendees make donations at the event, (Willison says she didn’t want to process donations, pick up cheques or be accountable for the money), could she see a running donation total, how long does it take before receipts are issued to donors, if a donation is followed up with a thank you note and “if the note mentions us,” she says.

K/W Collaborative team member Michelle Bigelow says the hospital provided information about what to include on the pledge cards so the foundations could process the donations and even created a design. “We just had to print them. They also gave us a custom link to share with clients.”

Willison got the foundations’ approval before materials were printed to ensure the information was correct and no reprints would be necessary.

Getting the party started

The success of an event like this relies on the guest list. Bigelow says, “It takes community. You need donors to give. The message is important when writing and holding events.”

She says the guest list consisted mostly of people the team had worked directly with in the past, as well as guests of the venue owners, band, K/W team and hospital foundations. 

Willison secured insurance for the event, a 24-hour rider from her company’s insurer.

Because it was a BYOB event, she also provided a driver if anyone needed a ride home. A photographer was also hired to capture the special moments.

Her budget: $12,000 for 175 people with a BYOB format and a donated venue.

“It was an emotional event, touching, and everyone left feeling great,” Bigelow says.

Willison’s top tips for throwing a fundraiser 

• Get organized.

• Pace yourself and allow at least six months to plan/prepare

• Identify key supporters and venue

• Check with the hospital foundation at the beginning to find out their guidelines and what kind of help they can provide.

• Build your team but don’t cast your net too wide, says Bigelow. Otherwise the task could become too overwhelming with too many cooks in the kitchen.

• Pick team members based on their strengths.

• Consider partnering with the community for donations of products, services and venues. 

• Expect to work.  Team members and neighbours pitched in to clean the barn and her team manned appetizer stations.

• Provide custom stick-on name tags to make mingling easier

More fundraising in her future

Willison plans to fundraise every July, but to offer the large event only once every three to five years. In the meantime, she has committed to donating $5,000 per year for five years for each hospital.

The process from one hospital foundation’s point of view 

The process is different at each hospital, says Alison MacKenzie, community partnerships officer at QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation in Halifax.

Most hospital foundations have information on their websites that make it easy for anyone who wants to fundraise, she says.

The QEII website has a DIY page that makes it easy for donors. Fundraisers fill out a form to register their event and will receive a special logo to use on their promotional materials. They can also say where they want the funds to be directed.

Donors can complete a profile page and write about their fundraising project/event and add a photo. The page will be on the hospital’s website.

There is no minimum donation. “We deal with donations of $5 to millions of dollars,” MacKenzie says. “It all makes an impact. We’re beyond grateful. We couldn’t do what we do without support. So much is needed.”

Ditto for hospitals everywhere.

Connie Adair

Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.

The post Behind the scenes with the team whose debut event raised $85,000 for local hospitals appeared first on REM.

Each month, REM shares the charitable works and good deeds of Realtors across Canada. Have something you’d like to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca, and don’t forget to include a photo!

Calgary Dream Centre receives $1-million grant for women’s housing development

The CREB Realtor Community Foundation has awarded a $1-million Legacy Grant to the Calgary Dream Centre to support the development of affordable housing for vulnerable women and mothers with children.

The grant will fund Erlton House, a three-storey, 56-unit housing project that includes full amenities, communal gathering spaces, green areas and an outdoor play zone. Construction aims to provide not just shelter, but a supportive environment where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.

“The Calgary Dream Centre is making meaningful strides toward creating safe, affordable housing that directly addresses urgent needs in our community,” said Christian Twomey, foundation chair.

Craig Hill, CEO of the Calgary Dream Centre, said the grant “will open doors of hope and opportunity for those seeking stability and belonging.”

Funds will be delivered over three years, with the final instalment in 2027. Completion of the Erlton House project is expected the same year.

Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation names new chair, commits $350,000 to youth programs

The Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) has announced the election of a new board of directors and plans to award more than $350,000 in grants to local organizations supporting at-risk youth in 2025.

Veteran Surrey Realtor David Herman has been appointed Chair of the Board. With over 40 years of experience in real estate and a strong track record of leadership—including terms as Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, the B.C. Real Estate Association, and service with the Canadian Real Estate Association—Herman brings deep governance knowledge and a passion for community service.

“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and work alongside a passionate and visionary team of directors,” Herman said. “We will build on the legacy of our founding and outgoing Chairs, whose dedication has created real change for at-risk youth.”

The Foundation expressed gratitude to outgoing board members for their service, recognizing their lasting contributions.

In 2025, FVRCF will continue its annual bursary program, awarding $1,000 to every public and alternative high school in the Fraser Valley. Additional funds will go to youth-focused organizations offering programs in education, support, and empowerment.

Pembroke charity garage sale raises $3,000 for women and children in need

Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates hosted its first annual Charity Garage Sale, raising more than $3,000 in support of local women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

The event, held in Pembroke, saw volunteers come together to collect and sell donated goods, with all proceeds benefiting Bernadette McCann House for Women through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

“It’s always very special for us when a new fundraiser sees such incredible success in their local community,” said Carly Neill, fundraising and communications manager with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We sincerely thank the team at Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates for the safety, hope and healing these proceeds will fund.”

The foundation supports women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention programs nationwide.

The post Good Works: Realtors giving back in June 2025 appeared first on REM.

The sound of broken hearts could be heard all over his beloved city of Ottawa, in locker rooms, arenas, and in the homes and businesses of the many clients, colleagues, and friends he had. They broke clear across North America through his EXIT Realty network and echoed into the Canadian Parliament where the Honourable Mona Fortier, M.P. rose in the House of Commons to share how A.J. made Ottawa a better place calling him, “a respected entrepreneur, a community builder, a generous mentor, and a tireless force for good in the national capital region.”

We at EXIT have been so proud and fortunate to have a professional of A.J.’s calibre and influence with us for the past 21 years of his career.

In a heartfelt tribute of her own, EXIT Canadian CEO Joyce Paron spoke of how A.J. shined with his own light, bringing laughter (and his signature sunglasses and dance moves) wherever he went, saying, “You will be deeply missed A.J., and we will carry your spirit with us in all that we do in the days and years ahead. You have left a legacy of love….You demonstrated an extraordinary ability to make time for people, regardless of who they are, because you understood that your presence is the most valuable gift you can offer to another human being.”

A lasting legacy

With a natural talent for people and bringing them together, A.J. excelled in the business of real estate. He had a profound impact on EXIT’s entire national network and found success in his many roles.

Dear friend and franchisee Maggie Tessier of EXIT Realty Matrix said of him, “There will never be another A.J. He was, in every facet of his life, the true G.O.A.T.” It was at her office, and under her mentorship, where A.J. first got his start as an agent, then office manager, before taking on regional ownership, where he worked tirelessly to share the EXIT spirit, which he so aptly exemplified across eastern Ontario.

He maintained that his early real estate success came from learning from one of the best. He was a huge advocate for the importance of being coachable, a key personal ingredient he brought to every arena of his life thanks to his love of sports.

While hockey was his passion as the owner of the Flames de Gatineau in Quebec, he was involved in supporting several youth sports organizations both through coaching and sponsorships. He believed strongly in the character-building experiences found through sport, in teamwork, and in empowering the next generation.

A.J.’s eldest son and daughter both turned real estate into the family business. Francis, following his father’s path, obtained his real estate license and joined the same EXIT Realty Matrix brokerage, while Helenna joined forces with her dad as the regional administrator to assist with the many day-to-day tasks of running the business and communications with the corporate office. 

A.J. was loved by many, and he also had many loves in his life, his family, his faith, his community, philanthropy, coaching and sports, as well as real estate. His wife Chantal recently posted of the declaration of A.J. Plant Day on April 23rd by the city of Ottawa, where she and their four children, Francis, Helenna, Emillia, and Quinn attended the occasion with A.J.

She expressed her pride in her husband and his everlasting efforts, sharing a light-hearted laugh explaining, “When I met A.J. in Bonnyville, Alberta, he was part of 10 community groups. I had to join at least six of them so I could enjoy time with him.”

To Chantal and all of A.J.’s family, our hearts are with you, we mourn with you, and we thank you for sharing him with us. A.J. has left an indelible mark.

Melanie Robitaille

Melanie Robitaille is a senior staff writer and graphic designer at EXIT Realty Corp. International.

The post Real estate loses a great one: Remembering Ottawa’s A.J. Plant appeared first on REM.

The post Charitable intentions inspire charitable results at REVEL appeared first on REM.

Your impact goes far beyond the immediate work you do with each client. You help build strong communities and foster belonging. Through your knowledge and service, you bring lasting value to your client and your profession.

We know from surveys that this is already how your clients see you. And yet, as a former Realtor myself, I know there’s always more you can do to help yourself, your clients, your community and your profession. That’s because being a Realtor is not just a job. It’s a daily commitment to integrity, expertise and a legacy of professionalism that builds public trust. 

When Realtors bring that commitment to life together, we don’t just raise the standards – we raise the reputation of the profession and elevate the Realtor brand. 

Here are four ways each of us can contribute to that goal through our daily work.

Take pride in what sets you apart

Not every profession is regulated, but yours is. Regulation exists because your work matters. It touches lives, shapes financial futures and influences the communities we call home. It’s society’s way of saying that this work deserves oversight because of its impact.

But most of you reading this have chosen to go even further. As a Realtor, you’re someone who lives by the Realtor Code as well as board and association rules, and holds themselves accountable to the profession. That decision speaks volumes about your professionalism, your purpose and your pride in this work.

All that said, regulation is just the foundation, not the finish line.

Because professionalism isn’t just about compliance—it’s about character. It’s how you show up, day after day: how you listen, how you guide, how you advocate for people making life-changing decisions. It’s in the way you hold yourself to high standards, not because you have to but because you choose to.

When consumers see the values you uphold, the knowledge you invest, and the care you bring, they don’t just see your role. They see your true value.

Keep learning throughout your career

Markets change, client needs shift, and regulations evolve. Staying competitive requires more than experience, it requires intentional growth.

Professional development isn’t about meeting minimum standards. It’s about expanding your skillset, deepening your impact, and staying ahead of the curve. When you embrace learning, you aren’t just fulfilling a requirement but investing in your future.

Purposeful learning leads to better outcomes, for clients and for business. Every step forward in your knowledge adds value.

Lean on supportive partnerships

Boards and associations are more than service providers. Through professional development, practice resources, ethics guidance, and regulatory advocacy, they stand beside Realtors as partners and help them meet their responsibilities with care and confidence.

Their role also involves providing accountability. Boards uphold the Realtor Code and enforce board rules. When standards are not met, they step in to protect the public interest and maintain the integrity of the profession.

That said, boards don’t lead with enforcement—they lead with education. Their priority is to equip Realtors with the tools and guidance to reduce risk and meet their responsibilities. Proactive support helps minimize the need for corrective action because professionalism thrives when it’s understood, encouraged, and practiced every day.

Here in B.C., we’re working collectively to strengthen that foundation even further. Together with boards across the province, we’re modernizing our professional development program framework to launch in 2026—building a system that supports lifelong learning, strengthens entry requirements, and reflects the realities of practice.

And we know this work can’t be done in isolation. Shaping a stronger profession means a shared responsibility with boards, associations, and Realtors working together. Across Canada, our colleagues are equally committed to enhancing professionalism, aligning standards, and shaping a future-ready profession.

Challenge yourself to keep raising the bar

Many Realtors are already leading the way mentoring others, choosing growth, and demonstrating the values that define our profession. But raising the bar isn’t a one-time action. It’s a collective commitment.

So, here’s the challenge:

• Will you continue to invest in your growth?
• Will you support others in their journey?
• Will you stand for high standards and clearly articulate the value you bring as a regulated professional?

At the end of the day, professionalism is about both how you work and what you represent. Together, we can strengthen public trust, enhance our reputation, and elevate the Realtor brand.

Each month, a BCREA leader shares their insights in an exclusive column for Real Estate Magazine. Interested in contributing? Send us an email

Jennifer Lynch

Drawing on her experience as both a REALTOR^® and managing broker, Jennifer Lynch has held several leadership roles within organized real estate. Since joining the BC Real Estate Association full-time in 2020, Jennifer has led work on key provincial priorities – advancing high-impact initiatives in professional development, regulatory alignment, brokerage operations, and data governance. She played a central role in the development of BCREA’s current professional development program and continues to guide strategies that connect education, compliance, and operational support. Known for her collaborative approach, Jennifer builds strong relationships across sectors to drive progress, reduce complexity, and support the continued growth and professionalism of REALTORS^® across the province.

The post Why professionalism is a Realtor’s most powerful asset appeared first on REM.

Growing up in the small, close-knit farming and fishing community of Cascumpec, P.E.I., Noreen Barwise (Bryan), much like another island girl, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictional character Anne of Green Gables, believed that life was filled with limitless opportunities. As a child, she had no idea that her uplifting and positive outlook on life would lay the groundwork for her future pursuits, becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s most respected Realtors.

The wisdom she gathered from the good people of Cascumpec—values such as authenticity, community, hard work, and dedication—would remain with her throughout her life.

“What struck me,” Barwise says, reflecting on her life and many accomplishments, “when I first got into real estate was how fortunate I was to have learned some basic skills for success in the industry at a young age, things like resilience in the face of life’s ups and downs and understanding that we’re all in the same boat, trying to do the best we can.”

Barwise credits her P.E.I. upbringing for her strong work ethic and for teaching her the skills that proved essential in her real estate career, where strong relationships and seizing opportunities are vital.

 

Early career in banking

As she entered adulthood, Noreen’s optimism and determination grew even stronger. One pivotal opportunity arose when she was 16 and received a job offer from the Bank of Commerce nearby in Alberton. Despite her self-described “attention span of a gnat,” Barwise thrived at the bank, gaining expertise as a lender specializing in mortgages and other types of loans. “I discovered I had a talent for reading people, which came in handy for determining who was honest and who was not.”

Noreen and her daughters: A mother’s pride. Noreen Barwise (right) with her daughters, Michele (left), who continues her mother’s real estate business, and Penny (back), a social worker (supplied)

Barwise’s career included a series of moves and transfers, with significant time spent in Toronto and Calgary. Living in large cities gave her an urban perspective that helped expand her extensive network of professional contacts. In 1960, she and her husband, Tom Barwise—whom she had known since childhood and later married—settled in Fredericton. “Tom was easygoing, and I had plenty of room to grow. You bring home the bacon,” he told me when I told him I wanted to get into real estate, “and I’ll cook it.”

 

Breaking into real estate

 

Michele, Barwise’s daughter who now operates Barwise Realty—the company founded by her mother providing top-tier commercial sales and leasing services—smiles as she explains that her mother wanted to sell real estate because she wasn’t earning enough at the bank and felt undervalued.
Undeterred by the challenges of securing a position with local firms, Barwise persisted and landed a position at Royal Trust (now Royal LePage). With her confidence, people skills, strong client base, and solid market understanding, she quickly became a top-producing realtor, solidifying her reputation in the Fredericton market and throughout the province.

A trailblazer in the industry

Early in her real estate career, a well-known Fredericton businessman, Charlie Forbes, bumped into Barwise at the Fredericton City Club. Impressed that she frequented and felt so comfortable in the bastion of Fredericton’s “old boys network,” he hired her to manage the development of a new subdivision in suburban Fredericton.

“Charlie headed to Florida for the winter and left me in charge. Everything was going well until I found out the existing wells were running dry. I had to quickly educate myself on water rights, soil testing, and infrastructure development.”

Impressed with her skill in solving problems, including working with engineers and soil and water specialists, Forbes became a big supporter, and his subdivision became one of the most successful in Fredericton.

No shrinking violet, Barwise smiles when she thinks of how well she fit into Fredericton’s male-dominated City Club and how that experience helped her navigate male-dominated spaces and make her mark in the trailblazing role of being the only woman on the Canadian Real Estate Association board for a period of her five-year term. 

 

No shrinking violet, Barwise smiles as she reflects on how well she fit into Fredericton’s male-dominated City Club and how that experience aided her in navigating male-dominated spaces. (Supplied)

 

A life beyond real estate

 

A music lover, Barwise regularly gathers with friends to make music, which she says is one way she managed the stress of selling real estate all those years. Though now retired, she remains deeply connected to her community and inspires others to pursue their goals.

“Of all the things I’ve learned from my mom about the key to success, this is one of the most important,” Michele says. “No matter what you do, you must have fun and be kind to yourself and others while you’re doing it.”

Barwise, the recipient of many awards, recently became the first female member of the Fredericton City Club, an honour with which she is particularly pleased. After all, it’s been over half a century since she first walked through the front door of Fredericton’s “old boy’s network.”

No doubt, Charlie Forbes would be pleased.

 

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Lane MacIntosh

Lane MacIntosh has written about Canada’s natural and cultural landscape for over 35 years. A founding member of the Travel Media Association of Canada, his work has appeared in magazines and newspapers throughout North America. Writing for clients such as the New Brunswick government, Parks Canada and Sandals and Beaches Resorts, he learned the value of using imagery to open up the reader’s imagination and connect them with the story. Growing up in Fredericton, his love of New Brunswick and its people runs deep. Lane studied history and English at Montreal’s Concordia University, spending as much time as he could at Schwartz’s Deli on “The Main,” where memories of the world’s greatest smoked meat sandwich haunt him still.

The post A P.E.I. girl’s dream: How Noreen Barwise transformed her small-town wisdom into a real estate legacy appeared first on REM.