June 2007

Dr. David Suzuki addresses TREB Civic Reception

June 13, 2007 — On Tuesday afternoon a special civic reception was held at the TREB offices featuring a presentation by renowned scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster, Dr. David Suzuki.

The reception, entitled “Civic Connections: Working Together,” was a gathering of politicians, dignitaries and TREB’s Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee, that focused on the need to work together in order to protect our environment. Public servants on hand included mayors, Toronto City Councillors, GTA Councillors, MPPs, Municipal Chief Administrative Officers and a fire chief.

An excellent crowd filled the TREB auditorium to witness Dr. Suzuki’s passionate address, in which he illustrated the alarming consequences of unchecked resource consumption and the need for drastic change in human behaviour. In his presentation, he challenged the audience to think about their actions on a global scale and made a plea for elected officials and the Canadian public to move more quickly towards sustainability.

The reception also included the presentation of TREB’s first ever Political Contribution Award. The award was presented to Toronto City Councillor and former Deputy Mayor Mike Feldman, for his contribution to the advancement of the real estate industry in the Greater Toronto Area.

Also for the first time, two $5000 TREB Past President’s scholarships were presented to two GTA graduating high school students planning to continue their education. These awards help re-affirm the importance that REALTORS® place on continuing education.

Past President John W. Meehan presented Rachel Johnston of University of Toronto Schools with an award for her 500-word essay on “The environmentally friendly home of the future.” Adam Kahn of Thornhill Secondary School was honoured for his essay addressing the question, “Should property rights be enshrined in the Canadian Constitution?”

May the most active month ever

In May the Toronto Area resale housing market experienced its most activemonth ever as 11,146 homes changed hands, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today. The total for the month was 18 per cent higher than May of 2006.

“The level of activity has been very strong through the spring, but it jumped to another level in May,” Mrs. Mason said. “Overall, our yeartodate figures show that sales are about eight per cent ahead of last year’s pace.”

In West Agincourt “E05″, condominium activity more than doubled as overall sales increased by 39 per cent compared to last May.

Condominiums are by far the most common housing type in Toronto’s downtown / Harbourfront neighbourhood “C01″, where transactions jumped 37 per cent overall compared to May of 2006.

In the Cooksville / Port Credit area of Mississauga “W12″, 41 per cent more transactions took place compared to a year ago.

North of Toronto in Vaughan Centre “N08″, overall resale activity increased by 40 per cent compared to the same timeframe in 2006.

With the average price just five per cent higher than a year ago, at $382,787, Mrs. Mason noted that the market is a strong investment, yet still quite accessible.

“We have an excellent combination of healthy, controlled price increases and a very high level of activity,”Mrs. Mason said.