Government Relations: Light Rail Transit (LRT)

Feb 3, 2015 | Member Services | 0 comments

On Monday, January 26, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Premier Kathleen Wynne met and discussed funding for Hamilton’s rapid transit needs.  The result was an announcement of full funding for the project.

Since 2008, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington has maintained a position in support of light rail. In the six years since, our position hasn’t wavered because, even in the early days, it has been apparent to the leadership that this is more than just a state of the art transportation system; it is an investment in the future.

We need to be forward-thinking in our plans for the future, and we believe that light rail is one of the best ways to achieve many of the city’s goals. These include continued revitalization of the downtown core, intensification along main corridors, further economic development and a broadening of the tax base.

The Rapid Ready report provides positive numbers, with the following financial benefits from LRT:

• Reduction of scheduled and unscheduled backlog capital works in the order of approximately $79 million.
• Tax benefit from new development by LRT estimated at $22.4 million.
• Potential for 6,000 construction jobs (provincial); 3,500 directly in Hamilton.
• Potential for 1,000 permanent jobs (provincial); 300 jobs in Hamilton to deliver regular operations and maintenance.
• B-Line LRT investment may result in an estimated increase of more than $443 million in Ontario’s GDP.

With the funding commitment from the Province, it is now the City’s turn to solidify its buy-in.  If you support this project, please let your councillor know: http://www.hamilton.ca/YourElectedOfficials/WardCouncillors/

MEMBER SERVICES – REALTOR® CONNECTIONS is coming!

Jan 9, 2015 | Member Services | 0 comments

Where can you listen to great speakers, meet suppliers of goods and services you can use, network with your colleagues and attend the RAHB Annual General Meeting? At REALTOR® CONNECTIONS 2015, of course!

The planning team is putting together a day that will have something for everyone, and a lot of great information for everyone. Watch for big changes to the format – we’re turning the event upside down!

Highlights:
• Keynote Speaker Chris Leader – Dare to be Exceptional
• Early bird presentation by Kathy Hogeveen – Developing an Online Strategy
• CoreLogic’s Todd Targgart will be there to demo the new Matrix system
• RAHB’s AGM will be held early afternoon so everyone can attend
• Great trade show
• New this year – knowledge pods in the exhibit area!

Plan to attend REALTOR® CONNECTIONS 2015. Registration is free for members who register before March 6, 2015; watch MOD for the opening of online registration.

See you there!

MEMBER SERVICES – New International Property Measurement Standard for Office Buildings

Jan 9, 2015 | Member Services | 0 comments

The International Property Measurement Standard (IPMS) for Offices is a principle-based and internationally applicable office building measurement standard. This new standard is the result of a global effort spearheaded by a coalition of more than 50 professional organizations from around the globe to create a uniform method for measuring property. The IPMS is set to replace dozens of existing standards currently in use around the world. The new standard defines which areas are included when measuring a property and which are not.

The IPMS will help to reduce risk, increase measurement consistency and support transparency in an increasingly globalizing commercial property industry. This standard will benefit the way property assets are managed and, ultimately, how investors, corporate occupiers, buyers and sellers make financial decisions in order to save time and money.

IPMS for Office Buildings is now available.  Download your copy.