The Fraser Valley real estate community is proud to recognize Chris Shields of Macdonald Realty as the 2026 John Armeneau Professional of the Year. Named in honour of the late John Armeneau, a veteran member of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, the award recognizes a Fraser Valley REALTOR® who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to professionalism, leadership, and service to the community.

For more than 20 years, Chris has contributed to organized real estate through leadership and a strong commitment to professionalism. A long-serving Director of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and Chair of multiple committees, he has championed high standards within the profession. He has also mentored hundreds of new REALTORS® and helped to set the tone for professionalism early in their careers.

For Chris, real estate is ultimately about people, a philosophy reflected in his community involvement and his support of the Fraser Valley REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. During the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for the Sources Foundation, he was among the event’s top fundraisers, rallying friends and colleagues with enthusiasm and creativity.

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be included among the ranks of John Armeneau recipients who have come before me,” said Chris Shields, Chair of the BC Real Estate Association. “I can’t express how humbling it is to be recognized this way. At the same time, it inspires me to continue to grow and contribute to our profession and community.”

Chris Shields exemplifies the spirit of the John Armeneau Award through professionalism, leadership, and a deep commitment to service. On behalf of the Fraser Valley REALTOR® community, congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved honour!

We are heartbroken by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board joins CREA, BCREA, REALTORS Care® and real estate boards across the province, in a fundraising campaign to support the Canadian Red Cross Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Appeal. Funds raised will assist affected individuals and families on the road to healing.

We encourage members who are able to consider making tax-receipt-eligible donations through the REALTORS Care® page and to help share this initiative within your networks.

The REALTOR® community has a long history of uniting in times of crisis—today we stand together in solidarity with Tumbler Ridge and offer heartfelt support during this difficult time.

The Fraser Valley REALTORS^® Charitable Foundation (FVRCF) is proud to announce a landmark achievement as it celebrates the disbursement of $373,000 in grants to 29 charitable organizations across the Fraser Valley — bringing the Foundation’s total giving to over $1 million in just three years.

“At-risk youth deserve every chance to thrive, and the charities we are supporting this year are helping make that possible,” said David Herman, Chair of the FVRCF. “Reaching the one-million-dollar milestone so quickly is a remarkable achievement and reflects the generosity and commitment of Fraser Valley REALTORS^®. We are honoured to support organizations creating real, lasting change for young people.”

This year’s grants continue the Foundation’s commitment to empowering vulnerable and marginalized young people across the Fraser Valley by supporting programs focused on education, mentorship, mental health care, and essential life-skills development. Recipient organizations were selected for their demonstrated impact on youth experiencing poverty, mental health challenges, instability, and limited access to opportunities that help shape healthy futures.

The selected charities provide mentorship, educational assistance, counselling, emergency supports, and inclusive activities that help youth build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. [see 2025 recipients below]

“Support from the Fraser Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation doesn’t just fund a program at Mackie’s Place — it restores hope,” said Tresha Iype, Executive Director of Mackie’s Place. “It tells vulnerable young people: ‘You matter. Your future matters. And we believe in you.’ When a young person understands that, everything shifts. Doors they never imagined begin to open, and the trajectory of a life — and often a generation — changes for the better.”

“Fraser Valley REALTORS^® have always been deeply connected to the communities we serve, and the Foundation is a powerful expression of that commitment,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Our members’ ongoing support makes it possible for the Foundation to respond to the needs of local youth in meaningful and timely ways. We’re incredibly proud of the impact this collective effort is having across the region.”

Fraser Valley REALTORS® have once again demonstrated the power of community compassion as this year’s REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive comes to a close. Thanks to the generosity of Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) members and their clients, this year’s drive collected more than 900 bags of blankets, coats, and warm winter clothing, providing comfort and support to an estimated 9,000 people across the region.

Now in its 31st year, the Blanket Drive continues to be one of the Fraser Valley’s most impactful annual acts of community giving. FVREB volunteers from Abbotsford to North Delta gave their time, resources, and energy to collect, sort, and deliver essential winter items, all in the name of helping neighbours weather the cold months ahead.

“Every blanket, coat, and warm item donated through the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive meets an immediate and essential need in our community,” said Adam Beardwood, Director at Cyrus Centre Abbotsford. “These contributions allow us to extend care, offer compassion, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on our support.”

This year’s theme, “Warmth That Lasts,” was felt in every aspect of the drive. Each donated coat, blanket, or pair of gloves represents comfort, dignity, and a reminder to those struggling that their community sees and cares for them.

“The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive continues to make a meaningful impact on the people we serve,” said Janet Brown, Director of Communications at Surrey Urban Mission. “Every donated item we receive helps individuals stay safe through the cold months, while supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community. This is the warmth that lasts; a sense of being seen, supported, and valued during life’s most difficult moments.”

The Blanket Drive also served as a reminder of what strong community connections can achieve. Across the region, brokerages welcomed donations from clients, local residents, and partner organizations.

“In a year when many families are feeling the strain of rising costs, the need in our communities has never been greater,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “I’m incredibly proud of our members, who continue to show up with generosity, empathy, and service. Their dedication makes a real and lasting difference for thousands of people across the Fraser Valley.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board extends heartfelt thanks to every donor, volunteer, and participating brokerage for helping share Warmth That Lasts. Their continued commitment ensures that vulnerable individuals and families receive the essential items, and the kindness they need to face the winter season.

The PacificWest Conference 2025 may have wrapped up, but the excitement, inspiration, and unforgettable moments are far from over. For three vibrant days, more than a thousand REALTORS®, brokers, industry partners, and speakers came together in Vancouver for one of the most dynamic real estate events in Western Canada.

The full PacificWest 2025 photo album is now available on Flickr, showcasing the people, the energy, and the experiences that made this year’s conference truly exceptional.

View the album here.

Want to feel like you were right there in the room? Check out the PacificWest 2025 recap video and relive the best moments.

Whether you want to revisit a favourite moment, find yourself in the crowd, or get a closer look at what made PacificWest 2025 so special, the newly released photo gallery has it all — the speakers, the sessions, the celebrations, and the connections that define this growing event.

Planning for PacificWest 2026 is already underway, and next year promises even more insight, innovation, and unforgettable experiences.

Save the date: September 28–29, 2026.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is taking a major step forward with the launch of CLARA, an AI-powered assistant created to support REALTORS® with faster, easier access to trusted information. Built using FVREB’s official resources, CLARA reflects the Board’s commitment to innovation, accuracy, and helping members work more efficiently. This milestone marks an exciting advancement in how technology is being used to support the real estate profession across the Fraser Valley.

This year’s CREA Political Action Committee (PAC) Days saw more than 400 delegates from 54 Boards gather in Ottawa for meetings with Federal MPs from ridings within the FVREB jurisdiction. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s (FVREB) Stakeholder Government Relations Committee (SGRC) and Officers had a full slate of meetings with our constituent MPs ridings including:

• Sukhman Gill- Abbotsford – South Langley
• Tamara Jansen – Cloverdale – Langley City
• Gurbux Saini – Fleetwood – Port Kells
• Ernie Klassen – South Surrey – White Rock
• Sukh Dhaliwal – Surrey Newton

The SGRC will follow up with MPs we missed – Brad Vid, Tako Van Popta, and Randeep Sara – when they are back in their local ridings in the next few months.

The team engaged in constructive dialogue on pressing issues impacting housing affordability and attainability. In particular, they reinforced CREA messages along with the key take-aways from FVREB’s newly released offsite construction report, which outlines nine key recommendations designed to expedite the adoption of prefab and modular housing as part of the broader response to the housing crisis. These discussions were well-received by the MPs and sparked meaningful conversations about potential next steps.

As we have done previously, we will continue to maintain and build our engagement with Federal MPs, provincial MLAs, and municipal mayors and councillors, to find ways to bring all three levels of government to the table to more cohesively address the housing issues we face in the Fraser Valley, the Lower Mainland, and the rest of our province.

The newest issue of LOCUS, FVREB’s flagship digital magazine, is out, delivering the latest insights and analysis on the challenges and opportunities shaping real estate.

BC Housing Minister Christine Boyle headlines the issue, sharing how her government plans to use “every tool in the kit” to tackle BC’s housing affordability crisis and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Inside, you’ll also find:

• Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA Chief Economist, on why uncertainty has become the new normal — and what it means for REALTORS®.
• Journalist Richard Littlemore explores Canada’s housing crisis from a national-to-local lens, asking whether the Fraser Valley could lead the way in restoring affordability.
• Aled ab Iorwerth, CMHC Deputy Chief Economist, breaks down new affordability ratios and what it will take to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2035.
• Neil Moody, CHBA BC CEO, on the urgent need to bridge the supply gap and support builders as construction jobs decline.

Also in this issue: FVREB’s latest report on offsite construction, a profile of the PacificWest Conference, and the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive, returning this November.

Read the Fall 2025 issue here.

Building faster, smarter: new report calls for a prefabricated housing strategy to accelerate affordability in BC

FVREB is calling for bold action to unlock the potential of prefabricated and modular housing as one of the key solutions to British Columbia’s housing crisis. Its new report, Building Faster, Smarter, outlines nine practical policy recommendations to help governments, industry, and communities deliver more homes quickly, sustainably, and affordably.

The report highlights how factory-built housing can reduce construction waste by up to 70 per cent, cut on-site emissions by more than 40 per cent, and deliver homes in half the time of traditional methods. Yet inconsistent municipal zoning, outdated permitting standards, and limited financing options continue to slow adoption.

“We need only look at countries like Sweden and Germany to realize that Prime Minister Mark Carney and the team at Build Canada Homes (BCH), are onto something that we in Canada need to embrace — building affordable housing at scale,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board as well as the Stakeholder and Government Relations Committee (SGRC).

FVREB’s report outlines several key recommendations including:

• Harmonizing municipal zoning to make prefabricated housing easier to replicate across communities.
• Creating a provincial procurement roadmap to provide predictable, long-term demand for modular housing.
• Establishing a “Prefab-Ready” lending stream within CMHC’s Apartment Construction Loan Program to improve financing options.
• Empowering First Nations leadership through dedicated procurement and production partnerships in modular housing.
• Expanding TradeUpBC funding to train and prepare workers for modular and offsite construction.

“At FVREB, we believe prefabricated and modular construction represent one of the practical and innovative ways forward — one that can deliver more homes quickly, sustainably, and at prices within reach,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “We look forward to working with governments and industry partners to bring these recommendations to life.”

FVREB’s call to action comes as the prefabricated construction industry experiences rapid growth globally and in Canada. McKinsey projects the modular construction industry will reach USD $130 billion by 2030 across Europe and the U.S., while Business Wire forecasts Canada’s prefabricated construction output will rise 5.6 per cent in 2024 to CAD $18.5 billion, and grow at a 5.3 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach CAD $22.8 billion by 2028.

“Canadians are facing one of the most pressing housing affordability challenges in its history,” said Jacobsen. “Offsite construction should be a key strategic pillar in our efforts to increase supply at the pace necessary to bring affordability under control.”

To read the full report, click here.

Mark your calendars and dust off your clubs! The annual FVREB golf tournament is back this September.

More than just a round of golf, this tournament is an opportunity to make a real difference. All net proceeds will directly benefit local programs and services that empower and support at-risk youth in the Fraser Valley, helping to build brighter futures in our communities.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
• Location: Northview Golf & Country Club, Surrey
• Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
• Cost: $295 per person

Registration includes:

• Lunch before tee-off
• A delicious buffet dinner to wrap up the day
• Power cart and access to the driving range
• Golfer gift
• Exciting prizes, on-course games, and fun surprises

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or simply looking to enjoy a great day with colleagues and friends, this event is the perfect blend of networking, relaxation, and giving back to those who need it most.

Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful and memorable day. Gather your team, grab your clubs, and join us in making a difference — one swing at a time. And a big congratulations to Becky Zhou PREC who was our early bird winner and picked up three new lockboxes!

Register today by contacting Darcie Rosenberg and help support the future of our youth in the Fraser Valley!