Toronto real estate board bylaw reforms would remove member veto on fee raises

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Canada’s biggest real estate organization, has proposed modernizing its bylaws, which would take away members’ power to veto fee increases and transfer that control to the board. Right now, members can reject dues hikes at the annual meeting—last fall they blocked a $60 increase for 2025—keeping fees around $700 per year.

This spring’s annual meeting will ask members to approve a full rewrite of TRREB’s governing rules, shifting authority on fee changes from the wider membership to the elected board of directors. Advocates say this change would let the board act faster during money shortfalls—like last year’s $7.65-million deficit and a drop in membership.

But many agents are pushing back, warning that democracy and financial transparency are at risk. Some argue criticism was shut down during annual meetings, and that member input is shrinking. One realtor said agents work hard enough and shouldn't be hit with extra costs without having a chance to vote.

Some brokerages urged agents to be informed and take part in the vote. One brokerage leader said he supports reform in principle but thinks combining all changes into one package lost members’ trust. He even announced he’ll vote no to push for clearer, broken-down proposals.

TRREB’s leadership has declined detailed comment before the meeting, but the board reassures that dues would still be reviewed annually. They say the Finance and Board committees—both made up of volunteer members—would recommend fee levels, keeping oversight in member hands. Oversight remains because members elect the board and can vote them out if unhappy.

As the vote day approaches, tension grows. Critics warn that giving the board more power without member checks could weaken democracy and hold members less accountable. Supporters argue the current system is slow and inefficient, especially in tight financial times. Either way, the outcome will affect how TRREB navigates its future—balancing efficiency, trust, and member control.