Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) successfully hosted its inaugural Local Advocacy Day in Mississauga, bringing together local REALTORS® and municipal leaders for meaningful dialogue on housing supply, affordability, and community development priorities.
The day featured structured meetings between local REALTORS® and elected officials, including Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish and six council members, including Deputy Mayor Matt Mahoney, Deputy Mayor John Kovac, Councillor Joe Horneck, Councillor Natalie Hart, Councillor Brad Butt, and Councillor Alvin Tedjo. Discussions focused on practical solutions to increase housing supply and expand homeownership opportunities across the community.
“We’re grateful that Mayor Parrish and Mississauga city council recognized the value REALTORS® bring to housing discussions and welcomed this dialogue,” said Julie Sergi, Chair of Cornerstone. “Our members are on the front lines of the housing market every day. They understand the challenges individuals and families face and are committed to working collaboratively with municipal leaders to address these issues.”
The advocacy meetings were followed by a well-attended luncheon reception in the Great Hall of the Mississauga Civic Centre that brought together Mayor Parrish, councillors, Chief Administrative Officer Geoff Wright, Commissioner of Planning and Building Andrew Whittemore, and other senior municipal staff for continued networking and relationship building. Deepak Anand and representatives from Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta’s office also joined the reception.
“Mississauga’s municipal council has shown real leadership on housing issues through their Housing Task Force, and we were encouraged by the positive reception we received from them,” added Sandra Longden, Cornerstone Director and Chair of the Local Advocacy Committee. “The conversations were constructive and future-focused. It’s clear that there’s strong alignment between REALTORS® and our municipal partners on the need to create attainable housing opportunities for residents.”
Expanding Across the Region
Building on the success of the Mississauga event, Cornerstone is planning similar Local Advocacy Days throughout its market areas in the coming months. These events will provide REALTORS® across the region with opportunities to engage directly with their local elected leaders and contribute to housing policy discussions in their communities.
“This is just the beginning,” continued Longden. “We’re committed to fostering ongoing dialogue between REALTORS® and municipal decision-makers across the communities we serve. Local solutions require local conversations, and we’re excited to bring this model to more municipalities in our market areas.”
The Local Advocacy Days initiative aligns with Cornerstone’s broader commitment to government relations and advocacy work, positioning REALTORS® as solution-oriented partners in addressing Ontario’s housing challenges.
For more about Cornerstone’s advocacy initiatives, visit Advocacy Corner, or contact advocacy@cornerstone.inc.
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a not-for-profit organization with over 325 years of collective service from its founding associations.
Established on July 1, 2024, Cornerstone leads with purpose, advocates boldly, and creates positive change for the success of our members throughout Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Mississauga, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Waterloo Region, and surrounding areas.
With approximately 7,500 members, Cornerstone is the second-largest REALTOR® association in Ontario, dedicated to promoting the greater good of the real estate community.
SOURCE, CORNERSTONE
To learn more, visit CORNERSTONE
