It’s been quite a year, and it’s my sincere hope that you and your loved ones have been doing well during these unprecedented conditions. With the arrival of the vaccine, we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s important to remain vigilant in the months ahead as we work towards vaccinating the population.

It’s amazing to think that more than eight months have passed since the NBA halted its season, which marked the beginning of the Covid-era in North America. Around that time, I heard a saying that has stuck with me throughout. When discussing the challenges facing the community, one colleague said, “we’re all in the same boat,” to which another replied, “actually, we’re all in the same storm…but each of us is sitting in a much different boat.”

I’ve thought about that a lot, and while the real estate industry continues to roll, I don’t lose sight of the fact that sectors like hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage haven’t been as fortunate. I hope that among the lessons learned from 2020, some are placed on empathy, tolerance, and compassion for others in our community. Real estate may have been deemed ‘essential,’ but if these months have taught us anything, it’s how essential each of us is in creating a real community.

So, rather than talk about the market, I’d like to thank those that have gone over and above to help maintain our community: healthcare workers, teachers, transportation professionals, delivery professionals, bankers, grocers, first responders. I also want to thank those in the charitable sector. We recently had the privilege of helping The Growing Neighbourhoods Foundation, in conjunction with Building Roots, in the distribution of over 150 winterized sleeping bags and 100 emergency thermal blankets to Toronto’s homeless population. There are so many women and men working to meet the needs of our city at the grassroots level. It’s incredibly inspiring.

If you are looking for tips and ideas on how to make the most of the months ahead, please check in regularly with our Blog and be sure to enjoy the latest edition of The Collection. We hope these resources provide some joy and distraction this winter season. More importantly, we wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again in 2021.

Sincerely,

Michael Kalles, MBA, President