Ontario's cities are getting denser with each passing year. Fuelled by continuing demand for housing, our real estate industry is seeing dynamic growth. Yet, its foundational strength does not lie solely in steel and glass, but in the fresh minds and innovative spirits of the next generation poised to inherit its legacy. Now, the Ontario Real Estate Clubs Association (ORECA) is emerging as a pivotal architect of futures, crafting a unique conduit for students into the real estate realm — a mission that no other organization has taken up with such vigour. UrbanToronto recently sat down for an interview with ORECA’s founders to learn more. UrbanToronto is also a key partner for their upcoming Networking Reception event on March 14th.

Since its inception in January, 2023, ORECA has focused on real estate mentorship and education. Co-founded by a team of visionaries from Ontario post-secondary institutions including Toronto Metropolitan University, Wilfrid Laurier University, Western University, Queens University, University of Toronto, and University of Guelph, the organization swiftly became an inspiration for those stepping into the industry's competitive waters. Within a year, ORECA has flourished into an inclusive platform, nurturing connections between industry stalwarts and the keen minds of students across the province.

Ethan Harris, Rachel McKenna, and Jeremiah Ayella, Managing Directors, image courtesy of ORECA

Thursday, March 14th, 2024 promises another major event with ORECA's 2nd Annual Networking Reception, with the organization hosting over 400 attendees at CIBC SQUARE. The evening will bring a mix of interaction and wisdom-sharing, starting with an enlightening panel discussion and melting into an open networking session embellished with complimentary food, beverages, and entertainment. Ethan Harris, Managing Director, highlights the essence of these gatherings: "We're trying to foster genuine human connections where people can meet potential mentors in the industry and find the right path."

ORECA's 2023 networking reception, image courtesy of ORECA

Within the many collaborations for ORECA's events, UrbanToronto stands out as a key partner. As a site devoted to Toronto's development and real estate news, our partnership showcases an alignment of visions and a shared commitment to nurturing the growth of the real estate industry by connecting its future leaders with today's trailblazers. 

 

The organization's journey is characterized by its events, typically held in the spring and summer, designed to be a stepping stone for students into the professional world. ORECA also offers hands-on workshops and interactive sessions. Take, for instance, their inaugural networking reception, which set a high bar by bringing together over 350 participants for a night of insightful dialogue and opportunity. As Rachel McKenna, one of the Managing Directors, articulates, “It was hard to learn about the real estate market and try to network from the outside as a student …. ORECA is a platform where students that may not have any connections get easy access to the industry and the opportunity to network with these professionals."

ORECA logo

ORECA's synergy with various partners, such as the Canadian Real Estate Forums, amplifies the impact of its mission. The integration of these collaborations brings a layered richness to the experiences they offer, as seen in their Bright Track: Summer Educational Series with JLL Canada. Jeremiah Ayella, another Managing Director, remarks on the spirit of partnership within the industry: "It's a very pay-it-forward type of environment... All these companies, all these people are so willing to be so invested and support the next generation."

Looking beyond their successful first year, ORECA is laying the groundwork for a future where their organization remains a cornerstone of student engagement and industry advancement. Max Dimov, a Managing Director key in structuring ORECA's business strategy, speaks to this: "One of our big challenges is staying relevant with students... We're also looking to support student groups in ways that they're able to come out to our events, they're able to produce quality programs at their own schools."

ORECA's co-founders include Siobhan Byrne, Jonathan Melanson, Katelyn Young, Ben Galiegue, Sabrina Di Cosola, Alyssa Benn, Jeremiah Ayella, Ethan Harris, Max Dimov, and Rachel McKenna.

ORECA's Managing Directors, Directors, and Coordinators, image courtesy of ORECA

With UrbanToronto and its readers accustomed to tracking GTA's condo developments, ORECA interlinks the industry's vibrancy with the promise of its future caretakers. They champion education and connection, essential in shaping the landscape of real estate and development.

UrbanToronto's partnership with ORECA reflects a mutual recognition of the importance of mentorship, the value of networking, and the power of education in shaping the city's real estate sector. As we save the date for the upcoming reception on March 14th, UrbanToronto's involvement evokes the collaborative spirit that is at the heart of ORECA's mission.

ORECA embodies a future where the real estate industry is not only accessible but enriched by the diversity and dynamism of its upcoming leaders. As the association strides into another year of groundbreaking work, one cannot help but be inspired by the potential ripple effects of their efforts — a generation of real estate professionals as resilient and forward-thinking as the skylines they will one day shape.

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.​