LSTAR ANNUAL GENERAL REVIEW 2022
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After two years in a virtual format, the annual Fall CREA PAC Days returned to an in-person opportunity, and LSTAR
connected with MP Fragiskatos and MP Vecchio. In November, LSTAR had the chance to visit with MP Lianne Rood,
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex at her Strathroy constituency office.
The fall meetings reinforced the recommendations that were delivered in the first half of the year:
·
Convene a permanent national housing roundtable.
·
Leverage infrastructure funding to incentivize provinces, territories, and municipalities to increase housing supply.
MPP ENGAGEMENT
2022 PROVINCIAL ELECTION
Prior to the June provincial election, LSTAR partnered with the London Chamber of Commerce to host a Candidate Forum
featuring candidates from London West on May 18. The event featured an informal meet and greet with the candidates, as
well as a question and answer session for candidates to address the concerns of London's business community.
LSTAR also partnered with the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce to host a Provincial All Candidates Debate
on May 18 featuring the candidates from Elgin-Middlesex-London.
FALL MPP VISITS
Members of LSTAR's PAC team engaged in productive meetings at Queen's Park with many London and St. Thomas
Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in November. LSTAR met with MPP Terence Kernaghan, London North Centre;
MPP Peggy Sattler, London West; MPP Rob Flack, Elgin-Middlesex-London; and MPP Teresa Armstrong, London-
Fanshawe. In addition, LSTAR and colleagues from the Chatham-Kent Association of REALTORS® met with senior
advisors from the office of MPP Monte McNaughton, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
The meetings focused on the following recommendations:
·
Increase the first-time homebuyers land transfer tax rebate from $4,000 to $8,000.
·
Increase professional standards in Ontario's real estate sector by prioritizing the implementation of Phase Three
regulations under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2022 (TRESA).
MUNICIPAL
Ahead of the October 24 municipal election, LSTAR attended the Municipal Candidates Forum at Wolf Performance Hall
on October 12, which featured a public question and answer session with the mayoral candidates.
LSTAR's PAC team connected with London Ward 5 Councillor Jerry Pribil on November 17, to discuss housing and
community issues. On December 12, the PAC team sat down with London Mayor Josh Morgan and discussed housing
affordability, homelessness, and other economic issues. As part of LSTAR's Strategic Plan, efforts will continue to engage
with municipal leaders all across the region.
In 2022, LSTAR continued strengthening its relationships with the London Chamber of Commerce, London Home
Builders' Association, and St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders' Association, as well as London Development Institute. The City
of London invited LSTAR to participate in a Stakeholder Working Group for ReThink Zoning, the City's initiative to develop
its new Zoning By-law. LSTAR participated in two sessions in August and November, with additional meetings scheduled
in 2023.
LSTAR also engaged with the London Property Management Association, St. Thomas and District Chamber of
Commerce, London Economic Development Corporation, and St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation (STEDC)
throughout the year.
The Association continued to be represented as a resource with the London Homeless Coalition and the St. Thomas-Elgin
Housing Stability Alliance.