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CENTURY 21 Avenue brings new opportunities for commercial real estate agents in Laval
Laval, QC – August 2025 – CENTURY 21 Canada continues its streak of expansion in Quebec with the opening of CENTURY 21 Avenue in Laval, led by Josie Gammiero.
Josie has been in the Canadian real estate industry since 2005 and quickly developed a specialization in commercial real estate. In 2008, she took on the commercial portfolio of a large Quebec corporation, and when that grew to require more agents, she struck out to start her own office. “I was with another brand for many years, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I sold my agency,” she recalls. “A few years later, I decided to start again, rejoin CENTURY 21, and use all that I had learned about commercial real estate in this new venture.”
The main difference between commercial and residential real estate, Josie explains, is that it feels like a completely different language. “Most people who get into residential real estate have a difficult time making the transition over to commercial. There are different ways to get leads, different methods to guide clients through purchases, and there’s very little communication between those working with residential properties versus commercial. My goal is to help agents achieve success in this space, so I’ve built out a training program that will give interested individuals the language and tools they need to understand this side of the industry.”
Josie’s training program gives Continuing Education credits as required by the OACIQ and will be the cornerstone for her brokerage. “I’ve mastered commercial real estate and a lot of agents are interested in the field, so my goal is to give them the training they need to succeed in it. Whether they’re just with my office, with C21, or with another brand, I want all agents to be able to learn the language of selling commercial properties.”
Josie’s training is coming at an opportune time for agents wanting to dive into commercial properties, especially in Quebec. “There’s a big, big demand for commercial properties here, Quebec is known for their industrial spaces. A lot of small businesses need room and redevelopment is constantly happening.”
C21 Avenue is aiming to have ten agents on the roster by the end of this November, with growth of up to 100 agents within the next two years. The growth Josie aims for is part of the overall upward trajectory that C21 Canada has had in Quebec in recent years, and part of her reason for choosing the Canadian legacy brand.
“I’ve worked with other brands that were strictly commercial and that restricted how much I could grow. I want to sell commercial properties while also taking advantage of the mass market residential space, and when CENTURY 21 Canada reemerged in this province, I saw an opportunity to grow my new brokerage with a brand that wasn’t so saturated. I like the challenge of helping bring the brand back bigger and better than before, and I like that I have the freedom to grow in multiple markets.”
Sebastien Bonnerot, recently named Senior Vice President of National Growth and Development for C21 Canada, has been spearheading the brand’s resurgence in Quebec for the past two years. In signing C21 Avenue, he’s also advancing the brand’s renewed focus on the commercial space. “This is a great opportunity for those who have only focused on residential properties to grow their business, and the sector is ripe with opportunities,” he explains. “As a brand, we need to provide the right training for interested agents, and Josie has done so much to open doors into this market. We’re proud to have her back with the brand, and we can’t wait to see how C21 Avenue grows within the next five years.”
CENTURY 21 Avenue officially opened its doors in September of this year. It joins CENTURY 21 Pro-Solution and CENTURY 21 Experience serving the city of Laval.
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CENTURY 21 Canada Names Sébastien Bonnerot Senior Vice President Strategic Growth, CENTURY 21 CANADA
CENTURY 21 Canada announces the appointment of Sébastien Bonnerot as Senior Vice President Strategic Growth. This promotion underscores the brand’s commitment to expanding its footprint into the commercial real estate space and providing new revenue paths for its brokers.
Bonnerot brings a robust 15-year history within the CENTURY 21 system. Starting as an agent in 2010, he quickly transitioned to leadership roles, serving as Team Leader for one of the network’s top teams between 2012 and 2022. In 2015, he founded his own office, CENTURY 21 Élite, which is now recognized as one of the top brokerages in the CENTURY 21 Canada system. “Having hands-on experience as an agent, team leader, and broker/owner has prepared me exceptionally well for this new national mandate,” says Bonnerot.
In recent years, Bonnerot took on a new mission within the brands leadership team of expanding the brand’s presence in Quebec. “Showcasing the C21 value in Quebec is a strong opportunity for us. We have spent the last few years refocusing our efforts into creating an enhanced value proposition that provides Quebec network members with the quality tools and tech they associate with our brand.”
In his new role, Bonnerot’s immediate focus will also be to lead the relaunch and expansion of CENTURY 21 Canada’s Commercial Real Estate offering. “A lot of agents and brokers in the residential space are looking for ways to grow their business, and commercial real estate is a ripe sector to tap into,” Bonnerot states. “As a brand, we need to provide the tools and training to support our network if they choose to branch out and become more active in the commercial market.”
Additionally, Bonnerot will be helping C21 Canada brokers grow their ancillary revenue, an increasingly important pillar for brokerage success. Brokers will soon offer the new ‘Mortgage Monitor’ tool, allowing their clients to easily track their home equity and be alerted when opportunities for refinancing arise. The ‘Home Hub’ tool that the brand is currently rolling out creates direct referrals between C21 Canada agents and the mortgage agents from their sister company CENTUM. This marks a step towards larger integration for both brands under their parent company, Charlwood Pacific Group.
“By developing complementary income streams, brokers can strengthen their financial stability and ensure their offices remain resilient, even when real estate markets experience a slowdown,” he says. His hope is that long term diversification supports long-term sustainability and positions CENTURY 21 Canada offices to thrive in all market conditions.
“This appointment is an exciting step forward for our network,” says Martin Charlwood, President and CEO of CENTURY 21 Canada. “Sebastien’s experience and leadership align perfectly with our commitment to growth, both for the brand and for every individual broker. His focus on strategy, innovation, and brokerage success will help our offices strengthen their businesses, expand their reach, and continue to deliver the exceptional service that defines CENTURY 21 Canada.”
CENTURY 21 Canada operates over 400 offices from coast to coast. The brand will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in March 2026.
Camp Horizon Celebrates 60 Years – JC Anderson Memorial Golf Tournament
By Dana Zielke
On Thursday, August 21, the JC Anderson Memorial Golf Tournament was held at Sirocco Golf Course, raising funds and awareness for Easter Seals Alberta and Camp Horizon, located near Bragg Creek.
For one High River parent, it was an important day to be part of the presenting sponsors and to golf in the tournament for his daughter. Jamie Ellice is a real estate agent with CENTURY 21 Foothills and has been selling properties since 2010. He has a 10-year-old daughter named Prentyce who has enjoyed Camp Horizon for two years.
“As a parent, we love our kids with all our hearts. With Camp Horizon, it gives parents a bit of a break from all the extras we have to do for and with our children. A cute little story with my daughter, Prentyce, is that this year my wife, Christy, dropped her off on the Monday. Of course, we had all of her bedding, her toys and all her other stuff together and ready to go. Christy got Prentyce all set up at camp and said ‘OK, have fun’ and Prentyce pushed her out and said ‘OK, time for you to go’. This was Prentyce’s second summer there so she knew exactly what this was all about. When I went to pick Prentyce up on the Friday, of course, when she saw me, she yelled ‘Daddy’ and was very excited, then she immediately broke down in tears knowing she had to leave camp. That was hard on me because I know how much it meant for her to be there for those five days, for that week. We had a little moment where I was there with the camp counsellors and Prentyce just sat on my knee. I gave her a hug and said ‘Sweetie, I know how much you love it here but you will be coming back next year. It’s time for us to go home.’ I just wanted you to know a little personal story about being a parent of a camper and how important this cause is. It’s important to my daughter. It’s important to me. Camp Horizon matters,” said Ellice.
Prentyce was diagnosed with a rare, genetic condition known as DDX3X Syndrome when she was three and a half years old.
“It’s a genetic mutation on her X chromosome of the DDX3X gene. In simplest terms, for everybody to understand, it presents like she has a mild cerebral palsy. We first noticed she had some delays at eight months. We got her into occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy at 11 months old. She has been working with professionals in those fields for a long time. We keep pushing her to be what she can be and she has met every milestone; walking and talking,” he explained.
Prentyce is in grade five with her classmates. She reads at about a grade one or two level and she can do most things on her own but she does need help with dressing herself, toiletry, but for the most part, she is very self-sufficient. Recently, she ran in a two-kilometer race around Lake Emerson, as part of the run club that she chose to be a part of.
“She is just the sweetest kid you could ever meet; always happy, never a problem, just a really sweet little girl. Prentyce is involved in a lot of things. In the spring and fall, for eight weeks, she does horseback therapeutic riding at Winning Strides, which is near Nanton. In the wintertime, she is part of the CADS (Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers) program at the Castle Mountain Resort. She skis in the evenings there. Prentyce also does a lot of swimming. Camp Horizon is a weeklong highlight for her and as a parent, it’s really nice that that opportunity is there for her,” Ellice said.
Century 21 in Canada has had a relationship with Easter Seals since 1979.
“In that time, Century 21 brokers and agents across the country have brought in 16 million dollars for Easter Seals, which is really impressive and over $500,000 of that has come from Blair and Bev Gordon of Century 21 Foothills, High River, alone,” said Todd Shylak, Executive Vice President of Century 21 Canada.
Century 21 Canada became Easter Seals title sponsors for the “Kids to Camp” program in 2009. Last year, Century 21, across the country, raised over a million dollars for Easter Seals and every dime they raise stays in the province that it was raised in; $160,000 was raised in Alberta.
“This year is especially meaningful for us as this is our 60th anniversary of Camp Horizon. We are celebrating 60 years of campers, 60 years of memories, 60 years of life-changing impact and that is all thanks to these events and our sponsors. These events help us subsidize the cost of camp by almost 70 percent to make it affordable to those that need it to be more affordable. To give parents the breaks that they need, to give campers the experiences they need and to really drive impact into those kids’ lives. Camp is so much more than just recreation,” said Katherine Such, CEO of Easter Seals Alberta. “Easter Seals Camp Horizon offers life-changing accessible summer camp experiences in Alberta for children, youth and adults with disabilities and medical conditions. Our inclusive summer camp programs promote independence, personal growth and unforgettable memories.”
For more information on Camp Horizon and their programs, go to easterseals.ab.ca.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Featuring Dwayne Simmons
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Dwayne Simmons from CENTURY 21 Prospect Realty Ltd. in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Since joining CENTURY 21 in 2017, Dwayne has earned a reputation as a dedicated, results-driven REALTOR® with a strong presence in Canada’s North.
In 2024, Dwayne achieved the prestigious Grand CENTURION® Producer distinction and secured a place in the Top 1% of CENTURY 21 Canada, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of his local market.
Throughout this episode, Dwayne shares his journey in real estate, how being proudly local to Yellowknife shapes his approach, and what it takes to succeed in the unique environment of the North. His story is a powerful reminder of how strong community ties and client-focused service can drive extraordinary results—no matter where you’re working.
Watch the full episode here:
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Featuring Keenan Giles
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Keenan Giles from CENTURY 21 Harbour Realty Ltd. in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Since launching his real estate career in 2022, Keenan has quickly made his mark as a rising star in the industry.
In 2024, Keenan earned the Masters Silver Award, and in early 2025, he was named to CENTURY 21 Canada’s Top 30 Under 30, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young professionals in the network.
With deep local roots in the Nanaimo community, Keenan brings a rare combination of market insight, approachable professionalism, and a strong commitment to exceptional client service. He’s built a reputation for making the home buying and selling experience smooth and stress-free for his clients, all while continuing to grow and evolve as a real estate professional.
In this episode, Keenan shares how he got started, what fuels his passion for helping others, and the values that drive his success in a competitive market.
Watch the full episode here:
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Featuring Giuseppe Bravo
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re thrilled to feature Giuseppe Bravo from CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty Ltd. in Kitimat, British Columbia. Since beginning his real estate career in 2020, Giuseppe has quickly made a name for himself as a rising star in the industry.
A Double CENTURION® Producer, Giuseppe ranked as the #2 Producer by units in BC and Yukon for 2024 and was recognized as one of CENTURY 21 Canada’s Top 30 Under 30. In this episode, Giuseppe discusses the skills and strategies that set him apart, how being proudly local in Kitimat fuels his passion for delivering top-tier service, and what it takes to grow a thriving business in a tight-knit community.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Featuring Alexis Glackin
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re thrilled to feature Alexis Glackin from CENTURY 21 Maximum in Red Deer, Alberta. Since joining CENTURY 21 in 2021, Alexis has rapidly established herself as one of Central Alberta’s top-performing REALTORS®, and a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian real estate scene.
Her accomplishments are impressive: in 2024, Alexis achieved Grand CENTURION® Producer status, ranked #16 in Canada by units, and placed in the Top 1% nationally. Most recently, she was named a Top 21 Producer by Production for the first half of 2025—a true testament to her drive, focus, and commitment to excellence.
In this episode, Alexis opens up about her journey into real estate, the strategies she uses to deliver an unforgettable client experience, and how staying rooted in her local community fuels her passion for helping people buy and sell in Central Alberta. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Alexis’s story offers powerful insights and motivation.
Watch the full episode here:
An Open Letter to the Canadian Real Estate Industry
By Todd Shyiak, EVP, Century 21 Canada
The collapse of iPro Realty (with its 2,400 agents) was more than the failure of a single brokerage. It exposed deep fault lines across Canadian real estate—too many agents without training or oversight, brokerages chasing headcount over quality, and regulators who must strengthen their guardrails. If we want to restore consumer trust and protect agents’ livelihoods, we need structural change.
Here are three of the most pressing problems—and the solutions that can move us forward.
Problem 1: Weak Oversight From RECO
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is tasked with regulating our industry and protecting both consumers and agents. Yet the iPro collapse revealed serious gaps in oversight—especially around the management of trust funds. Consumers will likely be made whole. Agents, however, face devastating financial losses from unpaid commissions.
The fact that the offending brokers, according to RECO, will not face charges is truly criminal. If the penalty for looting your trust account is nothing more than surrendering your license and riding off to a beach retirement, other brokers may be tempted to do the same thing.
Without stronger safeguards, we risk seeing more brokerages fail and more livelihoods put in jeopardy.
Solution: Stronger Safeguards and Accountability
- Enhanced Financial Audits and Reporting
Increase the frequency and depth of audits for brokerages handling trust funds. Require regular disclosures of trust account balances and transactions to identify irregularities early. - Mandatory Trust Fund Management Training
Require all brokers and agents to complete training on the legal and ethical handling of trust funds. Cover compliance requirements, best practices, and the consequences of mismanagement. - Whistleblower Protection and Reporting
Establish anonymous reporting channels and clear protections from retaliation. Agents and employees must feel safe raising concerns about financial irregularities or unethical practices.
These reforms would bring greater transparency, accountability, and confidence to the industry.
Problem 2: Boards and Associations Rely on Headcount
Real estate boards and associations thrive on membership numbers. In Ontario, agents pay between $2,400 and $3,000+ annually—up front—to remain licensed. Whether those agents close a single deal is irrelevant; the boards collect their money either way.
This creates an industry bloated with unproductive and untrained agents. It also allows boards to step into roles that should belong to brokers—offering training, technology, and events that enable low-cost “warehouse” brokerages to avoid responsibility.
Solution: A Subscription Model That Rewards Professionalism
Replace the annual upfront fee with a monthly subscription. Of that, a portion should be paid back to brokerages for each agent who completes three or more transactions annually.
This would:
- Reward brokers who invest in mentoring, training, technology, and accountability.
- Encourage in-person meetings, workshops, and real oversight.
- Shift boards and associations away from their “agent-first” focus and toward supporting brokers’ efforts to build value and professionalism.
By aligning incentives, boards would no longer profit from sheer headcount. Instead, they would support a culture where professional, productive agents thrive.
Problem 3: Brokerages That Prioritize Quantity Over Quality
Some brokerages focus on building large agent rosters but provide limited training, mentorship, or oversight. Their low-fee models often emphasize independence, which can be attractive to part-time agents but leave others without the guidance needed to build a long-term career in real estate.
This approach can create uneven service experiences for consumers and limit opportunities for agents to grow into confident, capable professionals.
Solution: Minimum Brokerage Standards
Every brokerage in Ontario should be held accountable for delivering a baseline level of professional development and oversight. Transaction fees should be aligned with the value of the brokerage’s service offering, not simply driven by a race to the lowest cost.
Every licensed Realtor should also:
- Attend mandatory in-person training on essential skills—professionalism & ethics, market knowledge, communication & negotiation, problem solving & adaptability, legal compliance, and client service.
- Work under a manager who is available to them and actively supports client interactions, presentation and negotiating skills, and especially the preparation of offers and handling of legal matters.
Brokerages should be recognized for fostering professionalism and agent growth, not just for the number of licensees they host. This ensures clients are well served and brokerages remain financially sustainable.
Rebuilding Trust
Consumers expect Realtors to be competent, ethical professionals. Agents expect their brokerages and regulators to safeguard their livelihoods. Both expectations have been shaken.
But iPro should not just be remembered as a failure. It must be treated as a turning point. By reforming how boards collect fees, raising standards for brokerages, and strengthening regulatory oversight, we can rebuild trust in Canadian real estate.
The solutions are clear. The only question is whether we have the will to act.
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