Transparency builds trust — and trust is the foundation of every strong organization, especially one as large and diverse as the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
As a candidate for TRREB Director 2026, I believe the path forward starts with greater openness, meaningful communication, and stronger member engagement. Realtors deserve to know how decisions are made, when consultations happen, and how their feedback shapes outcomes.
In short, members deserve a TRREB that listens first and acts with integrity.
Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever
The real estate industry is changing quickly — with new regulations, technology shifts, and growing client expectations. Yet, many members feel disconnected from the decisions that affect their work and day-to-day business.
When important votes or policy updates happen without clear consultation, it can leave members feeling left out. Transparency isn’t just about posting information after a decision — it’s about creating opportunities for dialogue before decisions are made.
That’s how we can build confidence and unity across our profession.
A Better Approach: Listening Before Voting
If elected as TRREB Director 2026, one of my top priorities will be to push for more time for public consultation on major initiatives and policy changes.
We need to ensure members have a real opportunity to:
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Review proposals in advance;
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Ask questions and get straightforward answers;
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Offer feedback that’s genuinely considered before final decisions.
This approach doesn’t slow things down — it strengthens buy-in. When members feel informed and respected, they’re more likely to support the outcomes that follow.
Lessons from the ORWP Experience
We all remember the Ontario Realtor Wellness Program (ORWP), which was decided and implemented by OREA, not TRREB. Many members pushed back against it being made mandatory, yet the decision still went through — and that created frustration across the profession.
It wasn’t about opposing wellness or benefits; it was about the lack of consultation and communication. Many realtors felt left out of the conversation and unsure how their concerns were being represented.
That experience reminded us of something important: when members feel informed and included, they engage; when they feel unheard, trust erodes.
Even though TRREB didn’t make the ORWP decision, our Board still plays a critical role in amplifying member feedback and ensuring strong communication with OREA and other stakeholders.
As your Director, I’ll advocate for stronger two-way communication and proactive outreach whenever policies outside TRREB directly impact our members.
Breaking Down Big Votes for Better Clarity
Another area where we can improve transparency is how voting is structured.
When multiple unrelated items are bundled together in a single vote, it limits members’ ability to express clear preferences. By breaking down large, bundled voting listings into individual votes, we can make the process more transparent and easier to understand.
This not only makes decision-making fairer, but it also helps members feel more confident that their votes reflect their true opinions — issue by issue, not as part of a package.
Simple changes like this can dramatically increase both participation and trust. Members deserve to know exactly what they’re voting for.
Empowering Brokerage Ambassadors
Communication doesn’t stop at the Board — it begins in every brokerage.
That’s why I believe we must empower Brokerage Ambassadors with more timely, accurate information. These ambassadors play a vital role in connecting TRREB leadership with thousands of members. They’re often the first point of contact when agents have questions or concerns.
By providing ambassadors with regular briefings, clear summaries, and early access to important updates, TRREB can help ensure information reaches every member quickly and consistently.
When every brokerage is equipped with informed ambassadors, we create a ripple effect of understanding, engagement, and collaboration across our entire organization.
A Shared Responsibility
While TRREB leadership must lead with transparency, members also share responsibility in shaping the Board’s direction.
Historically, voter turnout in TRREB elections has been low — but when members feel informed or affected, participation spikes. That tells us something clear: realtors do care, but they need communication that’s timely, clear, and relevant.
Transparency and engagement go hand in hand. The more TRREB communicates early — through consultations, surveys, and brokerage networks — the stronger our collective voice becomes.
What I’ll Advocate For
If elected as your TRREB Director 2026, I’ll work to implement several practical steps that make TRREB more open, collaborative, and member-driven:
1. Advance Notice for Consultations
Ensure members get enough time to review and discuss major proposals before votes or policy changes.
2. Individualized Voting
Break down large, bundled votes into separate items for clarity and fairness.
3. Empowered Brokerage Ambassadors
Provide ambassadors with timely updates, FAQs, and key materials so they can share accurate information within their offices.
4. Regular Member Surveys & Town Halls
Host quarterly online and in-person feedback sessions so members can share ideas year-round — not just during election season.
5. Transparent Reporting
After major decisions, publish summaries explaining how input was gathered and why final decisions were made.
Together, these steps can strengthen trust between TRREB and its members while building a culture of transparency and accountability.
Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusion — The Foundation for Change
Transparency only works when it’s built on strong values. My campaign stands on three core principles:
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Integrity — Doing what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient.
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Innovation — Using technology and data to improve communication and efficiency.
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Inclusion — Ensuring every member’s voice is heard, valued, and represented.
A transparent TRREB is a stronger TRREB — one that reflects the professionalism, diversity, and dedication of its members.
A TRREB That Reflects Its Members
TRREB represents over 70,000 realtors — an incredible community of professionals who serve clients, shape markets, and build neighbourhoods. Our collective experience gives us strength, but only if we stay connected through communication and trust.
This election isn’t just about leadership; it’s about representation. It’s about building a TRREB that truly reflects its members — open, responsive, and united by shared values.
Let’s Build a Transparent TRREB — Together
Transparency doesn’t come from one person — it grows through collaboration. It starts when members speak up, leadership listens, and everyone feels part of the process.
As your TRREB Director 2026 candidate, I’m committed to that vision — a TRREB where communication is open, decisions are clear, and members feel respected and involved.
️ Voting Period: November 12–17, 2025
Where to Vote: TRREB Member Portal
Vote For: Yan Zhou — Leadership That Listens, Integrity That Inspires
Together, we can make TRREB stronger, smarter, and more transparent — one conversation at a time.
Yan Zhou
Brokerage Manager | FRI Designee | TRREB Volunteer | Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award Recipient
Leadership That Listens | Integrity | Innovation | Inclusion