At the LSTAR Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 23 at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre in London, LSTAR Members will be asked to approve the following three Bylaw amendments, as well as a motion on the LSTAR building.
Bylaw Section 3.3.3 – Firm Members
MOTION: “That Bylaw Section 3.3.3 (d) and (e), relating to Firm Members, as amended, be approved.”
Current Bylaw Text | Proposed Bylaw Text |
|---|---|
| 3.3.3 – Firm Members | 3.3.3 – Firm Members |
(d) Not employ any Salesperson or Broker registered under TRESA to trade in real estate on its behalf and who is working within the jurisdictional area of LSTAR unless that person is a Member in Good Standing of LSTAR. (e) Ensure that every partner or director, as the case may be, registered under TRESA and trading within LSTAR’s jurisdictional area, shall be a Member consistent with its RECO registration. | (d) Ensure that all Salespersons or Brokers acting on its behalf in real estate transactions are registered under RECO. (e) Comply with MLS® access and membership requirements as set out in LSTAR Policy. |
The proposed bylaw change seeks to modernize firm membership provisions to reflect current industry realities.
It retains a high-level, enforceable obligation and replaces outdated “must be a member” language with a principle-based requirement that firm members ensure compliance with TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act) and LSTAR Policy.
It further future proofs the bylaw for potential MLS® model changes and reduces administrative burden and risk of inconsistent enforcement while still protecting LSTAR’s interests.
Bylaw Section 6.1 – Composition of the Board of Directors
MOTION: “That Bylaw Section 6.1, relating to Composition of the Board of Directors, as amended, be approved.”
Current Bylaw Text | Proposed Bylaw Text |
|---|---|
| 6.1 – Composition of the Board of Directors | 6.1 – Composition of the Board of Directors |
The stewardship of LSTAR shall be vested in a Board of Directors of ten (10) individuals comprised of:
(b) A Member of the Commercial Committee, appointed by the Board; (c) Seven (7) individuals who are elected by the membership, acclaimed or appointed in accordance with this Bylaw and LSTAR Policies. | The stewardship of LSTAR shall be vested in a Board of Directors comprised of ten (10) individuals, and may be expanded to a maximum of twelve (12) individuals through the appointment of up to two (2) non-member directors.
(b) A Member of the Commercial Committee, appointed by the Board; (c) Seven (7) individuals who are LSTAR Members, elected, acclaimed, or appointed in accordance with this Bylaw and LSTAR Policies. (d) Non-Member Directors Such Non-Member Directors shall be full voting members of the Board of Directors but shall not be eligible to serve as Officers. The majority of the Board shall, at all times, be composed of LSTAR Members. |
As you’ll see in the chart, this proposes that the Board of Directors may be expanded to a maximum of twelve (12) individuals through the appointment of up to two (2) non-member directors.
This aligns with governance best practices in other not-for-profits, where independent directors strengthen strategic oversight, providing the Board with an opportunity to fill necessary skill or experience gaps. It provides flexibility to the Board, if a need is identified.
The language maintains a fixed Board size of ten (10) LSTAR members, ensuring the majority are always LSTAR members to preserve REALTOR® representation.
Other real estate boards and associations have allowed non-member directors to serve on their Boards, including the British Columbia Real Estate Association, Calgary Real Estate Board, and Saskatchewan REALTORS Association.
Bylaw Section 6.3 – Qualifications of Directors
MOTION: “That Bylaw Section 6.3 (e), relating to Qualifications of Directors, as amended, be approved.”
Current Bylaw Text | Proposed Bylaw Text |
|---|---|
| (e) Have the qualifications established by the Board of Directors for Director candidates from time to time, based on skill sets relevant to the competent stewardship of LSTAR; and, | (e) Meet any qualifications or competencies, when required, as set by the Board of Directors. |
As you’ll see in the chart, the intention is to simplify and create flexibility for the Board to set skills-based qualifications only in years where a skills gap is identified, avoiding unnecessary restrictions when not needed.
The proposed change also maintains compliance with ONCA (the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act), ensuring qualifications remain reasonable, relevant, and defensible under ONCA.
LSTAR Building
MOTION: “That the LSTAR Board of Directors be authorized to secure a suitable office space to a maximum of approximately 7,000 square feet within the City of London. Further, that the Board shall approve the proposed lease or purchase option(s) up to a purchase price or 10-year lease term not to exceed 75 percent of the sale price of the existing building.”
The LSTAR Building Task Force met on April 20, 2026 and reviewed a variety of potential office locations. In analyzing the commercial office market listings amidst the current economic environment, the task force identified that there are a limited number of office spaces for sale, which align with the general specifications that LSTAR is looking for. The group also recognized that there is a high number of office spaces for lease, with the majority being available in the downtown core.
The task force agreed to prepare a short list of properties across the City of London and to conduct site visits to explore the viability, accessibility, renovation needs, and parking availability of the prospective sites.
The approach was presented to the LSTAR Board of Directors at their April 23, 2026 meeting, where the directors recommended and approved the new motion related to the building.
Based on the current inventory and market constraints, allowing the directors to approve a proposed lease or purchase option creates more fluidity and flexibility when working with a potential seller and/or property owner. We understand how timing can sometimes impact the negotiation process. Giving authority to directors to make the decision provides more nimbleness and agility.
