Governors' Page

by Robert J. Mikitka

The time has come for my mandatory retirement as a Governor of the Real Estate Foundation. The last six years have been gratifying in what has been accomplished and my sense of satisfaction at being a part of it. If I have one regret, it is that we could not convince the other provinces to organize a real estate foundation similar to British Columbia’s and Alberta’s. Someone deserves our heartfelt thanks for having the foresight to establish the Foundation. Not only Realtors, but all British Columbians have benefitted directly or indirectly over the last ten years.

I have watched the Foundation grow in its philanthropic role, becoming much more proactive in getting out to communities around the province and in initiating many important projects such as the William’s Lake Housing Study and the Real Estate Industry Directions Inquiry. I am also proud of projects like the Harris Green Charrette, a planning exercise that prompted a change in zoning, density, and set backs and won the City of Victoria a gold "Georgie" award for excellence in planning and development. The award is presented each year by the Canadian Home Builders Association of B.C.

There is an ongoing need to wrest a greater return from the financial institutions. The continual battle over a decent rate of return saps time and energy from the worthwhile works of the staff and Governors. It really is simple: We need a greater return on the interest earned by the real estate trust accounts. In our opinion, a reasonable return, which some banks have already agreed to, is 50 percent of prime and no service charges.

It has been a privilege working with the current and past Governors. Their lack of private agendas and their genuine interest in doing the best they can have been the reasons for the Foundation’s many successes. I would like to thank Tim, Pauline, and Yasmin for their dedication and hard work. I know I’ll miss being a part of the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia.