Member Stories
Member Spotlight: Jessica Farmer – A Leader in the Rental Housing Community
FRPO is proud to spotlight Jessica Farmer, Senior Leasing Representative at Killam Apartment REIT, for her dedication and professionalism in the rental housing industry. Jessica's career trajectory showcases consistent growth and a strong commitment to her community.
Starting as a Leasing Assistant in 2017, Jessica quickly rose through the ranks at Killam, becoming a Leasing Representative in 2019 and a Senior Leasing Representative in 2022. By 2024, she had assumed additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing a team of seven representatives and managing 39 properties, totaling 4,117 units across Ontario. Last year alone, she screened an impressive 692 prospective residents.
Jessica expertly navigates the complexities of the rental market, addressing fluctuating demands, documentation requirements, and inflation with proactive strategies and excellent communication. She ensures competitive pricing through regular market analysis and provides valuable support to her team and to residents with her industry knowledge.
Beyond her daily duties, Jessica actively engages with her community. She organizes resident events, fostering a sense of belonging, and volunteers with local Ottawa charities through Killam's Community Giving Campaign. She also mentors new staff, contributing to the growth and development of the rental housing industry.
Jessica Farmer's dedication and community involvement make her an asset to FRPO and the rental housing community. We celebrate her achievements and look forward to her continued success.
Member Spotlight: Ida Klaudusz – 25 Years of Dedicated Service to the Rental Housing Community
FRPO proudly celebrates Ida Klaudusz, Site Administrator at 7 Elizabeth Street in Mississauga, for her exceptional 25-year career in the rental housing industry. Starting as a superintendent in 1999, Ida now oversees a 349-suite portfolio, consistently demonstrating an unwavering dedication to her residents and staff.
Ida's commitment to creating a thriving community is evident in her proactive approach. She promptly addresses resident concerns, values and implements feedback, and fosters a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported. This dedication has resulted in high resident satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging within her community.
Beyond her administrative duties, Ida actively seeks opportunities to enhance the lives of her residents. She played a key role in developing Signet Group's innovative sustainable beehive project, which not only provides a habitat for bees but also offers residents educational workshops and locally sourced honey.
Ida's compassion shines through in countless acts of kindness. She selflessly donated her own air conditioner to a Ukrainian family struggling with the summer heat and tirelessly worked to reunite a senior with dementia with their family. Her dedication to her senior residents is particularly noteworthy. She understands the challenges they face, often without nearby family support, and provides invaluable assistance with medication pickups, grocery deliveries, and emergency assistance.
Ida Klaudusz's 25 years of service exemplify the heart and soul of the rental housing industry. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to her community make her a true inspiration. FRPO is honoured to recognize her outstanding contributions and celebrate her remarkable career.
Member Spotlight: The Capreit Team – Life-Changing Renovations
This week, FRPO is celebrating a fantastic team effort and a transformative renovation project at 2100 & 2076 Sherobee! This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on residents' lives.
The renovation focused on upgrading the pool change rooms and sauna, heavily used amenities within the Sherobee community. The project involved a complete overhaul, including new locker systems, restroom partitions, modernized fixtures, improved ventilation, brighter energy-efficient lighting, slip-resistant flooring, and a redesigned layout for a more spacious and user-friendly environment.
This impressive undertaking was a true team effort, led by Director Sunny Hansra, Operations Manager Rhodora Dorado, and Property Manager Claudia Tovar. The team worked closely with Corina Nuca who designed the project, and Brodie Constable, who completed the construction. The entire team's involvement ensured buy-in from everyone and fostered a sense of pride in the finished product.
The upgraded amenities enhance comfort and safety, contributing to an improved quality of life and overall satisfaction. Transparent communication throughout the renovation process fostered trust and a sense of community, making residents feel valued and informed.
The project also had a positive impact on the team members involved. Successfully completing the renovation boosted morale and job satisfaction, while addressing unforeseen challenges and coordinating with contractors provided valuable experience and skill development.
Member Spotlight: Jasmina – Building Strong Relationships with Residents
This member story Monday, FRPO is thrilled to celebrate Jasmina, an exceptional Resident Manager at Skyline Living in Windsor, Ontario. Joining Skyline in 2020, Jasmina brought with her a wealth of experience, having dedicated 16 years to the rental housing industry. Her background in customer service and administration has proven invaluable, enabling her to expertly manage a dynamic and diverse community. Jasmina's commitment to excellence drives her to continually refine policies and procedures, ensuring a positive experience for all residents.
Jasmina’s leadership truly shines in her ability to foster a vibrant, multi-generational community. She understands that her residents have varied needs and interests, from retirees enjoying their golden years to young families and busy professionals. She expertly caters to these diverse needs, organizing family-friendly events, offering support to seniors, and accommodating the demanding schedules of working professionals. This creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and a strong sense of community flourishes.
Beyond her professional expertise, Jasmina is known for her genuine empathy and compassion. She takes the time to connect with residents on a personal level, lending a listening ear and engaging in meaningful conversations. Whether it's assisting a senior with groceries, checking in on a resident without family, or ensuring clear communication with a hearing-impaired tenant, Jasmina consistently goes above and beyond. Her thoughtful actions foster a strong sense of belonging and make residents proud to call Skyline home.
Jasmina's dedication, accountability, and passion for excellence make her a true asset to Skyline Living and an inspiration within the rental housing industry. She embodies the spirit of community and exemplifies the positive impact a dedicated Resident Manager can have. Thank you, Jasmina, for your outstanding contributions!
Member Spotlight: Maher– Inspiring Commitment to Helping New Canadians
This member story Monday, FRPO celebrates Maher, a leasing agent with MetCap Living in Ottawa, who exemplifies dedication and compassion in the rental housing industry. Joining MetCap in 2022, Maher brought extensive international experience, having navigated diverse rental markets before relocating to Canada in 2019. This global perspective, combined with exceptional interpersonal skills, allows him to connect with prospective tenants from all walks of life, tailoring his approach to each individual's unique needs.
Maher manages a large and diverse Ottawa portfolio of 13 buildings, encompassing over 2,295 units. He expertly navigates the complexities of the rental market, maintaining remarkably low vacancy rates despite rising rents and affordability challenges. In 2023, his vacancy rate was an impressive 4.2%, and currently stands at 5.6% in 2024—a testament to his skill in a competitive market. His impressive lead-to-application conversion rate of over 20%, resulting in 250 units rented in the past year alone, further underscores his effectiveness.
What truly sets Maher apart is his commitment to helping new Canadians and refugees navigate the often-daunting process of securing housing in a new country. He understands the challenges they face, particularly the lack of local rental and credit history, and goes above and beyond to ensure they have the opportunity to find a home. This compassion, combined with his problem-solving skills, has earned him well-deserved recognition, including the "Best Leasing Agent in Ottawa" award and a letter of appreciation from the City of Ottawa for his support of government housing programs.
Maher's dedication extends beyond simply filling vacancies. He strives to create welcoming communities, ensuring new residents feel connected and supported. His commitment to both his clients and the broader community makes him a true asset to the rental housing industry. Thank you, Maher, for your outstanding contributions!
Member Spotlight: Erna Corr – A True Community Builder at BlueStone Properties
FRPO proudly celebrates Erna Corr, Property Manager at BlueStone Properties' 600 Proudfoot Lane, for her outstanding contributions to the rental housing community. With 12 years of experience in the industry, Erna has dedicated the past 5 years to fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment at the 156-unit Proudfoot Lane property, serving a diverse population of seniors and young professionals.
Erna's commitment to resident well-being is evident in her proactive and compassionate approach. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure resident satisfaction, promptly addressing concerns, actively seeking and implementing feedback, and creating opportunities for residents to connect and thrive. This dedication is reflected in her exceptional scores in the 2023 and 2024 resident satisfaction surveys, where she ranked highest among all building managers.
One of Erna's most impactful initiatives is the "Resident Coffee Hour," a monthly gathering she established to strengthen community bonds. This popular event provides a relaxed and welcoming space for residents to socialize, share experiences, and build meaningful connections.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Erna demonstrates remarkable empathy and generosity. She has volunteered her time to support residents facing personal challenges, including assisting those with health issues by helping with household tasks. This willingness to go the extra mile exemplifies her genuine care for the well-being of her community.
Erna's warm and approachable demeanor, combined with her exceptional professionalism, makes her a true asset to BlueStone Properties. She builds strong personal connections with residents, earning their trust and admiration. By actively listening, offering support, and enhancing residents' lives in meaningful ways, Erna embodies the spirit of community building.
FRPO is honored to recognize Erna Corr for her outstanding dedication, warmth, and genuine care for her residents. She is a true inspiration within the rental housing industry, and her commitment to creating positive living environments serves as a shining example for all.
Spotlighting Skyline Living’s R.I.S.E Program – Supporting Tenants Through Life’s Unexpected Challenges
Life can throw unexpected challenges that disrupt routines, livelihoods, and even one's ability to stay on top of bills. Through Skyline Living’s (Skyline) R.I.S.E. (Reach, Impact, Support, Elevate) program, tenants are offered assistance with resources, financial support, and community connections when faced with life’s unexpected challenges.
The program has made a meaningful impact on many lives, and Let’s Build Ontario is proud to share some of the storis that highlight the compassionate work that Ontario’s professional rental-housing providers do day in and day out.
A Fresh Start for a Single Parent Escaping Abuse
A single parent of two young children, found refuge in a Skyline property after fleeing an abusive relationship. Shortly after moving in, they faced a series of health issues requiring surgeries and hospitalizations. With limited resources and bills piling up, the tenant found themselves in a difficult position as they prepared to return to work. Through R.I.S.E., they were provided the necessary financial support to cover rent arrears, settle the hydro bill, and even helped outfit the children for school. Today, the tenant is still with Skyline, working hard to stay afloat.
Skyline’s Lynden Gate Estates Helps Those in Need
A refugee family in their search for housing, was met with an extraordinary sense of community and welcomed with open arms by Skyline’s team on the ground. At each step, the team did everything they could to streamline the process for the family of six and helped them move out of a rooming house and into their new apartment a few days early, at no additional cost. The entire experience was very emotional for the family who are now very happy in their new home.
Overcoming a Life-Changing Injury
A tenant of more than 11 years was suddenly faced with a life-altering workplace accident when a heavy steel loading bay door fell on them, resulting in broken ribs, a broken scapula, and severe head and leg injuries. Diagnosed with an acquired brain injury meant they could no longer drive, significantly affecting their independence and ability to make ends meets. With mounting bills, including child support and rent arrears, they turned to Skyline’s R.I.S.E. program and was able to have their rent covered which allowed them to focus on what mattered most – their recovery. Today, this tenant is proudly continuing their journey with Skyline, meeting their rent obligations and rebuilding their life.
Hope Amidst Health Struggles and Family Challenges
For a single parent of two young children, recently leaving an abusive relationship can be stressful enough – let alone receiving new that their children were both diagnosed with the same form of brain tumor. Having to stop working to care for their children, managing not only medical appointments but also legal fees from their previous situation, they were stretched beyond capacity. Skyline’s R.I.S.E. program offered immediate assistance by covering the overdue rent and an additional month, giving the family the time and space to catch up and focus on well-being. Today, they continue to live with Skyline, staying on track with rent while focusing on family and health.