Re/Max Canada has officially severed ties with one of its top-performing brokerages, Calgary’s Re/Max Real Estate (Central), following internal controversy and growing reputational concerns. According to internal emails obtained by Postmedia, the franchise agreement was terminated effective immediately on May 30, 2025.
“This action was taken to protect the Re/Max brand and your business,” Re/Max Canada president Don Kottick wrote to associates in an internal communication. He also invited impacted agents to an information session held later that day in Calgary.
The move follows an ongoing investigation involving Eric Drinkwater, a former associate broker at Re/Max Central, who faces a charge of fraud over $5,000 in connection to a $1.9-million investor scheme involving 16 victims. The incidents allegedly occurred between 2020 and 2024.
Drinkwater, who is related to Re/Max Central owner Pat Hare, had his license suspended in June 2024 and reached settlements with several complainants earlier this year. Hare is named in an ongoing civil lawsuit tied to the same scheme, which also names the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and a numbered company.
Despite the termination, Re/Max Central remains an active and licensed brokerage, according to managing broker David Lem. In a message to associates, Lem confirmed that the brokerage is still recognized by RECA and continues to operate with all trust and commission accounts in order.
“Like you, we were blindsided and completely shocked,” Lem wrote, noting that agents were not given advance notice.
The fallout extended to Alberta’s industry regulator, with Jason Bamlett, vice-chair of RECA’s residential industry council, announcing his resignation the same day. Bamlett criticized the regulator’s leadership in a public Facebook group post, saying he could no longer support an organization “that continues to fail by every measure.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the incident has sent shockwaves through the Alberta real estate industry and sparked questions about franchise oversight, regulatory enforcement, and internal accountability within one of the country’s most recognized real estate brands.
Canada Housing Market 
Leave a comment