Meet Kimberlee Diamond 👋 she leads The Georgian Realty Team + chatted with SPACES (Collingwood Today Published September 15, 2025) about the current state of the housing market. Here’s her expert analysis on real estate at the moment…

Q. What are you seeing in the real estate market right now? What the #$@% is happening?

What’s happening is the unstable economic conditions are bleeding into real estate — high interest rates, inflation, and shaky consumer confidence have buyers hesitating and sellers holding back. It’s making the market feel unpredictable and a bit chaotic.

Q. It’s a buyers’ market – what’s your advice for anyone thinking of listing their place this fall?

Price sharp, present it perfectly, and be prepared to negotiate — buyers have the upper hand this fall, so your home needs to stand out.

Q. For those looking to buy – what do you think they should know?

Buyers finally have leverage — more choice, room to negotiate, and less competition. But don’t drag your feet; well-priced homes still move fast.

Q. Do you feel optimistic about the fall housing market? What do you think needs to happen for real estate to bounce back?

I’m cautiously optimistic — if rates ease even a little and consumer confidence picks up, we’ll see more activity. For a real bounce back, we need stability in the economy and more balance between supply and demand.

Q. What’s the worst listing faux pas? What common feature are you seeing that prevents people from putting in an offer?

Overpricing — it kills momentum right out of the gate. A common deal-breaker I see is outdated or poorly maintained kitchens and bathrooms; buyers don’t want to take on a massive project right now.

Ontario’s housing market is at a crossroads. With the provincial government pushing to accelerate construction through legislation like the More Homes Built Faster Act and the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, the goal is clear: get more homes on the market quickly to meet soaring demand. But speed comes at a price — and for many, the price is environmental sustainability.

The Push for Speed

Ontario has been grappling with a housing shortage for years, and rapid population growth, particularly through immigration, has only added to the pressure. To address this, the provincial government has taken steps to streamline approval processes, remove certain municipal zoning barriers, and incentivize developers to build quickly. Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) have been used more frequently, allowing the province to fast‑track developments that might otherwise face lengthy delays at the municipal level.

For buyers, this should mean more options and potentially more affordable housing as supply increases. But critics argue that this rush to build can come at the expense of careful planning and community input.

The Case for Sustainability

At the same time, demand for environmentally conscious housing is growing. Today’s buyers — especially millennials and Gen Z entering the market — are increasingly asking about energy efficiency, green certifications, and carbon footprints. Sustainable building practices not only reduce environmental impact but can also lower long‑term costs for homeowners through better insulation, solar integration, and water conservation systems.

Environmental groups and some municipalities have voiced concern that provincial legislation overrides local green building standards, weakens protections for wetlands and green spaces, and could contribute to urban sprawl.

The Balancing Act

The challenge is clear: Ontario needs housing, but it also needs to build communities that will stand the test of time — environmentally, socially, and economically. A purely speed‑focused approach risks creating developments that may not meet future energy efficiency standards or that could strain local infrastructure.

For buyers, this means doing their homework. When considering a new home, ask questions about:

Energy efficiency ratings (e.g., EnerGuide or Energy Star)

Building materials and whether they are sustainably sourced

Access to public transit or active transportation infrastructure

Community planning — does the development include green space, walkability, and essential services?

A Way Forward

The ideal solution lies in finding a middle ground. Faster construction can coexist with sustainability if builders embrace innovative practices such as modular construction, net‑zero design, and low‑impact development techniques. Governments can encourage this by offering incentives for green building and by ensuring that streamlining processes do not compromise environmental protections.

Ontario’s housing future depends on both supply and sustainability. As buyers and builders, the choices made today will shape the communities of tomorrow — and the planet they sit on.

A Collingwood Reflection

In a place like Collingwood, where natural beauty is part of the town’s identity, this conversation feels especially personal. The escarpment, Georgian Bay, and surrounding trails remind us daily why preserving green space matters. Growth is coming — new subdivisions, condos, and commercial projects — but the challenge is to welcome that growth without losing what makes Collingwood special. Thoughtful planning, sustainable building, and respect for the natural landscape can ensure that Collingwood continues to be a place where both people and nature thrive for generations to come.

Step onto Collingwood’s waterfront and dive into an adventure like no other—without giving up this sacred space to another condo tower. Imagine an IMAX theatre that tosses you into the heart of the Great Lakes’ wild seas, letting adults and kids alike feel the thrill of life aboard a storm-tossed ship. From there, step into a living story where you experience a day in the life of the harbor’s historic vessels—loading cargo, navigating storms, and discovering the rhythm of life on the water. And for a touch of magic, walk across a glass floor to see colorful local fish and marine life swimming right beneath your feet. This is more than tourism—it’s a hands-on celebration of Collingwood’s history, nature, and community, turning the terminals into a place where visitors leave inspired, educated, and coming back for more.

Collingwood Terminals

Key Features:

1. Heritage & Maritime Museum

Interactive exhibits on Collingwood’s grain and shipping history.

Simulated grain loading/unloading experience.

Audio-visual storytelling of the workers, ships, and port life.

2. Observation & Learning Decks

Panoramic views of Georgian Bay from silo-top decks.

Educational plaques on local ecology, shipping, and history.

Telescope stations for birdwatching or stargazing in the evening.

3. Creative Arts & Culture Space

Artists’ studios and galleries within the terminals.

Outdoor projection art and light installations on silo walls.

Seasonal art fairs or interactive workshops for families and school groups.

4. Culinary & Craft Corner

Grain-inspired café or bakery featuring local products.

Cooking classes, baking workshops, and artisanal craft stalls.

Farm-to-table and heritage cooking events highlighting Collingwood’s local food.

5. Adventure & Outdoor Learning

Rope courses, climbing walls, or zip lines integrated safely with the structure.

Educational workshops on physics, engineering, and maritime logistics.

Seasonal weekend festivals, pop-up markets, or eco-learning days.

6. Community-Friendly Schedule

Open to visitors mainly during the day.

Evening events limited and controlled to reduce noise for residents.

Certain sections can “sleep” at night while residents enjoy quiet.

Benefits:

• Preserves a historic landmark and Collingwood’s identity.

• Attracts tourists and school groups, boosting local economy.

• Engages residents without overwhelming the neighborhood.

• Creates an iconic destination unique to Collingwood rather than just another condo project.

Am I the only one saddened by the newly proposed condo development at the terminals? Couldn’t we have thought outside the box? This space could be a living legacy, a place where history, adventure, and community meet—and a jewel for generations to treasure, not just another building to fill the skyline.

Perhaps I’m a dreamer, but I see a Collingwood waterfront where families laugh, history comes alive, and visitors leave with stories they’ll tell for years.

The Blue Mountains are a unique destination in Southwestern Ontario, a known recreational hub that draws visitors from all over.

Living here is an experience unlike any other. Add luxury real estate offerings into the mix and it’s easy to see why this is one special place.

“Blue Mountain has really become the weekend place for so many people. There are a lot of weekend retreats in the area and all the people from Yorkville are coming up to enjoy their homes here. They like the best of everything,” says REALTOR® Kimberlee Diamond.

“It’s also a great place for investors, foreign and local.”

Just what is it that makes this such a wonderful place to live? To start, it’s a town that delivers on all fronts:

Active lifestyle and wellness focus

The area is home to multiple golf courses, marinas and beaches. You can spend hours boating on Georgian Bay or going biking or hiking along one of the region’s many trails. Northwinds Beach is a favourite of many, thanks to its expansive sandy waterfront; you can swim, kayak or do stand-up paddleboarding here. In the winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding at the private Alpine Ski Club or Craigleith Ski Club.

Having Craigleith Provincial Park so close by means there is another scenic locale where you can enjoy biking, skiing, birdwatching and fishing.

“When you get away from the city for the weekend you can relax, breathe and unwind,” says the REALTOR®. “With so many opportunities for active living nearby, it really promotes such a healthy lifestyle.”

That lifestyle focus extends to wellness. The area has no shortage of places to de-stress and recalibrate. Best known, of course, is the amazing Nordic spa and thermal baths at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, but there are several other lovely spots as well, including iwa Spa where you can also do yoga.

Fitness devotees can stay fit and continue to challenge themselves at The Northwood Club, F45, CrossFit Indestri, Lemonade Collective or MVMT Fitness & Performance, among others.

Top-notch dining

From fine dining to fast casual, there are many great places to eat throughout The Blue Mountains and neighbouring Collingwood and Thornbury. Enjoy Italian, Greek, Asian and Canadian fare in the local restaurants, cafés and bakeries.

Looking to pick up a few goodies? Head to the Collingwood Farmers Market, Dags & Willow Fine Cheese and Gourmet Shop or Curries Farm Market.

Entertainment

When you’re craving some action, take in the nightlife at one of the area’s popular gathering spots. There’s always a welcoming, convivial atmosphere at the local bars and pubs.

Follow this regional events calendar and never miss a concert, festival or event in and around the Blue Mountains.

Incredible real estate

Knowing what clients expect in a luxury home is something Kim understands. This is why she focuses her energy on catering to this niche of Buyers and Sellers at LuxuryBlueMountains.com. If you’re looking to stay on top of the local luxury real estate market, contact Kim or check out these listings.

Properties range from rural to right in the heart of the resort, from undeveloped lots to condos and 5-bedroom homes.

For more information, visit The Georgian Realty Team. REALTOR® Kimberlee Diamond's areas of specialty include luxury real estate and waterfront property in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Stayner and the Blue Mountains. Email her at [email protected], call 705-994-7117 or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.