After more than six decades serving Manitoba’s Interlake region, Interlake Real Estate is entering a new era following its acquisition by Century 21 Sun Country Realty.
The acquisition was announced in a media release this week.
Founded in 1964 by Richard Arnason, Interlake Real Estate has long been a fixture in the region, with offices in Selkirk and Gimli and a team of experienced agents serving communities across the Interlake.
The acquisition brings two brokers, 11 agents and two administrative staff into the Century 21 Sun Country Realty network, while maintaining the existing office locations and day-to-day operations.
For Reg Black, co-owner and broker of Century 21 Sun Country Realty, the transition is not only a business move but a continuation of a family-run approach.
“We are a small family-run business,” said Black. “My wife Myrna, my son Jared and I are all involved, and that local, personal connection is important to us.”
“Mr. Arnason created a very successful insurance and real estate office in Gimli,” Black added. “The real estate division will now be known as Century 21 Sun Country Realty.”
While the Interlake Real Estate name will transition to the Century 21 brand, leadership emphasized continuity for clients and staff.
“Other than the rebranding — nothing changes,” said associate broker Jared Black in the release. “We are keeping the office locations, fixtures and equipment. We are keeping the same phone numbers. And most importantly — we are keeping all the agents and staff.”
Co-owner Myrna Black said the focus moving forward will be on strengthening relationships within the region while supporting both existing and new team members.
“Reg, Jared and I look forward to taking time to immerse ourselves a little more into the Interlake community while we continue to learn and support both our current agents and now our new Interlake team of agents and support staff,” she said.
“With this acquisition, the professional service that Interlake and Selkirk real estate clients have come to expect will continue,” Myrna Black added. “We are also confident that the agents will have the support necessary to continue a successful real estate career with the brokers, office staff and Century 21 Canada behind them.”
Reg Black said the goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible.
“With all agents and staff joining us, it makes it a lot easier,” he said. “Short term, we met with everyone together and then individually to encourage them to join us. Long term, we want everyone to stay and grow their business.”
The brokerage’s inclusion in the deal stems from earlier structural changes tied to the 2022 amalgamation of Access Credit Union and Noventis Credit Union, which had brought Interlake Real Estate under credit union ownership.
Black said the acquisition opportunity had been on his radar for some time.
“I just sent my contact a note and said if they would ever be looking to divest themselves of the real estate office to reach out. And here we are,” he said.
For clients in Selkirk, Gimli and across the Interlake, Black said the change will bring added advantages through national and international reach.
“As a national and international brand, clients will see the benefit of the tools and resources offered — especially for marketing and online exposure,” he said.
He added that the brokerage’s geographic reach will allow it to better serve buyers and sellers across a wide area.
“Our office has agents not only in Selkirk, the Interlake and Eastman, but also in Winnipeg,” Black said. “We can be a full-service brokerage for anyone looking to buy or sell in all those areas. Just look at a map — from Highway 1 east to Ontario and then wrapping all the way around to Highway 6 as a rule of thumb — we have agents that cover all that area and more.”
The transition is already underway, with rebranding expected to happen quickly.
“This became official Thursday afternoon, so there is a lot to do in short order,” Black said. “We have to rely on suppliers and how quick they can go, but it would be great if we could have all or most done within a month or so.”
Despite the changes, Black said the local foundation of the business remains unchanged.
“Collectively we are local. And we will remain local,” he said. “With our existing office and these two locations, all our agents will be able to help buyers and sellers throughout Selkirk, the Interlake, Eastman and Winnipeg.”
Black also pointed to strong conditions in the current market.
“There is strong demand for cottages and resale homes,” he said. “Inventory is lower than normal, so it’s a great time for those looking to sell, as there are buyers looking.”
The transition marks a significant milestone for a brokerage that has served generations of Manitobans, positioning it for continued growth while maintaining the relationships that have defined its legacy.
