Urban Reform Realty (URR) is solidifying its national presence through a strategic alliance with Oakmont Real Estate Services, a Montreal-based boutique advisory firm. Effective January 1, 2025, Oakmont will operate under the Urban Reform brand, marking URR’s entry into Quebec’s real estate market and extending its services to a combined portfolio of over 100 clients across the retail sector in Canada. The new partnership signals URR’s continued expansion, with Oakmont’s office in Montreal’s West Island set to open early next year.
“We’ve known Jim, Ben, and Roula for over 20 years, and this partnership just made sense,” said Bryce Dymond, Managing Principal at Urban Reform Realty. “We share the same values and approach to how we work with our clients—whether it’s tenant representation or landlord advisory. It was crucial for us to find partners who understood the long-term view, and Oakmont fit that vision perfectly.”
Founded in 2015, Oakmont Real Estate Services specializes in fashion and retail clients across North America. With this partnership, URR will add Oakmont’s team of four consultants to its existing workforce, bringing the total headcount to 16. “It’s important for us that we grow in a way that still feels like a family,” added Toran Eggert, Managing Partner at Urban Reform Realty. “We’re not looking to add hundreds of real estate consultants—we want partners who share our philosophy and long-term vision for the retail real estate sector.”
Strategic Growth in Quebec
The Montreal office will be a strategic addition for URR as it strengthens its foothold in Canada’s retail real estate market. Oakmont’s West Island location, set to open in early 2025, is close to downtown Montreal and the rapidly developing suburban area of Pointe-Claire. “The timing was perfect,” said Roula Bchara, Managing Partner of Oakmont. “We were just about to open our new office when the partnership happened, and it made sense to launch it under the Urban Reform name.”
This move brings Oakmont’s expertise in enclosed malls and street-front retail into the fold, giving Urban Reform broader reach across Quebec. “Quebec’s retail landscape is unique. You can’t succeed here without boots on the ground,” Bchara added. “Our clients will benefit from having both national expertise and local knowledge, which is key in markets like Montreal.”
A Shared Vision for Long-Term Success
Both Urban Reform Realty and Oakmont share a client-centric approach, focusing on long-term relationships rather than quick deals. “Success for us isn’t just about finalizing one transaction; it’s about supporting our clients as they open their 100th. We are in it for the long haul,” said Dymond. “We’ve built a reputation for taking the long view, and we wanted partners who shared that vision.”
Eggert echoed this sentiment: “We’ve worked with some of our clients for over 20 years. Our approach is all about building relationships that last and being there for the entire journey, from the first deal to opening day and beyond.”
Expansion Plans and New Opportunities
The partnership with Oakmont opens new opportunities for URR as it continues to build its presence in Quebec and across Canada. The combined firm will now handle over 100 clients in the retail sector, with recent mandates including exclusive rights for Burger King and Jersey Mike’s real estate work in Quebec. “We’ve got some incredible brands on our roster,” said Bchara. “And with Urban Reform, we’re now in a position to offer even more to our clients across the country.”
Dymond highlighted URR’s growing focus on leasing management for landlords. “We’re seeing a lot of growth in what we’re calling third-party leasing management. It’s where we step in to manage leasing for landlords who may need extra resources or specialized expertise. This is becoming a key part of our business,” he said.
Eggert also noted that URR’s broader expansion across provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan reflects a deliberate, strategic approach. “We’re not rushing to become the biggest brokerage—we’re focused on being the best boutique firm with national expertise and local presence.”
Looking Ahead
As Urban Reform Realty continues its expansion, Dymond, Eggert, and Bchara agree that their combined firm is well-positioned to lead in retail real estate across Canada. “This partnership is about more than just growth—it’s about staying true to who we are and what we do best,” said Bchara.
The partnership also comes at a time when retail real estate is undergoing significant change. “Retail has faced challenges, but we’re firm believers in the long-term future of bricks-and-mortar,” said Eggert. “It’s all about creating vibrant, well-curated spaces that integrate into their communities. That’s the art of retail real estate.”
With the Montreal office set to open and the teams already working together on new deals, Urban Reform Realty is poised for continued success as it expands into Quebec and beyond.
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