As Century 21 Macintyre Inc. approaches its 75th year in business, broker-owner Stephen Lynott is overseeing a transition few independent brokerages ever experience: passing leadership to a fourth generation of the family.
Based in Chelsea, Que., about 20 minutes north of downtown Ottawa, the brokerage has served the Outaouais region and Gatineau Hills since 1952. Today, as Lynott’s son Patrick Lynott assumes increasing responsibility and ownership, the family business is preparing for its next chapter.
Serving the Gatineau Hills market
For decades, the brokerage has specialized in country homes, cottages, waterfront lots and farmland across the Gatineau Hills. Many buyers come from Ottawa, drawn by proximity to the city and comparatively affordable prices.
“Our market is generally driven by Ottawa people buying on the Quebec side — cleaner lakes, closer to the city,” Stephen said.
While prices rose sharply during the pandemic, Quebec properties remain more affordable than many neighbouring Ontario markets.
“It’s a real best-kept secret for people,” he said.
A business founded in 1952
Stephen was brought into the business by his in-laws after meeting his wife, Jane Macintyre.
The brokerage’s roots trace back to Duncan Macintyre, Macintyre’s grandfather, who founded D.E. Macintyre Real Estate in 1952.
A well-known figure in the Gatineau Hills who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel during his military service, Macintyre eventually settled in the area full time. Although real estate was far less formalized than it is today, he found himself fielding so many inquiries about local properties that he decided to open a brokerage, operating out of his garage in Chelsea.
The brokerage joined the Century 21 Canada network in 1985.
Stephen married into the business. His father-in-law eventually persuaded him to leave a salaried accounting position in Ottawa and try real estate.
“It was a little scary — 100 per cent commission when I had a salary — but we haven’t really looked back,” he said.
Stephen began his 34th year in the business on June 1.
Jane, a retired high school teacher, now manages the brokerage’s books.
Today, the office has six agents, with a seventh expected to join soon. The brokerage closed 150 transactions in 2025.
“A lot of our senior people just retired — they generally didn’t leave, they retired,” Stephen said. “Whether it’s 20 years or 35 years, people stayed with us.”
Preparing for the transition
Patrick returned home during the pandemic and joined the brokerage.
“It just seemed meant to be,” he said.
Having grown up around the business and worked as an office administrator, he entered the role with a strong understanding of the operation. Four years in the field, he has earned his agency director accreditation — the Quebec equivalent of a broker of record — and has taken on responsibilities in both sales and management.
Stephen said joining the brokerage was entirely Patrick’s decision.
“It wasn’t something I had courted him to do.”
He believes his son’s personality has helped make the transition successful.
“He’s very personable, super competitive, and people like to follow him.”
The transition is expected to unfold over the next five years, with Patrick already taking on increasing leadership responsibilities across the brokerage.
“We’re not there yet with the total transition, but it’s just been a natural process,” Stephen said.
Balancing technology and relationships
As the incoming generation, Patrick is also navigating how technology fits into a relationship-based business.
He uses AI tools daily, such as for drafting and communications, photo editing, and analyzing data, but he is careful not to impose those tools on others in the office.
“I think AI is fantastic. I think it’s more of a supplement than anything,” he said.
At the same time, Patrick believes technology cannot replace the experience gained through face-to-face interaction.
“Getting into homes through broker caravans, having notaries and building inspectors come in face to face — that’s where most of the learning happens,” he said.
In a market where agents need working knowledge of septic systems, wells and rural energy sources, Patrick sees foundational expertise as non-negotiable.
“You’ve got to know your product first,” he said.
Courtney Zwicker is a digital reporter and associate editor for REM. Based in Atlantic Canada, she has over a decade of experience covering daily business news.