Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO of Mattamy Asset Management and noted Canadian philanthropist, will receive the Ivey Business Leader Award at a gala dinner in Toronto on October 3. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of Canadian business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Gilgan founded Mattamy Homes in 1978, overseeing the company’s strategic direction and growth into North America’s largest privately-owned homebuilder, with more than 100,000 homes sold in hundreds of communities across Canada and the U.S. While Gilgan is noted as one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, it is his commitment to philanthropy that truly sets him apart. Both personally and through the Peter Gilgan Foundation, his lifetime donations supporting initiatives in health care, education, athletics, children and environmental protection now total in excess of $200 million.
“While Peter Gilgan is one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, his extraordinary commitment to philanthropy is a truly distinguishing feature of his business career,” said Ivey Dean Sharon Hodgson. “It will be an honour to recognize this exceptional individual.”
Gilgan’s charitable contributions are extensive, including a historic gift of $100 million to The Hospital for Sick Children. It is the largest single gift ever to SickKids, and together with donations made to other hospitals and health-care organizations to date, it makes Gilgan and the Peter Gilgan Foundation the largest benefactor to health care in Canada. Other donations include:
- $10 million to St. Joseph’s Health Centre in 2017;
- $30 million to St. Michael’s Hospital for a new patient care tower;
- $10 million towards the building of the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital; and,
- $40 million in 2012 to SickKids.
In the education sector, his historic $15-million gift to Ryerson University supported the development of the Mattamy Athletic Centre on the site of the former Maple Leaf Gardens. He was awarded one of the country’s highest civilian honours in 2013 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada, as well as the Order of Ontario in 2012, for his business leadership and philanthropic initiatives. In 2013, he was inducted as a Companion into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and honoured with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
