For decades, Ottawa’s wealthiest families have shaped the architectural, economic, and cultural landscape of the capital. They have invested in real estate, technology, and philanthropy. We will examine the top wealthiest and most influential families in Ottawa, learn about the sources of their wealth, and analyze their invaluable contribution to the capital’s development. You can learn more about this from ottawaski.
The Greenberg Family
The Greenberg family tops the list of the wealthiest. Practically every Ottawa resident knows their name. Their main sources of wealth are real estate (the Minto Group construction company—formerly Mercury Homes). The family has deep roots in Ottawa’s building history. Currently, the Minto Group is headed by Roger Greenberg, Gilbert’s son, who has expanded its operations far beyond Ottawa.
In addition to commercial success (the Greenbergs are one of the leading developers of residential and commercial properties in the city), they are actively involved in philanthropy. Evidence of this includes numerous facilities and initiatives named in their honor or supported by them. In healthcare, this includes the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre at The Ottawa Hospital. Cultural contributions include the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, which is home to the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Education and sports have also received significant support: the family funded the Minto Sports Complex at the University of Ottawa and the Minto Commercial Centre at La Cité College.
The local legacy of the Greenberg family is also marked on the city map, for example, Lorry Greenberg Drive, named after one of the founding brothers. The family also has a significant interest in sports, particularly the Ottawa REDBLACKS team, through Roger Greenberg’s participation in the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. In addition, the Minto Group has been a key partner of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for many years, annually building the “Minto Dream Home” for the charity lottery. This activity demonstrates that the Greenbergs’ influence is not limited to business but is an integral part of the social and physical infrastructure of Canada’s capital.
The Matthews Family
Their source of wealth is technology and real estate.
Sir Terry Matthews (full name – Sir Terence Hedley Matthews) is a Welsh-Canadian business magnate and serial entrepreneur in the high-tech sector. He became the first billionaire in Wales and was the wealthiest person there until 2012.
He is one of the co-founders of the technology giant Mitel (a Canadian telecommunications company) and Newbridge Networks (sold for $7.1 billion). The sale of Newbridge Networks to Alcatel-Lucent SA was extremely successful, resulting in Matthews becoming the largest shareholder of the multinational telecommunications equipment manufacturing company, headquartered in Paris.
The investment company Wesley Clover, where Matthews is Chairman, makes him one of the largest owners of commercial real estate in the Kanata Technology Park, including the Brookstreet Hotel and office space. He also owns the Celtic Manor Resort, KRP Properties, the Brookstreet Hotel, and the Marshes Golf Club.
He is known as the “father” of Ottawa’s technology boom, having created thousands of jobs.
The Next Generation of the Matthews Family – Focus on Clean Technology
Owen Matthews aims to heal the planet through the Emend Vision Fund. He launched the company in 2022 and began investing in early-stage companies. The main goal is to work on solving the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
While still in university, he founded a software company whose shares were listed on Nasdaq. But he found his calling after joining the family investment firm, Wesley Clover International, based in Ottawa. His father, Sir Terry Matthews, encouraged his son to invest in technology.
Owen Matthews took his father’s advice and founded the non-profit organization Alacrity Foundation. Initially, it used government grants to help university graduates turn technological ideas into successful companies. Today, the organization offers everything from early-stage growth programs to ESG training. The non-profit has even created a venture portfolio, attracting over $360 million in investment funding. In return, young companies gain the opportunity for independent management and networking.
Then came the idea of launching the Emend Vision Fund to invest in high-potential technologies that heal the planet. The fund is focused on green energy. Owen Matthews, a representative of one of Ottawa’s wealthiest families, also appeals to older generations. The Emend Vision Fund continues to seek other wealthy families for cooperation. He noted that the older generation wants the younger generation to participate in the business. However, younger representatives want to make a difference. Joining his fund is an opportunity to conduct business responsibly while remaining competitive.
The Thomson Family
The Thomson family is the wealthiest family in Canada, and their influence on Ottawa runs deep into the foundations of the capital’s functioning, extending far beyond the temporary power of politicians. They are an example of real, lasting power that shapes the city’s economic “software.”
The Thomsons’ wealth, measured in tens of billions of dollars, comes from controlling information, not just physical assets. Their empire, which grew from the media business, is now focused on Thomson Reuters. This global giant provides critically important financial, legal, and analytical data that is the basis for decision-making in Ottawa’s corridors of power, financial institutions, and federal departments. Thus, the Thomsons have an invisible yet comprehensive influence on the daily operations and strategic planning of the capital.
In addition, they own The Globe and Mail newspaper, which is considered Canada’s most influential national newspaper. This allows them to shape the national information agenda, which directly affects the discussions and decisions made in Ottawa.
The Thomsons represent the “old money dynasty” that, along with developers and technology entrepreneurs, defined Ottawa’s economic and physical landscape, transforming it into a modern capital. They are one of those “quiet architects” whose names may not be on every billboard, but whose powerful legacy and strategic wealth truly define the nation.
You can learn more about this family and the other forces governing Ottawa from the video.
The Influence of Ottawa’s Wealthiest Families
The influence that Ottawa’s wealthiest families have extends far beyond their corporate offices. They not only manage large businesses but also actively support medical and educational initiatives, making their contributions. Despite the constantly changing economic landscape, the dynasties continue to adapt and invest in new sectors. The preservation and multiplication of capital across successive generations ensures that Ottawa’s wealthiest families will continue to play a key role in financing the development of Canada’s capital.
