Early Life and Education
Mitchell Goldhar was born in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Political Science degree from York University. He later became an adjunct professor at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Rise to Success
Goldhar's career began with the founding of SmartCentres in the early 1990s. He is credited with bringing Walmart to Canada, building the first store in Barrie, Ontario, in 1994. SmartCentres developed numerous Walmart-anchored shopping centers across Canada. In May 2015, Goldhar sold a majority of SmartCentres assets to SmartREIT. He has since remained active, serving as Executive Chair of SmartREIT.
Key Business Strategies
Goldhar's success stems from his ability to identify opportunities in the retail real estate market. His strategy included developing value-oriented shopping centers. He has focused on creating convenient and accessible retail locations for Canadians. In 2019, he entered into a joint venture with SmartCentres, focusing on a 15.48-acre site near the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. He is also the owner of the Penguin Group of Companies, which owns real estate across Canada at various stages of development.
Philanthropy
Mitchell Goldhar is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting medical research and other causes. He has donated $10 million to Mackenzie Health for healthcare initiatives. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting organizations such as SickKids, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
