Early Life
Peter Gilgan was born in Burlington, Ontario, in 1951. He grew up in a middle-class household with six siblings. His father worked as an electrician, and his mother raised the family. After graduating high school, Gilgan chose to train as a chartered accountant instead of attending university. He then worked for a bookkeeping company, where he enjoyed learning about various businesses.
Rise to Success
Inspired by his interest in homebuilding, Gilgan started his own venture. He purchased two pieces of land in his hometown and helped construct two houses. The success of this venture led to the founding of Mattamy Homes in 1978, named after his two eldest children, Matt and Amy. Gilgan focused on building planned communities, constructing over 135,000 homes since 1978.
Key Business Strategies
Gilgan's business strategy involved creating communities where families could thrive. He focused on thoughtful planning, innovative approaches, and high-quality construction. He also prioritized making philanthropic contributions to various charities and organizations, including the founding of his own foundation.
Philanthropy
Gilgan is a dedicated philanthropist, with his foundation supporting high-impact charitable initiatives. His significant donations include $100 million to the Hospital for Sick Children in 2019, $105 million to Trillium Health Partners, and $60 million to St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto. His philanthropic efforts also extend to climate solutions and educational opportunities.
