While you’re working away at your everyday job, it’s probably hard to imagine what it’s like to have over a billion dollars.
The following individuals and families on this list know that feeling all too well.
These list toppers all call Vancouver their home. And while the city is known to be expensive, it’s no longer the most high-priced city in Canada.
Learn who the richest person in Vancouver is and how many billions the top earner is worth, as well as many others.
1. Jim Pattison
Estimated net worth: $11.62 billion
Pattison is always near the top of any richest Canadian list. He started his career by buying a car dealership with a $40,000 loan. Today, he’s the head of the Jim Pattison Group, Canada’s largest privately held company.
His company owns a little bit of everything – car dealerships, food and beverage outlets, TV and radio stations, and even Guinness World Records.
Pattison also owns one of the most iconic dresses in American history. In 2016, his Ripley’s Believe It or Not! company bought the champagne-coloured rhinestone gown Marilyn Monroe wore at Madison Square Garden to sing Happy Birthday to then-president John F. Kennedy.
When Pattison bought it, it was the most expensive dress ever sold.
2. Anthony Von Mandl
Estimated net worth: $10.53 billion
You might not know the name Anthony Von Mandl, but you probably know his products. He created the popular alcoholic beverage Mike’s Hard Lemonade back in the 1990s and followed it up with the now trendy White Claw hard seltzer.
Before any of this, he spent time in Europe as a wine apprentice and returned to Canada to start his first vineyard.
He continues to invest in wineries throughout the Okanagan Valley located in British Columbia.
3. Chip Wilson
Estimated net worth: $5.92 billion
Wilson started his first retail apparel company in the late 1970s but sold it to start Lululemon Athletica. He served as CEO of the company for years until selling a minority portion to two private equity firms. In 2007, the company went public under his guidance.
Disagreements with the board of directors on the direction he was taking the company forced his resignation as chairman. He removed himself from business operations within the next few years but still kept the largest individual stake in the company.
Wilson is credited with starting the athleisure trend, which is when exercise clothing gets worn outside of the gym as everyday attire.
4. Bob Gaglardi
Estimated net worth: $3.51 billion
Gaglardi owns a slew of restaurants, hotels, and even construction companies. He started his empire in 1967 when he opened the first Sandman Inn. Since then, his hotels have popped up throughout Canada.
Over time, he acquired Moxie’s Grills & Bars, Dennys Restaurants, and Chop Steakhouses. Most recently, Gaglardi and his family purchased a controlling interest in the Dallas Stars, an NHL hockey team.
5. The Aquilini Family
Estimated net worth: $3.3 billion
Francesco Aquilini is the managing director of the Aquilini Group, a family company consisting of agricultural interests, real estate, and much more.
The family owns lucrative blueberry and cranberry farms, along with many vineyards located throughout Washington.
The family also has an ownership stake in the Vancouver Canucks, an NHL hockey team.
6. The Lalji Family
Estimated net worth: $3.07 billion
The family, mainly consisting of three brothers, owns the Larco Group, which is Vancouver’s largest land developer for retail and hotel properties.
They manage several big-name hotels, including JW Marriott, Sheraton, and Hilton. The company also operates the Park Royal shopping center.
While the family manages and develops many properties and businesses, they’re known for their philanthropic efforts. They’ve donated millions to hospitals, medical centers, and research efforts for diagnosing and treating diseases.
7. Carl Hansen
Estimated net worth: $2.18 billion
Hansen is the co-founder of AbCellera. It’s a therapeutic company that uses machine learning and hardware to identify certain antibodies used to develop treatments for infectious diseases and cancer.
Because of the nature of the company, Hansen owns a slew of patents and published many papers based on his work.
8. Brandt Louie
Estimated net worth: $1.57 billion
Louie is the head of his family’s business – the HY Louie Group. The company includes drug and grocery store chains, including London Drugs.
In addition to his profitable businesses, Louie is also the chancellor emeritus of Simon Fraser University.
As a businessman, Louie knows how to make money, but he’s also very generous with his fortune. He’s on the board of many non-profits and regularly donates to different charitable organizations.
9. Frank Giustra
Estimated net worth: $1.2 billion
As a stockbroker, Giustra made millions for both himself and others while investing in the mining industry. Next up, he founded Lionsgate Entertainment and now serves on its board of directors.
After making his fortune, Giustra wanted to focus more on his philanthropic efforts. He was part of a team helping to support small businesses in Haiti and helped contribute over $30 million to former president Bill Clinton’s HIV/AIDS initiative.
10. Hassan Khosrowshahi
Estimated net worth: $1.16 billion
Khosrowshahi added to his family’s holding company with his companies, Inwest Investments and Future Shop. Future Shop became the largest computer retailer in the 1990s. A few years later, Best Buy acquired the company for $580 million.
He also owns one of Canada’s most beloved chains, Tim Hortons. In addition, his portfolio includes hotels and financial firms.
The Industries Driving Wealth in Vancouver
Real Estate and Construction
Vancouver’s real estate market is highly valuable, with property values soaring due to high demand and limited supply. The city’s construction industry also significantly contributes to Vancouver’s economy as new residential and commercial properties continue to be developed.
Technology and Innovation
Vancouver’s robust tech scene is home to numerous startups and global tech companies, like Microsoft and Amazon’s Canadian operations. Industries such as software development, telecommunications, digital media, video game development, and IT services thrive in this city.
Film and Entertainment
Vancouver, often referred to as “Hollywood North,” is a significant hub for the film and television industry. With its skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and tax incentives, the city attracts numerous American and international productions.
Natural Resources
Though not directly located in Vancouver, the mining and forestry industries are significant contributors to British Columbia’s economy, which directly impacts Vancouver’s wealth. Many leading resource companies, especially in mining, have their headquarters in the city.
Finance and Banking
As a key financial hub in Western Canada, Vancouver hosts many major banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. This robust finance sector supports wealth generation and stimulates economic activity.
Tourism and Hospitality
Vancouver’s captivating natural beauty, cultural attractions, and various events draw tourists from all around the world. This activity boosts the city’s hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services.
Retail and E-commerce
Retail remains a vital contributor to Vancouver’s economy. Furthermore, the city is home to some of Canada’s most successful e-commerce companies, such as Lululemon Athletica and Clearly Contacts.
The Bottom Line
Making billions isn’t easy, but the people on our list seem to have no problem doing it. Vancouver’s billionaires have their hands in all different sectors of the market – from car dealerships and athleisure wear to grocery stores and wineries.
While there’s a large group of billionaires, it’s not even close to the number of millionaires living and working in Canada. Curious how many? Check out these recent 2022 figures.
