Our History

1955-1999 2000-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020 2021 +

Our story
begins with this simple belief.

Our story begins in 1955, rooted in the belief that we could build better places to live, work and play, one home and one relationship at a time. Since then, we’ve accomplished a lot - celebrating new ventures, milestones, innovations and investments while always looking ahead to what’s possible.

Read on to learn more about our journey over the past 65+ years.

Early Years (1955-1999)

Minto's early years began in 1955 when four Ottawa brothers, Louis, Gilbert, Irving, and Lorry Greenberg, joined together to start a homebuilding business in Ottawa. By 1965, Minto had built more than 5,000 homes in Ottawa and was well on its way to becoming the region’s largest private landlord. In the late 70’s, Minto diversified and took a tremendous leap forward by expanding into Florida. By 1986, Minto established a toe-hold in Toronto. During this time, Minto also made its first foray into green building, developing the prototype Innova House to showcase state-of-the-art technologies such as solar-generated electricity. The project eventually led to new and innovative approaches in construction that would continue to today.

1955
Minto is born! “Mercury Homes” builds and sells its first home in Ottawa
Minto founders (left to right). Irving, Lorry, Gilbert and Louis
1960
One of the first builders in Ontario to introduce pre-fab framing – increasing quality, lowering home prices and reducing waste
- The Neptune, a popular early Minto model home, Ottawa
1970

Established the Minto Foundation
1978

Minto heads for the sunshine and expands in Florida
1986

Minto breaks ground on its first foray into the Toronto market.
1992

Innova House -one of nine homes selected nationwide to demonstrate new techniques in energy and water efficiency and waste reduction

2000-2005

In the early 2000s, Minto continued to build and improve on key environmental, community and employee centric programs - furthering out commitment to building a business that always pushes itself to do better.

2000
Minto begins performing energy and water utility reduction retrofits
2001
Minto completes first Minto Dream Home as part of the Children's Hospital of Ottawa Dream of a Lifetime Lottery. Minto has built this grand prize home annually ever since.
First Minto Dream Home, “Sierra” built for CHEO
2003
Minto builds its first ENERGY STAR home in Ottawa
Ottawa
2004

Employee Volunteer Program introduced to encourage community involvement
2005

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) added to provide support for personal and work issues, overall well-being
2005

Annual incentive plan implemented comprising a mix of financial, customer, environmental and employee measures

2006

By 2006, Minto began to focus on employee culture and engagement recognizing the strong contributions of employees as an integral part of our success.

Employee engagement measurement introduced
Minto Scholarship Program introduced to support post-secondary education for children of employees
First high-rise residential Condominium to be LEED Canada certified - Radiance at Minto Gardens

2007

In 2007, Minto became widely recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability through certifications and coveted awards.

First in Canada LEED Gold certified residential condominium – Minto Roehampton
FRPO (Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario) Environmental Excellence Award for Minto Roehampton
Minto Roehampton

2008

2008 brought the development of Minto and Canada's first net zero inspiration home and provided the first step in our journey to net zero.

Minto builds Canada's first Net Zero Inspiration Home
First to be named Green Builder of the Year by the Ontario Home Builder’s Association
First mutli-residental building of its size in North American to achieve LEED Gold - Minto Midtown
Minto Midtown in Toronto
Formal Board of Directors introduced

2009-2011

The mid-2000s brought with it the development of Minto's first environemntal sustainability report, exciting developments in Florida and important steps forward in recognizing and rewarding employees.

2009
First Environmental Report issued
2010

Minto Florida’s Cascada community wins the Aurora Award for Best Energy Efficient Home
2010

Code of Conduct Introduced
2011

Minto implements International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), the highest standard of reporting and disclosure
2011
Annual Greenberg Awards recognize employee contributions aligned to company values

2012-2015

In the years 2012 through 2015, Minto continued it's journey across Canada by expanding into Calgary. In this time, we also brought on our first non-family CEO who has helped to successfully lead the organization through our next phase of growth.

2012
Minto expands into Calgary, Alberta
2012
The first and largest LEED Platinum Core and Shell office tower in Canada to be named The National Outstanding Building of the Year by BOMA - 80 Kent in Ottawa
2013

First non-family chief executive appointed
2015

Began participating in annual global real estate sustainability benchmarking assessment (GRESB)
2015

Comprehensive cybersecurity strategy developed and launched
2015

Implemented new Performance Management Process with peer reviews
2015
Minto expands into Edmonton, Alberta
2015
Minto completed five Net Zero Energy homes as part of the ecoEII program funded by Natural Resources Canada

2016-2019

In the years 2016 through 2019, Minto continued to expand and grow moving into Montreal and spinning off Minto Apartment REIT.

2016

BRAVO! employee recognition program introduced
2018
Updated Retirement Savings Plan includes employer contributions
2018
Minto spins off Minto Apartment REIT and begins trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MI.UN.
2019

Named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2019 by Canada’s Top 100 Employers project
2019

EnerQuality Award – Innovation High-Rise: Minto Yorkville Park for Large Building Air Tightness pilot project
2019

Minto expands into Montreal, Quebec

2020

The spread of a global pandemic in 2019 through 2020 reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, communities and the environment—and moved us to take bold actions forward.

Board membership expanded to nine: including two female directors and six independents
Compensation Committee mandate expanded to encompass board governance, renamed Compensation Governance and Nomination Committee
CHBA National Award - Net Zero Home Award: 2019 Minto Dream Home in support of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
FRPO MAC Awards Environmental Excellence
LifeSpeak digital platform provides expert advice on wellness
Support for those unable to work from home during global pandemic
Flexible work arrangements introduced to enhance job satisfaction, productivity, and creativity
Minto expands into Vancouver, British Columbia

2021

2021 moved us to take bold actions forward by beginning the process for developing a formalized Environmental Social and Governance strategy

Minto Group completes Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) materiality assessment with plans to launch formalized ESG strategy in 2022
3 of Minto's Ottawa office towers receive the BOMAs BEST® Platinum certification for energy management
One of the first geoexchange energy systems in the GTA was incorporated at North Oak - reducing carbon emissions by up to 70%
Communities Ottawa launches the 2021 Minto Dream Home (the Caraway) for a virtual tour amidst public health restrictions
Launched Lifeworks - a complimentary service offering employees virtual access to care, counselling, self-help and fitness programs.
The Annex in Calgary received LEED Gold certification for sustainability features
Communities GTA received the Green Builder of the Year at the BILD Awards and the EnerQuality EQ Awards
Communities Ottawa received the Builder of the Year at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association’s annual Housing Design Awards
Minto Apartment REIT issues its first Environmental, Social and Governance Report