One of Peel’s most influential real estate developers and philanthropists has died.
Ignat Kaneff, who founded Kaneff Corporation more than 60 years ago, died on Sunday, July 12, at the age of 93. His cause of death is unknown at this time.
Kaneff immigrated to Canada from Bulgaria in 1951 with only $5 to his name, but through years of hard work, he saved up enough money to purchase a building lot for his own home, which led to the creation of Kaneff Properties Limited in 1956.
His first housing development consisted of 27 homes in the Erindale Woodlands area of Mississauga.
Related Content
His death has sparked an outpouring of messages from dozens of politicians who have passed on their condolences to the family through social media.
My deepest condolences to the Kaneff family, and to the @KaneffGroup, on the loss of Ignat Kaneff, a visionary businessman, community leader, and one of the greatest philanthropists in the history of the @regionofpeel. His legacy of serving others will never be forgotten. #RIP pic.twitter.com/ngHJUGAaHb
— Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP (@RudyCuzzetto) July 13, 2020
On behalf of the Town of Caledon Council, residents and staff, we offer our deep condolences to the Kaneff Family.
— Allan Thompson (@Caledon_Mayor) July 13, 2020
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a great philanthropist, visionary, Brampton community leader and one of the most prominent Bulgarian-Canadians Mr. Ignat Kaneff. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May he Rest In Peace ???? pic.twitter.com/WpuNyBRbDA
— Sonia Sidhu (@SoniaLiberal) July 13, 2020
Kaneff has helped build hospitals, schools, community centres, homes and apartment buildings across Peel. He also established the Ignat Kaneff Charitable foundation in 1986 to support education, health, the arts and social services of local communities.
Kaneff has contributed greatly towards organizations and institutions such as Community Living Mississauga, Credit Valley Hospital Foundation and the University of Toronto-Mississauga.
A passionate golfer, he has also built several golf courses, including the Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton.
In 2017, he was awarded the Order of Canada.
— With files from Rachael Williams
