Each year, at our much-anticipated Annual Dinner, the Board honours a member of the Toronto region’s vibrant business community who has built an inspirational legacy.
This year, at our 135th Annual Dinner, we are thrilled to honour Geoff Smith, Executive Chair of EllisDon, as the recipient of the 2025 Toronto Region Builder Award presented by CPA Ontario.
“Geoff Smith is a builder in every sense of the word. Through his leadership at EllisDon, Geoff has quite literally built the skyline of this city through hospitals, the Rogers Center, the National Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ontario. In his Advisor role to TMU, he is building the next generation of leaders. And he has helped build the infrastructure which serves as the foundation for our economy in his role on the Board of the Canadian Council for Public Private Partnership. Dedicated to building a stronger city, a stronger province and a stronger country, Geoff is a true Region Builder.”
– Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D., President and CEO, CPA Ontario
"Geoff Smith symbolizes what it means to be a builder – both literally and figuratively. Over nearly three decades as CEO of EllisDon, then as Executive Chair, Geoff’s legacy has been one of bold leadership, innovative thinking, and deep commitment to Toronto’s future. He has helped transform and modernize our region’s vast infrastructure landscape and has left a lasting impact on the people he’s worked with. Through his vision, Geoff has inspired regional progress and momentum - we are proud to honour him as our 2025 Region Builder.”
– Giles Gherson, President & CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade
A Legacy of Leadership
Geoff Smith’s career is nothing short of inspiring. Over four decades at EllisDon, Geoff has helped redefine what’s possible in Canada’s construction sector. Starting at the company in 1983, he rose to the role of President and CEO in 1996, transforming EllisDon into a global, employee-owned powerhouse. From smart building technology to sustainable construction and facilities services, Geoff’s vision has pushed boundaries and set new standards.
Now, as Executive Chair, Geoff continues to focus on the future – driving innovation, embracing digital transformation, and championing EllisDon’s core values of trust, openness, and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Champion for Toronto’s Future
What truly sets Geoff apart is his passion for making Toronto a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant region.
He has also helped Toronto businesses grow on the global stage, opening doors for countless local entrepreneurs.
His community involvement runs deep, from leadership roles at George Brown College, Toronto Metropolitan University and Halton Healthcare to his support for the United Way’s Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative.
Geoff’s dedication doesn’t stop there. Whether he’s raising funds for the McMichael Art Gallery, co-chairing the Unity for Autism Golf Event, or contributing his expertise to the C.D. Howe Institute, his impact is felt far and wide.
A Well-Deserved Honour
“Receiving the Toronto Region Builder Award is an incredible honour,” said Geoff Smith. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many talented and dedicated people who share the same vision for this region. Toronto is a place of opportunity, innovation, and community, and I’m proud to play a role in helping shape its future.”
Past Toronto Region Builder Award recipients include:
- Janet Bannister
- Joanna Griffiths
- Mike Serbinis
- Dr. Geoffrey Hinton
- Mohammad Al Zaibak
- Susan McIsaac
- Ed Clark
- Larry Tanenbaum
- Sheldon Levy
- Leo Del Zotto
Annual Dinner 2025: Dare to Lead
5 – 10 PM
