Jonathan Wener was named a Knight of the Ordre de Montréal on May 17, 2018. | Photo: City of Montreal
The Ordre de Montréal is the city’s highest honour. It recognizes women and men who have contributed in a remarkable way to the city’s development and reputation. Wener was honoured as a knight of the order for distinguishing himself over the past four decades as a leading Canadian property developer and philanthropist.
“Among the many causes to which he has devoted himself, first and foremost are cancer research and higher education in Montreal, especially at Concordia University, where he is chancellor,” reads the citation.
Wener is the chairman and CEO of Canderel, a Montreal-based property developer, and he has been Concordia’s Chancellor since 2015.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be included into such a prestigious order,” says Wener. “I love Montreal where I’ve spent most of my professional life building and adding to this city. It has been my family’s home for six generations and I am passionate about being a Montrealer — it is a fundamental part of who I am. I’m very proud to be recognized by the city that means so much to me and my family.”
Wener has been an active member of Concordia’s leadership for nearly three decades, sitting on the university’s Board of Governors since 1995 and chairing the Real Estate Planning Committee from 1996 to 2012.
Wener is also an honorary chair for the Campaign for Concordia. Next-Gen. Now, the university’s bold fundraising initiative with the goal to raise $250 million.
He and his wife, Susan Wener, recently donated $10 million dollars to Concordia to establish a Centre for Real Estate in the John Molson School of Business and to support student bursaries and scholarships.
Jonathan Wener (back row and center) at the ceremony held at city hall, along with fellow inductees. The Ordre de Montréal was created in 2016 as part of city’s 375th anniversary preparations, replacing the Academy of Great Montrealers. | Photo: City of Montreal