The Richest People in Calgary in 2025: Net Worth, Business Empires & How They Built Their Wealth

Yaroslav MykolaienkoNovember 22, 20250 Comment08

Updated for 2025 — Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is home to some of Canada’s most influential business families, billionaires, and ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs. Built on energy, real estate, transportation, agribusiness, and financial services, Calgary’s wealth landscape continues to expand as new generations enter leadership roles.

This guide explores the richest people in Calgary in 2025, their net worth, industries, and how they built their business empires.
All information is sourced from Forbes, Bloomberg, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, and publicly available corporate filings.

1. N. Murray Edwards — Net Worth: ~$1.6 Billion

Industry: Energy, Mining, Sports
Companies: Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL), Magellan Aerospace, Ensign Energy
Residence: Calgary & Switzerland (dual residence)

Murray Edwards is widely regarded as Calgary’s wealthiest resident.
He made his fortune through:

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) — one of the largest oil and gas companies in Canada
Investments in oil sands, energy services, and mining
A major ownership stake in the Calgary Flames

How He Built His Wealth

Edwards built an empire through strategic acquisitions during downturns in the oil market, expanding CNRL into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse.

2. The Souther Family (ATCO & Canadian Utilities) — Net Worth: ~$1.3–1.5 Billion

Industry: Energy Infrastructure, Utilities, Construction
Companies: ATCO Ltd., Canadian Utilities, ATCO Structures & Logistics
Key Figures: Nancy Southern (CEO), The Southern Family
Residence: Calgary

The Southern family controls ATCO, one of Canada’s largest utility and infrastructure groups, spanning:

Electricity distribution
Natural gas
Modular construction
Logistics and operations across 100+ countries

How They Built Their Wealth

Their wealth originated from ATCO’s growth in the mid-20th century and expanded into global utilities, pipelines, and industrial infrastructure.

3. Clayton Riddell (Family Estate) — Net Worth: ~$1.2 Billion

Industry: Oil & Gas
Company: Paramount Resources
Residence: Calgary (Family)

Although Clayton Riddell passed away in 2018, his family continues to hold major assets in his oil and gas empire, including:

Paramount Resources
Multiple energy exploration ventures
Real estate assets across Alberta

How the Family Maintains Wealth

Paramount Resources remains a top mid-size producer, and the family retains diversified holdings in private investments.

4. Allan Markin — Net Worth: ~$700–900 Million

Industry: Oil & Gas, Philanthropy
Companies: Canadian Natural Resources (former chairman), numerous private ventures

Allan Markin is one of the original builders of CNRL and a major force in Alberta’s industrial development.

Investments & Interests

Energy holdings
Health research funding
Scholarships and education programs
Large philanthropic contributions in Calgary

5. Jim Pattison (Significant Calgary Assets) — Net Worth: ~$16 Billion (Not Calgary-based, but major presence)

Industry: Retail, Media, Food Processing
Companies: Jim Pattison Group, Save-On-Foods, Ripley Entertainment
Residence: Vancouver — but HUGE investment footprint in Calgary

Although not a Calgary resident, his empire has heavy influence in Alberta’s economy.

Why He Matters to Calgary

Pattison Group owns:

Western Canada’s major grocery chain (Save-On-Foods)
Automotive dealerships
Media holdings
Food processing plants

Many local analysts include him when discussing wealth shaping Alberta’s economy.

6. Ron Southern (Family Legacy) — Net Worth: ~$500–700 Million

Industry: Construction, Real Estate, Sports
Company: ATCO, Spruce Meadows
Residence: Calgary (Family)

Ron Southern, co-founder of ATCO, left a powerful legacy through:

Global construction ventures
Utility infrastructure
Spruce Meadows — one of the world’s top equestrian centers

His daughters continue philanthropic and business leadership roles.

7. W. Brett Wilson — Net Worth: ~$300–500 Million

Industry: Investment, Energy, Venture Capital
Companies: Prairie Merchant Corporation, Former Dragon’s Den investor
Residence: Calgary

Brett Wilson is one of Western Canada’s most visible investors.

Where His Wealth Comes From

Energy sector deals
Real estate
Agriculture and water management investments
Technology startups
Philanthropy & media roles

8. The Taylor Family (Nutrien, Oil & Finance) — Net Worth: ~$300–400 Million

Industry: Agriculture, Fertilizer, Energy
Companies: Nutrien (indirect legacy), various private holdings

While not billionaires, the Taylors remain among Calgary’s wealthiest families through cross-sector investments.

9. George Brookman — Net Worth: ~$200–300 Million

Industry: Real Estate, Events, Development
Companies: West Canadian Digital, Calgary Stampede Leadership
Residence: Calgary

A prominent figure in Calgary’s development sector, Brookman built wealth through printing, real estate, and long-term leadership at the Calgary Stampede.

10. New Wealth Class: Tech & Real Estate Entrepreneurs

A new generation of wealthy Calgarians is emerging from:

Real Estate Developers

Shane Homes
Jayman BUILT families
Brookfield leaders

Tech Entrepreneurs

Founders of sharetech, proptech, and fintech companies
Startups connected to the UCalgary innovation ecosystem

High-Growth Professionals

Investment managers
Energy trading specialists
Private equity partners

These individuals often maintain $50–150M net worth, forming Calgary’s new “modern elite.”

Why Calgary Creates So Many Wealthy Individuals

Calgary’s economic engine remains powerful due to:

A dominant energy sector
Low taxes (no provincial sales tax)
Strong real estate market
Fast-growing tech and innovation hubs
Corporate headquarters concentration
New immigration of high-skilled professionals

Conclusion

Calgary continues to be one of Canada’s wealth capitals.
From oil sands titans to infrastructure dynasties and rising tech entrepreneurs, the city’s wealthy individuals play a major role in shaping Alberta’s growth.

In 2025, Calgary’s richest people remain influential across: