Sifton Properties set to celebrate 100 years of building London
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An antique grandfather clock that tells a lot more than just the time sits in the office of Sifton Properties.
During the Great Depression Harry Sifton, who founded the company in 1923, was given the clock by a tenant in lieu of rent.
As Harry gave way to his son Mowbray Sifton, and then his sons Glen and Richard, who is currently chief executive, that clock has been at Sifton’s offices.
As Sifton celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer, not only is the clock at the company’s West 5 office a touchstone to Sifton’s history of three generations at the helm of the development firm, but exemplifies compassion and innovation that have become hallmarks of the business, Richard Sifton believes.
“It’s ingrained in our culture, that we need to treat employees and customers well and I believe we do that,” he said. “The foundation Harry built and bestowed on us is that you can be successful but remember where you came from and who helped get you here.”
Compassion, as in the foundation that has given $12 million to community causes. Innovation in that Sifton throughout its history pioneered a series of London home firsts: rental homes, spec homes, subdivision, planned community, residential rental community and golf community. Sifton also set the standard for office space with One London Place.
Most recently Sifton has built West 5, London’s first net zero community, along Oxford Street West between Kains Road and Westdel Bourne.
“I look at this as something my grandfather started, something my father built and my brother and sister and I are caretakers,” Sifton said.
Glen Sifton, former chief executive, is retired and sister Sherene Davidson retired from the family business but still sits on the board of the Sifton Foundation.
Brother Paul now lives in Florida and sister Carol is in London.
As for how Sifton will celebrate its centennial, the 100 Steps Forward link on its company website details its events. Notably on June 24 it will host an anniversary party at Legacy Square in West 5. The company and Sifton Family Foundation also are giving $100,000 to individuals and families in need. Each month a committee of Sifton employees will visit an organization to make a donation.
It all began when Harry Sifton, a farmer, started to build homes. The city’s first subdivision was Braemar Court, marking the moment Sifton went from a home builder to a developer. Oakridge Acres was the first planned community and Berkshire Village the first residential rental neighbourhood in London. Westmount was its most diverse community build, featuring different types of homes as well as commercial development.
RiverBend was the first golf-centred gated community.
Mowbray Sifton also donated more than 40 hectares to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for the Sifton Bog.
One London Place, built 30 years ago, remains a model of energy efficiency today as it cools the office during the day with ice made the night before, Sifton said.
“It’s about our desire to always improve for both our employees and customers,” he said of what drives that innovation.
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