The Hill Companies and community engagement have gone hand in hand since we were founded in 1903. We genuinely believe that a company's strength is directly connected to the well-being of the community it serves, which is why we are dedicated to the success of our clients, customers, and the communities in which we operate. In particular, we have a proud track record of supporting initiatives to empower Indigenous communities, promote diversity and inclusion, provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth, and help those facing daily challenges. From Regina to Red Deer and Atlantic Canada to Arizona, our staff and leadership are actively engaged in the communities they work in, valuing the partnerships they have forged with numerous stakeholders.
As Tim Brislin, President of Harvard Investments, says, “Service to our community is a hallmark of Harvard’s culture.”
our impact
Empowering Communities
For over 120 years, our purpose has been to help others realize their dreams—whether they are our business partners or community members. This sentiment has been ingrained into our DNA from our earliest days, and we believe it is the key to our longevity.
Paul J. Hill
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN | THE HILL COMPANIES
We understand that true community involvement is more than just leasing and maintaining space; it's about creating meaningful connections and promoting mutual success.
When we invest in our communities, we invest in a brighter future for us all.
To support these communities, we focus on critical areas such as youth education and impoverished individuals and neighbourhoods, providing them with the necessary resources and tools to help them achieve success.
$25M+
contributed in support of community initiatives over the last decade
150+
community organizations have received our assistance
25+
communities are where we're
active participants
Key Organizations We Support
Athol Murray College
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame is a private, independent, co-educational boarding high school rooted in the Catholic tradition. It is open to students of all faith backgrounds. The College maintains an ecumenical outlook and encourages all to seek God, put their faith in Him, and live by their beliefs.
Mother Teresa Middle School
Mother Teresa Middle School was founded by Paul Hill, the Chairman of The Hill Companies, with the help of partners such as Harvard Developments. Its goal is to offer a comprehensive middle school education to Regina's disadvantaged inner-city youth, focusing on their overall development.
One Life Makes A Difference
Established by Paul Hill, chairman of The Hill Companies, One Life Makes A Difference provides financial assistance to educate underprivileged inner-city youth in Canada. It makes donations to qualified donors within the limits imposed under the Income Tax Act.
Philanthropic Leadership
The Hill Companies’ commitment to the community comes directly from the top and is led by Paul J. Hill and his children, Matthew Hill and Rosanne Hill Blaisdell. Paul, Chairman, has been honoured with several accolades for his philanthropic efforts over the decade. These include receiving the Order of Canada and Saskatchewan Order of Merit and Knighthood by Pope Benedict XVI. Along with his wife Carol, Paul also received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Canadian Red Cross. They also established the One Life Makes A Difference Charity and Mother Teresa Middle School, both of which support underprivileged students in achieving an education.
Additionally, Rosanne plays a pivotal role in the community fundraising for the Mother Teresa Middle School program, while Matthew is heavily involved in fundraising to support various educational initiatives.
Indigenous Engagement and Partnership
Harvard Developments, A Hill Company, is actively engaged with Indigenous communities across Western Canada, emphasizing supporting and empowering Indigenous youth. Harvard Developments partners with organizations such as the United Way and Mother Teresa Middle School to provide educational and development opportunities to school-aged children while supporting various campaigns, taking part in volunteering opportunities, and creating lifelong relationships.
In addition, Harvard Developments participates in Indigenous Awareness programs, with leadership and human resources teams undergoing training to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, rights, and cultural perspectives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) are instrumental to any company’s success. We recognize that everyone has something to contribute and that our success relies on the creativity and ambition of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society. Our DEI programs consist of all-inclusive hiring practices, training, and mentorship opportunities aimed at creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Philanthropic Partnerships
One key aspect of helping the community is involvement, which means creating meaningful relationships with various charitable organizations. These include local food banks, emergency shelters, United Way, and the Canadian Red Cross. Through sponsorship, volunteer work, and fundraising activities, our employees go above and beyond to assist several organizations that support emergency shelters, food insecurity, youth programs, anti-bullying, and anti-addiction efforts.
Far and Wide
At The Hill Companies, we actively strive to get involved with all the communities we operate in—big and small, near and far. Whether we’re hosting country cookouts to feed hardworking farmers right in their fields, taking part in local Pride celebrations, organizing adopt-a-thons for local animal shelters, or lending a hand at food banks during the holidays, we’re all about giving back to the places we call home. Just as we were back in 1903, we remain committed to making a positive impact and celebrating the wonderful diversity of every community.
Going Green
Environmental sustainability is more important than ever. While this isn’t a groundbreaking stance, we realize that actions speak louder than words. Throughout The Hill Companies, we are constantly working toward cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient ways to operate. Small changes make a big difference, and we’re committed to making positive, sustainable changes that will benefit our communities and the planet.
Harvard Developments is proud to have several LEED-certified buildings within its portfolio. These properties are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to use resources more efficiently than buildings built to code standards. Additionally, Harvard is proud to have a number of office towers certified by BOMA BEST for their environmental performance and management. These certifications are an honour, but they also hold them accountable, pushing management to make more thoughtful decisions when considering the ecological impact.
While much of Harvard’s portfolio may be constructed with the environment in mind, it's all for naught if environmentally friendly practices aren’t upheld. Within select properties, Harvard works with EnergyPrint and Greenwave to collect data directly from utilities, allowing them to track consumption and implement plans for preventative maintenance. This allows them to better inform and educate their tenants while creating solutions to reduce emissions.
In developing the master-planned community of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona, Harvard Investments acknowledges the responsibility of living within the High Sonoran Desert. Home to over 22,000 residents, Estrella is poised to meet the housing needs of one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
As Estrella grows, Harvard Investments prioritizes smart water management, working with the City of Goodyear to ensure a sustainable 100-year water supply, using reclaimed water, xeriscaping, low-water-use plants, and providing natural walking trails and access to the 19,000-acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
Additionally, a 4,400-acre utility-scale solar park is planned for Estrella. Featuring ground-mounted photovoltaic panels and utility-scale battery storage, it will generate up to 450 MW of power—about one-fourth of the Hoover Dam’s output, or enough to power four million light bulbs annually.
At Harvard Media, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a core value. They understand the importance of protecting the planet and are dedicated to minimizing their environmental impact through innovative practices and responsible decision-making.
Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in almost every aspect of the organization. They prioritize minimizing their carbon footprint through energy conservation and waste reduction. Harvard Media has comprehensive recycling programs and continually seeks to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. By leveraging renewable energy resources and adopting digital workflows, they aim to create content that is as sustainable as it is impactful.
Harvard Media recognizes that every action counts. They are proud to be part of the global effort to create a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations.
