{"id":2878,"date":"2024-12-09T09:46:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T15:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/?p=2878"},"modified":"2024-12-20T03:01:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T09:01:26","slug":"irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878","title":{"rendered":"Irving Kipnes: A Canadian Businessman Who Shaped Edmonton"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Irving Kipnes, a respected entrepreneur and devoted community leader, dedicated his time and resources to supporting Edmonton\u2019s growth. His philanthropic efforts extended across health care, education, arts, and culture, leaving a lasting impact on the city. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/\">edmonton1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0bd367770c5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0bd367770c5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878\/#Early_Life_and_Entrepreneurial_Spirit\" >Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878\/#A_Generous_Business_Leader\" >A Generous Business Leader<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878\/#Community_Contributions\" >Community Contributions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878\/#Business_Leadership_and_Advocacy\" >Business Leadership and Advocacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/irving-kipnes-a-canadian-businessman-who-shaped-edmonton-2878\/#Awards_and_Recognition\" >Awards and Recognition<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Life_and_Entrepreneurial_Spirit\"><\/span>Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Born on September 10, 1936, in Calgary to Russian immigrant parents Harry and Rose, Irving grew up within the close-knit Jewish community. His father owned a small candy store, where young Irving learned the value of hard work by assisting customers and weighing candy. These early experiences taught him the fundamentals of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The collective efforts of his community to support the newly established state of Israel after World War II deeply influenced Irving. Listening to the stories of Holocaust survivors, he gained an appreciation for life in Alberta and began actively engaging in community life. This foundation became pivotal in his adult life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1205\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13-696x524.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-13-1068x804.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Generous_Business_Leader\"><\/span>A Generous Business Leader<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1954, Irving moved to Edmonton to study chemical engineering at the University of Alberta. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree and began working as a systems analyst for Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. Using skills honed during his university years, he tackled complex challenges while pursuing small construction projects on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1962, Irving founded Delcon Development Group Ltd., focusing on residential, commercial, and industrial developments. The following year, he left Imperial Oil to dedicate himself to his construction business full-time. Over decades, Delcon became a leading developer in Edmonton, earning a stellar reputation for innovative projects that respected the city\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1988, Irving married psychologist Dianne Walker. Together, they formed a powerhouse team, benefiting Edmonton and Alberta across various sectors. Leveraging revenues from successful businesses\u2014including Delcon, Topco Associates LLC, and Liquor Depot\u2014the couple invested thoughtfully in community development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-5.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-5-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Community_Contributions\"><\/span>Community Contributions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Irving and Dianne\u2019s philanthropic efforts touched countless organizations. Among them was the Alberta Cancer Foundation, where Irving established the Kipnes Chair in Radiopharmaceuticals. Additionally, they supported the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and contributed to health care initiatives throughout Edmonton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The couple\u2019s passion for the arts enriched Edmonton\u2019s cultural landscape. Their support extended to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, where Irving once served as a director, the Citadel Theatre, and Edmonton Opera. They also played a significant role in developing the University of Alberta\u2019s arts campus. Each year, the couple co-hosted a Valentine\u2019s Day Gala to raise funds for Edmonton Opera, with proceeds benefiting a new veterans\u2019 facility named in Irving\u2019s honour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Irving remained deeply connected to his alma mater, serving on the advisory board of the U of A School of Business. Together, he and Dianne sponsored a chair focusing on policies to improve quality of life in low-income countries. In recognition of their contributions, both were awarded honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of Alberta in 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Business_Leadership_and_Advocacy\"><\/span>Business Leadership and Advocacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Irving contributed his energy and expertise to Edmonton\u2019s business community. He was the first elected president and long-serving board member of the Alberta Liquor Store Association. He also chaired the Alberta Liquor Industry Round Table and served as director of the Urban Development Institute and the Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Awards_and_Recognition\"><\/span>Awards and Recognition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Irving Kipnes\u2019 efforts earned him numerous accolades. He was named one of Alberta Venture Magazine\u2019s Top 100 Entrepreneurs of the Past 100 Years and inducted into the Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame. In 2010, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce honoured him with the Northern Lights Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the accolades, Irving drew energy not from recognition but from his tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication to his community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Irving Kipnes, a respected entrepreneur and devoted community leader, dedicated his time and resources to supporting Edmonton\u2019s growth. His philanthropic efforts extended across health care, education, arts, and culture, leaving a lasting impact on the city. More on edmonton1.one. Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit Born on September 10, 1936, in Calgary to Russian immigrant parents [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":464,"featured_media":2885,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[2467,2460,2447,2466,2470,2461,2462,2463,2458,2452,2457,2469,2459,2465,2464,2468],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[83],"moimportance":[78,81],"class_list":{"0":"post-2878","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-alberta-business-leaders","9":"tag-alberta-cancer-foundation","10":"tag-alberta-entrepreneur","11":"tag-alberta-liquor-industry","12":"tag-arts-and-culture-edmonton","13":"tag-delcon-development","14":"tag-edmonton-downtown-development","15":"tag-edmonton-opera","16":"tag-edmonton-philanthropist","17":"tag-edmonton-symphony-orchestra","18":"tag-irving-kipnes","19":"tag-kipnes-veterans-centre","20":"tag-mazankowski-alberta-heart-institute","21":"tag-northern-lights-award","22":"tag-university-of-alberta-donor","23":"tag-urban-development-institute","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-vlasna","26":"moimportance-golovna-novina","27":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori"},"modified_by":"Viktorij Voitova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/464"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2878"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2888,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions\/2888"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}