In a series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces some of the people working hard to improve life in Ottawa.
Who is he?
Bill Malhotra is the founder and CEO of one of the largest real estate developers in Ottawa, Claridge Homes, which he started in 1986.
What’s his background?
Malhotra was born in India, and studied civil engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). In his early 20s, he immigrated to Canada and eventually ended up working at an engineering firm and later for city government.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Claridge Homes has developed around 14,000 properties, including houses, condos and retirement homes. He also owns the tallest building in Ottawa, the “Claridge Icon,” reaching 469 ft., on the corner of Preston Street and Carling Avenue. “They called me The Condo King,” Malhotra told the Ottawa Citizen in 2016.
Malhotra is also part of the Ottawa Senators ownership group.
What do people say about him?
Bill’s brother Shawn talked about his time with Malhotra during the Barrhaven development of Longshire Village. “I was just 12 years old, and I was a sales assistant there.” He told the Ottawa Citizen that “when you’re a Malhotra, work is your middle name.” President of the Richcraft Group of companies, Kris Singhal said, “I have known Bill Malhotra for over 35 years … (he has) changed the landscape of the City of Ottawa.”
“Bill Malhotra and Claridge have certainly left their mark on Ottawa. Their contribution is not to be underestimated,” said Anne Howland of the Ottawa Business Journal.
What is something we don’t know about him?
Malhotra named his company Claridge, after a luxury hotel in New Delhi that he used to visit as a kid with his dad. He told the Citizen: “Whenever I’m in India now, I must go to have a meal there,” he says. “I’d love to buy it.”
