About Us
Lyle S. Hallman
Lyle S. Hallman history
Lyle Hallman had great instincts. If there was a need for something within the community, and it made sense, he would never hesitate to help bring the idea to fruition.
Lyle was born in 1922 and raised in the Preston area. Even as a young boy, Lyle wanted to learn as much as he could about the construction business from his father. His eagerness to learn, and the experience he gathered in those early years led to Lyle’s success in the business world. His father’s reputation for integrity helped shape Lyle into the kind and generous man his community remembers today.
After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, Lyle started his construction business by excavating a basement with a team of horses and a scraper. Hallman Construction Ltd. was founded in 1945 and grew over the years into the Hallman Group of Companies. As the builder, owner and manager of seventy-five apartment buildings, comprising 3,500 rental units – as well as being a major land developer – Lyle became one of the most successful businessmen in the community. However, today he is remembered most for his generous support of charitable organizations throughout Waterloo Region.
Lyle called Waterloo Region home and his dedication to the Region continues through the work of the Foundation he created in September 2003, only one month before his death. Along with two other trustees, Lyle created the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation to ensure that his vision for a healthy, educated community became a reality – even after he was gone.
During his lifetime, Lyle’s generosity and leadership in the community were recognized in many ways. Lyle was awarded the Canada 125 Medal, an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Waterloo and was invested in the Order of Canada. Lyle gave freely of his time, expertise and financial resources to serve and support his community.
Lyle was a founder of the local Home Builders Association in 1946. He was treasurer of the National Home Builders Association from 1980 to 1985 and the national chair of the Multi-Family Council of the Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada. His expertise and knowledge were in constant demand by local elected officials, regional committees and provincial organizations seeking information on property management.
He established funds in The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation and in the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation at early stages of their development and encouraged others to invest. He funded hospitals and healthcare and provided the funds for the first MRI scanner in our community. He also generously supported organizations serving children.
Lyle was a committed and active member of K-W Counselling Services for over 50 years, where he provided leadership, advice and long-term support. As he grew older, Lyle shifted his focus to programmes addressing prevention. Strong Start® is just one example of his dedication to preventing problems before they arise. In 2001, Lyle initiated Strong Start® as a community-run project to help ensure all children in Waterloo Region learn to read.
Lyle also made major lead gifts to numerous fundraising campaigns throughout Waterloo Region. These included gifts to help establish the:
Lyle S. Hallman Swimming Pool
Lyle S. Hallman Fund of The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation
Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion at the University of Waterloo
Lyle S. Hallman Chair in Child and Family Development at Wilfrid Laurier University.
The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation continues his tradition of giving in Waterloo Region by supporting health, education and children’s initiatives that inspire and grow individual and community potential.
