President & CEO
Wadih Fares exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and community service. Escaping the civil war in Lebanon as a teenager, he settled in Nova Scotia, learned English, graduated from university, and founded his own company. An innovator, he combined architecture, engineering, construction and property management into one company that has transformed Halifax’s landscape and helped boost the local economy.
With over 25 years of experience, Wadih Fares has been involved in every aspect of building design, project management and development. Wadih received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and a Diploma of Engineering from Dalhousie University. He wanted to create a company that would bring all of the disciplines involved in a development project together under one roof. The result was WM Fares Group, a company started with the philosophy that customers crave simplicity. Wadih’s goal was to rid his customers of the challenges and stresses of dealing with multiple consultants and contractors and give them a much more comfortable and convenient experience.
Since that time, Wadih has led his team of professional engineers, architects, planners and support staff to the successful completion of many major projects. These include hospitality, multi-unit residential and commercial projects throughout the Maritime Provinces, Ontario and Alberta. He has also shared this expertise with others in the industry, through his membership with the Engineers Nova Scotia, and past membership in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta and Ontario.
For as long as Wadih has been developing the buildings in which people live and work, he has worked to develop the communities united within them. As a Lebanese immigrant, he believes strongly in celebrating the unique talents and contributions everyone brings to this province and country. The success of the W M Fares business has allowed Wadih to be quite involved on a community level. Wadih actively participates on high profile boards and committees volunteering his time and talent. He values his business and community accomplishments equally. The following below are a few examples of Mr. Fares’ Community Leadership:
- Honorary Consul of Lebanon, Maritime Provinces
- Halifax International Airport Authority, Board of Directors, Vice-Chair
- Halifax International Airport Authority, Capital Projects Committee, Chairman
- Pier 21, Past Chair and Board of Directors
- Halifax West Community Theatre Project, Capital Campaign, Past Chairman
- Lebanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Founder and Honorary Member
- Halifax Mainland North Champion Awards Committee and Past Chair
- Waterfront Development Corporation Limited, Board of Directors
- Waterfront Development Corporation Limited, Planning and Development Committee, Chairman
- Dalhousie University, Board of Governors
- Dalhousie University, Operations Committee, Chairman
- Minister’s Immigration Advisory Council
- Dalhousie University, Interprofessional Health Building Steering Committee, Chairman
- QEII Foundation, Board of Trustees
Wadih has received a number of honours, including:
- Order of Canada 2012
- Dalhousie Family Legacy Award 2012
- Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Award for Excellence in Engineering 2011
- Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia, Pillar of the Community Award 2011
- Lebanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Montreal, Business Man of the Year 2007
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year 2012
- Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame 2012
- Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top CEO of the Year for Atlantic Canada 2011
- Family SOS Ambassador 2010
- St. Mary’s University, Honorary Doctorate in Commerce 2009
- Engineers Canada, Designation of Fellowship 2009
- The Salvation Army Great Stocking Stuffer Champion 2009
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year – Silver Award 2009
- Ernst & Young's Business to Consumer Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2008
- Big Brothers / Big Sisters Community Mentoring Award 2008
- Junior Achievement Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame, Laureate Induction 2008
- Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO for 2008, 2009, and 2010
- Lebanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Business and Community Builder Award 2008
- The Golden Jubilee Medal Award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- Saint Mary’s University, Association Alumni Award 2007
- Engineers Nova Scotia, Citizenship Award 2005
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