Most Albertans are well acquainted with the name Patrick Burns. He was a pivotal figure in Calgary’s history, renowned as one of the “Big Four.” His impact on the city is truly remarkable, and his name graces a high school in downtown Calgary. To learn more about this prominent and influential Calgary family, check out Calgarynka.
Who Was Patrick Burns?
In 2008, the “Calgary Herald” named Patrick Burns Alberta’s greatest citizen. His dreams, successes, and philanthropy, the article noted, truly embodied the spirit of the Western character. The authors even compared his story to that of Alberta itself. But let’s start at the beginning.
Born in Ontario in 1856, Patrick was the fourth of eleven children. After his birth, his family relocated to Kirkfield, Ontario, where he spent most of his childhood. His family, of Irish descent, had immigrated from Ireland and had to shorten their surname. Patrick didn’t receive a formal education as a child, but even at a young age, he showed incredible diligence. This trait proved crucial to his success in business.
At 22, Patrick Burns ventured west with two of his brothers in search of better opportunities. They were looking for good land and found an ideal spot near Minnedosa, Manitoba. It was there, 200 kilometres west of Winnipeg, that he began his beef business.
His enterprise started with just one cow, which he bought on credit. He sold it for $4, then began transporting goods to Winnipeg. Patrick Burns initially worked as a cattle hauler for his neighbours. By 1885, he had opened his own shop, buying and selling his own livestock.
Expansion and Success
In 1887, a former school friend of Patrick Burns offered him a contract with the railway, which involved employing his workers. This contract was a golden opportunity, leading to the creation of a mobile slaughterhouse. This allowed for easy movement between sites, and this success was pivotal, as it led to other similar contracts.
In 1890, Patrick moved to Alberta, where he built his first large slaughterhouse. Eight years later, he built new packing plants in Calgary, and then expanded his operations to Edmonton, Prince Albert, Regina, and Vancouver.
All these ventures led him to consider establishing a large-scale ranching operation. P. Burns & Co., later renamed Burns Food, became the largest meatpacking company in Western Canada. After Patrick Burns opened his second slaughterhouse in Calgary, a local publication described the event as something truly fantastic, another milestone on Calgary’s path to prosperity.
The Burns Household
Patrick Burns married Eileen Ellis of Penticton in 1901. At that time, he was already building an 18-room mansion, valued between $32,000 and $40,000. Unfortunately, due to redevelopment, this historic building was torn down in 1956.
In 1901, the couple purchased the Bow Valley Ranch, which served as Patrick Burns’ headquarters for many years. The sprawling 20,000-acre property was bordered by Stampede Park, Macleod Trail, and the Bow River.
The Bow Valley Ranch, while a relatively small part of Patrick Burns’ vast meatpacking empire, was crucial. This is where cattle were brought to be prepared for shipment to the slaughterhouse. Interestingly, Patrick Burns often offered complimentary rooms to politicians, celebrities, and other prominent figures visiting Calgary. It was an effective way to draw attention to his operations.
In 1973, the Alberta government acquired the Bow Valley Ranch from the Burns family as part of a strategy to develop a new park. Today, Calgarians are familiar with this location; the former ranch is now an upscale restaurant within Fish Creek Provincial Park.
The “Big Four” Businessmen
Patrick Burns, along with A.J. Maclean, A.E. Cross, and George Lane, formed the “Big Four” in 1912. These businessmen provided financial backing to Guy Weadick for the inaugural Calgary Stampede. They contributed $100,000, famously dubbing the event “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
This period marked immense success for the Burns family. Patrick owned 38,000 head of cattle, 1,500 horses, 20,000 sheep, and six large ranches. Patrick Burns’ businesses were renowned for their cleanliness and state-of-the-art technology. After World War I, Patrick Burns was one of Canada’s most successful businessmen. At that time, he owned several slaughterhouses and over 100 retail meat shops across Alberta and British Columbia. This was a strong and reliable foundation, but the entrepreneur didn’t stop there. He went on to establish 18 wholesale fruit stores, 11 grocery stores, and 65 creameries.
Patrick Burns’ influence was incredible. It was no surprise, then, that in 1931, he was appointed to the Canadian Senate, representing a northern Alberta district. He served as a senator until 1936, when he resigned due to health issues.
Philanthropy
Patrick Burns was the first Canadian to be honoured by the Vatican with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. This was an incredible, yet entirely deserved, recognition. He was always known for his generosity and philanthropy. Examples include his aid to the town of Frank, Alberta, after a rockslide devastated the community, donations to St. Mary’s Cathedral, and sending train carloads of food to Fernie after a fire left 6,000 people homeless. Patrick Burns personally paid to paint the Catholic church near Calgary, and later, the neighbouring Anglican church. He made significant donations to St. Mary’s Church in Parish, Calgary, and funded the construction of Albert Lacombe’s “Hermitage” in Pincher Creek.
These are just a few examples of Patrick Burns’ good deeds. The list is, in fact, much longer. Given all this, it’s clear why he went down in Alberta’s history as one of its most prominent businessmen and philanthropists.
A shining testament to Patrick Burns’ lasting philanthropy is his Memorial Fund. In his will, he allocated a third of his estate to establish the Burns Memorial Fund, and in 1939, a court order was passed for the trusteeship and administration of the Burns Memorial Trust.
Initially, the Fund was intended to assist three groups of Calgarians: widows and orphans of Calgary police officers, widows and orphans of Calgary firefighters, and Calgary’s poor and disadvantaged children. Today’s Burns Memorial Fund comprises a Private Charitable (Children’s) Fund and two non-profit trusts (the Police Fund and the Firefighters Fund). Thus, the Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting Calgary’s children, youth, and families, as well as providing aid to the families of those working in the police and fire services.
Calgary’s Most Influential Figure
Patrick Burns is an inspiring example of someone who built an empire from the ground up. His work demonstrates exceptional business acumen and a deep sense of social responsibility. His immense work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit are truly impressive. What Patrick Burns achieved continues to inspire Calgary entrepreneurs and encourages all citizens to remember the importance of giving back.
Patrick Burns’ legacy encompasses not only economic development but also sustained philanthropic support for the community.