Charles Allard
Charles Alexander Allard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Died | August 11, 1991 (aged 71) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, broadcaster, entrepreneur, surgeon |
| Known for | Founder of CITV-TV and CHQT; co-founder of Bank of Alberta; founder of Edmonton Oilers; founder of Allarcom |
Charles Alexander Allard (November 19, 1919 – August 11, 1991) was a multifaceted Canadian figure known for his work as a banker, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and surgeon. He was the founder of Edmonton's independent television station CITV-TV and the radio station CHQT. Allard played a pivotal role in creating the Bank of Alberta, the media company Allarcom, and the professional hockey team Edmonton Oilers. As a distinguished fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and former chief of staff at Edmonton General Hospital, he was honored posthumously by induction into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Life
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1919, Allard earned his medical degree from the University of Alberta in 1943. He pursued advanced surgical training at several institutions including Montreal General Hospital, Lahey Clinic in Boston, Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, and Children's Memorial Hospital in Montreal. Subsequently, he held the position of chief of staff at Edmonton General Hospital.
Allard passed away in Edmonton in 1991 at the age of 71.
Business career
Allard's business endeavors encompassed sectors such as banking, broadcasting, healthcare, real estate, mass media, entertainment, and sports.
He launched CHQT radio in Edmonton in 1965 and went on to establish CITV-TV in 1973, marking western Canada's first independent television station. He co-founded Paris Investments—which evolved into Allarco Developments—becoming one of the nation's leading real estate companies. Additionally, he founded and presided over Alberta Gas and Chemicals as well as International Jet Air. As a co-founder of the Bank of Alberta, Allard contributed to the foundation of what later became Canadian Western Bank. His media assets were consolidated under Allarcom before their sale to Western International Communications in 1991.
In 1971, Allard created the Edmonton Oilers hockey franchise, initially part of the World Hockey Association and featuring prominent athletes such as Wayne Gretzky.
Honours and awards
Among his numerous recognitions were:
- Induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (1995)
- Posthumous induction into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Hall of Fame (1996)