Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Neil Chrystal has devoted his career to serving the business community in Metro Vancouver. Neil began his career with Polygon Homes in 1987, after completing his degree in commerce and urban land economics at the University of British Columbia.
He worked his way up over the past 35 years to become president in 2003. Through his leadership, Neil has built one of the top ranked companies as recognized by BC Business Magazine. He was also recently named one of the 500 most influential business leaders in the province.
Having built over 33,000 homes, Polygon Homes is one the leading homebuilders in B.C. and a significant leader in philanthropy within the construction industry. They have made notable contributions to the former Presentation House Gallery, now named the Polygon Gallery after their gift of $2 million to support its redevelopment.
The company contributes thousands of dollars annually to health, arts and community-focused organizations in the region. They also made a recent contribution of $100,000 to support CapU’s Centre for Childhood Studies.
Outside his work with Polygon Homes, Neil contributes his time to multiple community organizations, providing his leadership and business governance expertise.
He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Audain Art Museum, vice-chair of the Board of the Urban Development Institute and member of the board with the Business Council of Canada. Additionally, he and wife Andrea have been long-time financial supporters of deserving causes across the arts, health-care and community services.