Sherry Brydson is the wealthiest and most influential woman in Toronto. Her vast fortune did not come easily; Sherry had to walk a long road to achieve success. Known for keeping her private life away from the public eye, she contributes generously to society. Learn more about her life and career on torontonka.com.
Civic Engagement
Sherry Brydson was born in Toronto. In 1960, she enrolled at the University of Toronto, where she studied political science and economics. During her time there, she worked as an editor for the university newspaper, The Varsity.
In 1970, Brydson participated in the Abortion Caravan, a protest during which hundreds of women marched from British Columbia to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, opposing restrictive abortion laws. Brydson was among 30 women who protested by chaining themselves to their seats in the House of Commons.
Little is known about Brydson’s personal life. Her marital status, age, and whether she has children remain closely guarded secrets. However, it is known that she is one of six members of the Thomson family who have never appeared on global lists of the richest individuals.
According to Bloomberg, Sherry and her four cousins are Canada’s first female billionaires.
Despite her fame, Sherry refrains from commenting on her business ventures. When approached by journalists for interviews, she consistently declines.
The Path to Success
After graduating from the University of Toronto, Brydson moved to Australia, where she worked as a journalist. Later, she traveled to Thailand, where she lived for some time. Captivated by Thai culture, she returned to Toronto and purchased a rundown hotel, which she restored and transformed into a women’s club for social gatherings.
Over time, Sherry expanded the space, adding the Elmwood, a Thai restaurant, and a spa center. Through these incremental steps, Brydson built her path to significant success.
Sherry Brydson quickly became not only an influential Canadian businesswoman but also the largest shareholder in Toronto’s Woodbridge Company Limited, a holding company managed by the seven grandchildren of Roy Thomson. Additionally, Sherry owns 55% of the shares in the media company Thomson Reuters Corp.
Brydson also owns Viking Air in North Saanich, a company specializing in aircraft manufacturing. With clients from various countries, Viking Air has earned a stellar reputation. Its headquarters are located in Toronto.
Reports suggest that Brydson holds shares in several other companies, including a turboprop engine manufacturer in British Columbia, the Moose FM radio network in Ontario, and hotel development projects in Nova Scotia.
Significant Contributions
Brydson is a passionate supporter of the arts. She sponsored a charity event at her spa in Toronto, which featured the work of artist Charles Pachter. Notably, when the Royal BC Museum in Victoria was denied funding to purchase a collection of artwork, Brydson and her cousin David Thomson paid $5.7 million for a collection of sacred art significant to the Tsimshian people. Sherry later funded an exhibition to showcase these unique pieces to the public.
Following the exhibition, Brydson gave an interview to The Globe and Mail, stating that priceless works of art should be passed down through generations. She also expressed her belief that well-being stems from inner peace and is only achievable in a healthy environment and society.
Sherry had a deep love for her mother, and her mother’s passing was a great loss. In 2009, in memory of her mother, Irma Thomson Brydson, Sherry donated $5 million to the Toronto Women’s YWCA. Additionally, she contributed to the development of the Elm Centre, a housing facility for women and children, making her grant one of the largest in Canada.