Tim Banks is a Canadian businessman, real estate developer, and community advocate based in Prince Edward Island (PEI). As the CEO of APM Group, he has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of PEI and beyond, leading numerous high-profile construction and development projects across Canada.
Early Life and Education
Born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Banks faced challenges during his early years, including the sudden death of his father when he was a teenager, and undiagnosed dyslexia that led to difficulties in reading, but exceptional skills in mathematics. He left school in grade 9 to take over the family business (a garage and service station in Summerside), and went back to complete highschool (GED) at age 18. In 1976, Banks graduated from Holland College in Charlottetown with a diploma in Construction Technology. He credits peer and mentor Harry Snow, of the Charlottetown firm Fitzgerald and Snow, for giving him his first job in the field.
Banks has emerged as a leader in his sector, but also as an influencer on broader social, political and economic issues. He defines himself as someone who is building and protecting Atlantic Canadian business while others in the region sell out to Ontario-based or American corporations.
Banks is well known for his leadership in residential and commercial property development, but is less known for his passion and work in environmental stewardship. He has a decades-long relationship with the North Shore near the community of Grand Tracadie where his wife grew up. In 2020, during the first few weeks of pandemic lockdown, Banks was forced to isolate for two weeks at his Grand Tracadie beachfront cottage. It was this moment that crystalized a long-held dream of opening a year-round eco-resort. His dream came true in 2024 with the opening of Blackbush Beach Resort. Over 1000 people attended the open house, and the hotel has become a platform for local artists.
“I spent so much time alone, exploring the beach with Killer dog (my sidekick cairn terrier), it suddenly occurred to me that a resort could work here in winter. Because it was that beautiful.”
Career Highlights
Banks has nurtured strong connections in his community. His early experiences laid the foundation for a career centered on innovation, economic growth, and community development. In the 1980s, he founded APM Group, a construction and development firm that has since become a leader in Atlantic Canada.
Major Projects and Contributions
Tim Banks has led significant projects for major Canadian retailers, including Loblaws, Canadian Tire, Sears, Kent, Walmart, and Hudson’s Bay. He played a key role in the development of Superstore programs in PEI and Industrial Cape Breton and has overseen numerous school construction initiatives in PEI.
As a significant investor and developer in affordable housing, Banks has contributed to projects such as Charlotte Court, Bill Campbell Place, David Dunphy Place, Martha Place, Frankie’s Place, and a new 89-unit complex under construction in Summerside.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Banks is known for his community involvement and philanthropic efforts. He served on the campaign committee for the “Force for Nature” fundraising campaign by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and co-chaired the UPEI business school financing campaign. His contributions include a $1,000,000 contribution to the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and led the campaign to secure funding for the preservation of Boughton Island.
He has also donated land and funds for wetland preservation, with a notable 40-acre land donation in Point Deroche. Banks has been recognized for his efforts to improve PEI’s retail landscape, including his advocacy for Sunday shopping and lifting the provincial moratorium on retail development.
He has a career-long track record of creating skills and employment opportunities for youth, and has most recently (2021 and 2023) opened two restaurants that provide leadership and skills opportunities for local young people.
Leadership Roles
Banks has held various leadership roles, including serving as a council member for the Community of Grand Tracadie and as a board member for AVC Inc., the operating arm of the Atlantic Veterinary College. He was also a board member of the Holland College Foundation.
Recognition and Awards
Tim Banks’ contributions have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the Atlantic Business Hall of Fame in 2008 and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He is also one of the founding directors of Killam Properties, now Killam Apartment REIT, which manages a $5.3 billion real estate portfolio across Canada.
Vision for PEI
Banks has often shared his vision for a thriving, inclusive PEI. He has stated, “My goal has always been to contribute to the economic and social vitality of Prince Edward Island, creating opportunities for future generations while preserving the unique beauty of our province.”
Controversies
Like many prominent developers, Banks has faced controversies, including debates over land use and development policies. Despite these challenges, he remains a steadfast advocate for growth and sustainability in PEI. He was instrumental in the fight to get the Provincial Moratorium on Retail Development lifted, and has long been an advocate for less bureaucracy and fewer barriers and red tape to development projects.
Personal Life
Tim Banks lives on Prince Edward Island, where he continues to lead APM Group and participate in initiatives that align with his values of community, sustainability, and economic development. Aside from work, Tim finds balance in time with long-time friends at his cottage, in communities of fellow car aficionados, and at the poker table. He has very high standards for seafood (among other things) and enjoys nothing more than sharing the very best of Prince Edward Island with friends and neighbours.