If you’ve passed through Portage and Main in the last year, chances are you’ve seen Doane Grant Thornton’s sign overlooking the iconic intersection at the heart of Winnipeg’s downtown.
What you may not know, however, is that the firm’s history and its impact on Canadians dates back to more than 85 years.
H.R. Doane and Company: Where It All Began
In the late 1930s, Harvey Doane was helping run a small accounting firm in Halifax when his partner decided to pursue another career. The partner offered to sell Harvey his share of the practice, and it was then that Harvey made the decision to begin building a legacy.
On October 1, 1939, he officially opened the doors of his new chartered accounting firm, H.R. Doane and Company.
As their reputation and client roster grew, so did their services, offices, and partners. In 1950, the firm brought on Erma MacPherson, their first woman partner and future auditor general of New Brunswick and British Columbia.
As demand grew, the firm eventually opened a separate office focused entirely on taxation, led by Harvey’s son, Larry Doane. Over the years, they expanded across Canada, opening new offices, including their first Manitoban office in 1981. Their company name changed over time to reflect the new partners they welcomed.
A Global Vision
Just before the turn of the century, the firm rebranded to Grant Thornton to signify their international reach.
For over 20 years, they operated under the name Grant Thornton, as a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm. Growing to more than 3,000 employees in offices across the country, they provided audit, tax, and advisory services to private and public organizations owned and operated by people like you.
Harvey Doane helped build a national legacy, all the while maintaining a vision of growth and prosperity as a Canadian firm.
That’s why last year, Grant Thornton became Doane Grant Thornton LLP – a celebration of their legacy, a reflection of the importance they place on their presence in their communities across Canada, and a nod to their international network of resources.
Harvey Doane, Founding Partner, Doane Grant Thornton LLP.
“Building a legacy isn’t just about the work we do—it’s about the people, the values, and the impact we leave behind,” says Kevin Ladner, CEO and Executive Partner, Doane Grant Thornton. “Doane Grant Thornton is more than just a new name; it’s our commitment to helping Canadian businesses reach their highest potential.”
Their new name comes just months after the firm relocated to our city centre.
Reconnecting with the Heart of Winnipeg
“We wanted to come back to where our clients are so we can connect and support them in meaningful ways,” said Marin Brown, Managing Partner at Doane Grant Thornton.
Marin Brown, Managing Partner, Doane Grant Thornton LLP.
For Doane Grant Thornton, the move represents more than just a new building in one of the most desired locations; it is a symbol of their commitment to reconnecting and growing Winnipeg’s downtown.
“Since we moved, we are bringing all of these people downtown that weren’t working here a year ago.” Marin said.
Throughout their 85+ years, Doane Grant Thornton’s made it a priority to support their community beyond their professional services. In 1960, the firm became a member of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
“The connection with The Winnipeg Chamber was really a no-brainer,” said Marin.
Marin adds that an important part of their membership has been the connections they’ve made with other Chamber members and community leaders through Chamber events.
She credits The Winnipeg Chamber as a key player in their connection to the community and keeping them on top of what’s happening in the city.
A Vision for The Future
The firm plans to continue to nurture its community, supporting business owners and employees, and building strong legacies they can pass down for generations.
So, the next time you’re passing through Portage and Main and you look up to see their sign, you might recognize not just one, but two icons.
You might see a symbol of people like Harvey, and every other Canadian, who had a dream to make something of themselves.
To build a business that helps fellow Canadians.
To create a legacy.
To learn more about Doane Grant Thornton, visit their website.
