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The OMERS Act, 1961-62 was given Royal Assent on April, 18, 1962

First members enrolled January 1 with 160 employers. By the end of the first year of operation 311 employers had signed on.

Pension formula based on 2% of the average of a member's career earnings. 

Ontario Pension Benefits Act locks in OMERS contributions when members reach age 45 and 10 years service.

OMERS begins to manage Ryerson Pension Plan. 

OMERS contributions and benefits become "integrated" (blended) with newly created Canada Pension Plan.

Utility commissions and children's aid societies become eligible to join OMERS.

Employers now able to offer members enhanced "supplementary" benefits through OMERS.

OMERS begins to manage Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Plan.

All municipal employees hired after July 1 join OMERS.

Minister of Municipal Affairs transfers responsibility for OMERS to 11-member Board.

Pension formula increases to 2.2% of the average of a member's career earnings.

Disabled widowers become eligible to receive OMERS survivor pension.

Payments to children of deceased members extended from age 18 to age 21.

Surviving spouse's pension increases: additional 10% for each dependent child (up to 75% [max.] of member's pension).

Municipal councillors become eligible for OMERS membership.

OMERS begins investing part of Fund in marketable securities.

Widowers become eligible to receive 50% OMERS survivor pension. 

Employers now able to offer their members service purchase arrangements ("Optional Service") through OMERS.

Pension formula changes to 2% of average of member's highest five years of earnings, integrated with CPP.

Member and employer contribution rates increase by 1.5%.

Disabled members who qualify no longer have to make contributions. 

OMERS begins investing all new funds in marketable securities.

Survivor benefits become available to spouses of remarried members, and are no longer reduced based on the spouse's age.

90 Factor introduced: early retirement without penalty for members within 10 years of normal retirement age whose age plus service equals at least 90.

85 Factor introduced (version of 90 Factor for members with a normal retirement age of 60).

All pensions increased to reflect at least 60% of Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases since they began.

Survivor pension increases to 60% of member's pension.

Changes to Ontario Pension Benefits Act take effect: OMERS contributions become locked in after two years of plan membership; 50% of a member's pension must be paid by employer; guidelines for safe pension investing ("prudent person" rule). 

OMERS Realty Corporation created. 

Assets exceed $10 billion. 

All pensions increased to reflect at least 75% of CPI increases since they began.

Date pensions are increased for inflation moves from July 1 to January 1.

30 Year provision introduced: early retirement without penalty for members within 10 years of normal retirement age who have at least 30 years of service.

Members now able to "buy back" their previous eligible public service.

Spouses of members who (re-)marry after retirement become eligible to receive OMERS survivor benefits.

Guaranteed inflation protection introduced - 70% of annual CPI increase (max. 6%).

Members stop making contributions when they reach 35 years of credited service.

Changes due to Income Tax Act introduced: definitions of "disability" and "dependent child;" limits to leaves of absence and maximum pension.

OMERS Board expands to 13 members - adding one retired member and one employer representative.

Plan changes require members and employers to share any funding shortfall or surplus equally.

Employers now able to change the normal retirement age of a class of their police or firefighter members.

Retired members who become re-employed may re-enroll in OMERS and maintain their pension.

Disability benefits resume if member's relapse occurs within six months. Earners have their pensions based on their full earnings. 

Enhanced early retirement window (Type 7) introduced: 80 Factor; age 50 for members with a normal retirement age of 65; unreduced pension at age 60. Window is funded by plan surplus during Social Contract period.

Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA) introduced. 

Further early retirement window (Type 7) benefits introduced for members with a normal retirement age of 60 during Social Contract period: age 45 retirement; 75 Factor.

Other Social Contract benefits introduced: cost of Social Contract Broken Service may be shared between members and employers; phased-in retirement allowed within last five years; temporary Social Contract lay-off purchasable as Broken Service; up to 12 Social Contract leave days, or equivalent wage reduction, per year credited at no cost.

Ryerson Polytechnic University and Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Board begin to manage their respective pension plans.

Deadline for employers to enter into an extended early retirement window (Revised Type 7) extended to March 31, 1999.

Assets exceed $25 billion.

Early retirement window, November 30, 1997, through December 31, 2002: early retirement factors changed to 85/80 (for normal retirement age 65/60); early retirement reduction changed from 5% per year to 2 1/2% per year member falls short of the lesser of normal retirement age, 30 years of service, or the early retirement factor.

Member and employer contribution rates decrease by two percentage points from 1st pay period of 1998, through December 31, 2002.

Member and employer contribution holiday begins pay period including August 1, 1998, through July 31, 1999.

All pensions, deferred pensions, and disability waiver benefits increased to reflect at least 100% of CPI increases since they began.

Survivor pensions increase: 66 2/3% plus 8 1/3% for each eligible child (up to 75% of member's pension).

Same-sex spouses become eligible to receive OMERS survivor benefits.

Members with shortened life expectancy now able to "unlock" and receive a cash refund of their pension's commuted value.

OMERS becomes able to transfer pensions to private sector pension plans.

Organizations providing local government services, and other related organizations, become eligible to participate in OMERS.

OMERS announced in November that an agreement has been reached with Hammerson plc of the United Kingdom whereby OMERS Realty Corporation will acquire Hammerson Canada, Inc. Hammerson Canada has six principal developments in Canada, including Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Ontario and three office buildings in downtown Toronto.

In August, OMERS purchases 5,248,275 shares of Oxford Properties Group Inc. ("Oxford")-TSE (OXG)-raising the Fund's ownership level in this company to approximately 12% of the outstanding common shares. OMERS is now one of the largest shareholders in Oxford. The transaction is a strategic real estate investment representing a further step in the implementation of the OMERS real estate strategy which includes ownership of real estate through public equities in addition to direct property and debt instruments. 

Member and employer contribution holiday extended through to December 31, 2001.

Early retirement window, January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2001: early retirement factors changed to 80/75 (for normal retirement age 65/60); early retirement for all members within 15 years of normal retirement age.

Guaranteed inflation protection increases to 100% of annual CPI increase (max. 6%).

Survivor pensions increase: 66 2/3% plus 10% for each eligible child (up to 100% of member's pension).

Contributions made after 35 years of credited service refunded.

50% Rule repayment required to merge service on re-enrolment.

Reduction to OMERS bridge benefit to age 65 results in a higher lifetime pension: 0.7% to 0.675%; transition to five-year average YMPE.

Member and employer contribution holiday extended through to December 31, 2002. 

Early retirement window extended: gradual increases in early retirement factors, returning to normal December 31, 2004; retirement within 15 years of normal retirement age to end December 31, 2003.

Oxford Properties Group Inc. and OMERS have announced in August that an agreement has been reached whereby BPC Properties Ltd., a related company of OMERS, will make a cash bid to acquire 100% of Oxford common shares at $23.75 per share for a total equity value of $1.5 billion. 

Early retirement window changes: factors changed to 82/77 (for normal retirement age 65/60).

OMERS e-access gives employers instant online access to member database; e-Form 143 follows, enabling employers to notify OMERS of member events online.

Online Buy-back Estimator joins Pension Estimator.

OMERS awarded "AAA" enterprise and counterparty credit rating by Standard & Poor's and Dominion Bond Rating Service.

Contribution holiday ends with contributions reinstated, at one-third of full rates, with the first full pay period in 2003.

Early retirement window partially closes: early retirement age requirements and reduction factor return to normal on January 1, 2004; enhanced factors continue to December 31, 2004.

Four e-Forms added to OMERS e-access, enabling employers to request pension estimates, enrol members, and report leave periods and contribution remittances online.

Online Pension Estimator expanded to estimate income from other sources and compare post-retirement income to pre-retirement income.

Province approves return to full contribution rates beginning with first, full pay in 2004. (To reflect the actual cost of benefits, the new full rates are slightly higher than OMERS full rates were before the contribution holiday.)

In June, OMERS announces that its subsidiary, BPC Maritime Corporation, has reached agreement with Ballast Nedam Canada Developments Inc. to acquire a 34% share of Strait Crossing Development Inc. (SCDI). The transaction represents a strategic acquisition for OMERS. Its investment in SCDI will provide a steady, reliable, long-term return for the fund. The other SCDI shareholders are Vinci Concessions Canada Inc., with 49.9%, and Strait Crossing Inc., with 15%. Ballast Nedam will continue to own 1.1%. These three shareholders also comprise the original consortium that built the Confederation Bridge. 

Full contribution rates return beginning with first full pay in 2004. (The full rates are slightly higher than OMERS former full rates.)

January 1, 2004: early retirement window partially closes; early retirement age requirements and penalty return to normal.

The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Borealis Infrastructure announced in August that they hold 50 per cent of a consortium that has an agreement to acquire the Scotland and the South of England gas distribution networks from National Grid Transco plc. Teachers’ and Borealis Infrastructure each hold 25% of the consortium and Scottish and Southern Energy plc (SSE) holds the remaining 50%. SSE will also provide certain corporate and management services for the consortium.

December 31, 2004: early retirement window closes; enhanced factors end. 

Plan changes take effect January 1, 2005: child survivor benefit extended to age 25 for students; OMERS bridge benefit paid to all retired members to age 65; disability benefits extended to members who become disabled due to a "pre-existing" condition (one they had before they joined OMERS); members holding two or more OMERS-covered positions at the same time are no longer required to retire from all positions to receive a pension.

In June, Scotia Gas Networks plc (SGN) completed the acquisition of the Scotland and South of England gas distribution networks from National Grid Transco plc. SGN, a holding company for the businesses being acquired, is owned by Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc., an OMERS company; the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan; and Scottish and Southern Energy. Ontario Teachers’ and Borealis each invested approximately C$555 million for a 50 per cent combined stake in SGN; Scottish and Southern Energy owns the remaining 50 per cent of the consortium.

Oxford Properties Group announces the closing of the strategic sale of a 50% interest in a portfolio of 11 core office assets to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The portfolio is comprised of 8.2 million square feet of commercial ‘Class A’ office space in prime central business district locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The portfolio includes the following properties: Guinness Tower, Marine Building and Oceanic Plaza (Vancouver); Canterra Tower (Calgary); Edmonton City Centre and Bell Tower (Edmonton); Royal Bank Plaza, WaterPark Place and One Financial Place (Toronto); Constitution Square (Ottawa); and Place de la Cathédrale (Montreal).

OMERS announced in September that it will purchase CEDA Holdings Ltd. from Precision Drilling Corporation for $274 million. The investment is being made through Borealis Investments Inc.

In October OMERS, through its investment entities BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust and Borealis Infrastructure, announced that Bruce Power will launch a $4.25 billion investment program to secure the long-term future of its site, beginning with the restart of Bruce A Units 1 and 2.

The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, 2006 (OMERS Act, 2006) was proclaimed on June 30, 2006. The legislation established a new governance model for OMERS that eliminated the role of the Province of Ontario as Plan sponsor. Under the terms of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Review Act, 2006 (OMERS Review Act, 2006) the OMERS governance model will be reviewed in 2012 to assess its fairness, accountability and efficiency.

Read more about the OMERS Review Act.Opens new window 

In October OMERS, through its investment entity Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc., announces an agreement to purchase MDS Diagnostic Services, the Canadian laboratory services arm of MDS Inc., in a $1.325 billion transaction.

OMERS Private Equity, the private equity arm of one of Canada’s largest pension funds, has agreed to purchase CCNMatthews, (later named, Marketwire) a leading distributor of news releases, multimedia content and photos to the media and investment communities worldwide, in an all-cash deal. Manulife Capital, the private equity group of Manulife Financial, assumes a minority stake in the newswire as a portfolio investment. 

OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) introduces a "deemed termination" option for OMERS members who apply for a shortened life expectancy benefit.

In February the OMERS Board of Directors announces the appointment of Michael Nobrega, a veteran financial and investment executive for more than 30 years, as the new chief executive officer at the pension plan.

OMERS Private Equity the entity responsible for the private equity investments of OMERS announces the completion of the acquisition of the operating business of Golf Town Income Fund (TSX:GLF.UN) for a cost, including the assumption of debt, of approximately $240 million. 

Effective January 1, 2008: new method of calculating inflation increase. The new inflation increase method aligns with the way Canada Pension Plan (CPP) increases pensions.

In September, Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc. announced its intention to make an offer, through an acquisition entity, to acquire all the outstanding trust units of Teranet Income Fund (TSX: TF.UN) and Class B limited partnership units of Teranet Holdings Limited Partnership for $11 in cash per unit. With a total value of more than $2 billion.

OMERS Private Equity acquires Maxxam Analytics International Corporation (“Maxxam”). Maxxam is Canada’s largest privately owned analytical laboratory services network.

In October, OMERS Capital Partners changes its name to OMERS Private Equity as part of the launch of the OMERS Worldwide brand.

OMERS Worldwide, the investment brand recently launched to support the OMERS pension fund's global reach, announced that OMERS investment entity Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc. is furthering its expansion into private market investments in a deal valued at approximately $1.254 billion US by closing the purchase of a 19.75% equity interest in Oncor, a leading supplier of electricity in the state of Texas.

In November, OMERS announces that one of Canada’s leading corporate finance lawyers will head up a new entity to invest in a select portfolio of private companies that have global reach. Jacques Demers, a senior partner with Ogilvy Renault LLP in Toronto, will start as President and Chief Executive Officer of OMERS Strategic Investments effective January 1, 2009. 

New contribution rates became effective January 1, 2009.

Maximum age limit for active membership in the Plan extended from 69 to 71, the new maximum under the Income Tax Act.

OMERS Act, 2006 amended by the Province of Ontario, granting OMERS expanded powers to manage other public and private sector capital pools, and provide third-party investment management services.

OMERS Strategic Investments becomes long-term partner of ADC & HAS Airports. HAS Development Corporation (HASDC), an affiliate of the Houston Airport System, and Airport Development Corporation (ADC), a Canadian airport developer, announced the the formation of a long-term strategic partnership with OMERS Strategic Investments (OSI). The partnership was formed specifically to pursue airport acquisition and operation opportunities in the growing airport privatization market, initially in Latin America. The partnership's long-term strategy is to deliberately expand its current focus on the Americas to other regions of the world to become a key global airport owner and operator.

OMERS Private Equity Acquires Nordco Inc. Nordco, based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is the leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of critical products and services that help maintain rail infrastructure throughout North America. Nordco has been manufacturing maintenance-of-way equipment for over 80 years and provides comprehensive solutions for the Class 1 North American, regional and short-line railroads, equipment leasing companies and a broad variety of industrial customers.

In February OMERS announced that OMERS Strategic Investments, a member of the OMERS Worldwide group of companies, has completed the purchase of the business of Guard Resources Ltd. (GRL). This investment operates under OMERS Energy Services LP comprised of GRL's employees and assets, including management contracts. GRL has been associated with OMERS direct investments in the oil and gas sector since 1984 and currently provides management services to OMERS Energy Inc.

In January low-cost wireless carrier BMV Holdings, later to become Public Mobile, announced that OMERS Private Equity, the private equity arm of the OMERS Worldwide group of companies, has signed an agreement to invest up to $50 million in the business. BMV will launch value-priced wireless services to Canadians in specific markets in Ontario and Quebec during the third quarter of 2009.

OMERS announced that pensions will increase by 1.61% as of January 1, 2011. This increase reflects the change in the cost of living as reported by Statistics Canada in its Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) approves temporary contribution rate increases for members and employers that average 1% of a member's earnings per side in 2011, 1% in 2012, and 0.9% in 2013.

In June, Oxford acquires a 50% interest in Hudson Yards, investing alongside New York-based Related Companies in a 12 million square foot master-planned, mixed-use development. Related and Oxford will act as the General Partner for the project. As a co-developer of the site, Oxford is actively involved in development, leasing and fund-raising activities, and upon completion is expected to participate in the operations of the 26-acre development.

Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan agree to acquire HS1, UK's only high-speed rail network to the Channel Tunnel, following a competitive tender process. The acquisition values HS1 at £2.1 billion.

Oxford Properties purchases UBS Global Asset Management's 50% stake in Watermark Place in London, England. Upon completion, Oxford Properties has 100% control of the City Riverside redevelopment. Oxford Properties and UBS-SERF had been joint owners of Watermark Place since mid 2007.

OMERS launches INKEF Capital with pension fund ABP from The Netherlands. INKEF Capital is planning to deploy €200 million in Canada and the Netherlands over the first five years. The pension money that INKEF Capital will invest in start-ups with innovative ideas and technologies will not only contribute to the returns for the pension holders of ABP and OMERS, but also to the development of the high-level knowledge economy.

OMERS Private Equity acquires United States Infrastructure Corporation (USIC). USIC is the leading provider of outsourced sub-surface utility locating services in the U.S. The Company provides locating services across 20 states on behalf of over 400 telecom, electric, gas, cable and water utilities, including all major national and regional utilities throughout the midwest, southeast, southwest and northwest of the United States.

OMERS Awarded Pension Fund of the Year, Canada by World Finance Magazine. The World Finance Pensions Awards judging panel used a wide range of criteria to reach its decision for the 2010 Global Pensions Funds Awards, lending the critical eye of a collective 175 years of business journalism to the exhaustive information gathered by the award body's research team. The judges looked for a company that provided a genuinely valuable service, in particular the focus was placed on the financial stability of the company, enhancements to their core service(s), approach to risk and corporate governance and the development of their staff.

On January 1, OMERS launches Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) allowing members to invest their discretionary retirement savings into OMERS to take advantage of the same investment expertise, strategy and diversified funds they rely on for their OMERS pension.

In March OMERS is once again chosen by UK based World Finance magazine as Global Pension Fund of the Year, Canada 2011.

OMERS Private Equity acquires CBI Health Group- Based in Toronto, CBI is the leading provider of outpatient rehabilitation and community health care services in Canada, as well as home health services in parts of Ontario and Alberta.

Oxford Properties Group enhanced its already significant profile in Toronto’s business core with the September acquisition of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Complex includes the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), the 277 Front Street office tower, the InterContinental Hotel and a 1,200 stall parking facility.

Consistent with our strategy to acquire large scale high quality assets, Oxford Properties completed the purchase of Green Park in Reading, U.K. As the most recent acquisition for our growing U.K. portfolio, Green Park is a complement to MidCity Place, Watermark Place and the office development project at 122 Leadenhall. Covering a total of 190 acres, Green Park occupies a prime location on the M4. One of the largest developments of its type in Europe, Green Park offers 1.3 million square feet of Grade A office space and first class amenities.

RBC WaterPark Place, AAA LEED Gold Development and Oxford Properties are joint venturing with CPP Investment Board in a major new office and retail development overlooking Toronto’s waterfront. The tower will be the national headquarters for the Canadian banking business of the Royal Bank of Canada, building on Oxford’s 50-year relationship with the RBC.

Our New York presence is underscored by strategic relationships such as our joint venture with Related Properties in the 12 million square foot Hudson Yards redevelopment. In 2011, luxury leather goods company Coach Inc. chose Hudson Yards for its global corporate headquarters.

In joint partnership with Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners, OMERS Private Equity (OPE) acquired Husky International, a leading global supplier of injection molding equipment and services to the plastics industry. Described as a “Canadian success story,” the Ontario-headquartered company has manufacturing plants in Canada, the U.S., Luxembourg and China, serving customers in over 100 countries through more than 40 service and sales offices. Its equipment is used to make an array of products from beverage bottles and food containers to medical devices and consumer electronics parts.

For the second consecutive year, OMERS Private Equity is a winner of the Canadian Dealmakers program. The Dealmakers Mid Market Private Equity Award was presented to OPE in recognition of its acquisition of two platform companies in the North American outpatient rehabilitation sector: CBI Health Group (CBI) and Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers (ARC).

The world leader in the robust and growing segment of outsourced ship management was acquired by OMERS Private Equity in September. V.Group is also a leading player in crew provision and related marine services. The profitable, U.K.-based company runs and maintains over 700 vessels and operates via 70 international offices in 34 countries. Combined with OMERS extensive international network, V.Group’s experienced and talented management team will be able to pursue further growth in emerging markets.

In October 2011, OMERS Worldwide officially opened an office at 320 Park Avenue in New York City, a permanent home to our team of 30 investment professionals in real estate, infrastructure, private equity and capital markets.

For the fourth year in a row, OMERS employees placed our organization among the 50 Best Employers in Canada, as surveyed by Aon Hewitt and published in the October 2011 edition of Maclean’s magazine. OMERS ranked 16th among more than 260 organizations. In November, OMERS also ranked 11th among larger employers for Best Employers in the Greater Toronto Area – the only pension plan on the list.

OMERS net assets surpass $60 billion, with total Plan investment return of 10% – driven by strong performance of private market portfolio and solid public market performance in line with expectations and market conditions.

OMERS announces that pensions will increase by 2.84% as of January 1, 2012. This increase reflects the change in the cost of living as reported by Statistics Canada in its Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC)'s second of three-year temporary contribution rate increases introduced. Rate increases for members and employers go in effect with first full pay in January 2012, and average 1% of a member's earnings per side.

Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announces on May 15 the appointment of Tony Dean, under the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Review Act, 2006, as the independent Reviewer of the governance model created by OMERS Act, 2006.

OMERS Enterprise earns its fifth consecutive, annual recognition as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada – due to its focus on employee development and engagement. (Survey conducted by Aon Hewitt and published in the October 18th edition of Maclean's magazine.)

OMERS and Japan's PFA and Mitsubishi Corp announce first close of Global Strategic Investment Alliance (GSIA).

Oxford Properties updates plans for RBC Waterpark Place to achieve first LEED Platinum Core and Shell Certification for an office tower in Toronto.

Borealis Infrastructure buys equity stake in four US wind farms from Spain's EDP Renovaveis, and buys Midland Cogeneration Venture (MCV) from EQT Infrastructure and MCV.

OMERS Private Equity Brings together Golfsmith and Golf Town to create largest golf specialty retail business in the world, and acquires Lifeways – the UK's market-leading provider of supported living services for adults with learning disabilities.

OMERS Ventures increases portfolio by investing in several technology-based firms, including Wattpad, Desire2Learn, Vision Critical, Hopper, BuildDirect.com and HootSuite. 

OMERS announces that pensions will increase by 0.9% as of January 1, 2014. This increase reflects 100% of the change in the cost of living as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OMERS net assets reach $65.1 billion, with a total Plan gross investment return of 6.53%

Put in place a more diversified and better balanced portfolio for investing in public markets.

OMERS net assets reach $72 billion, with a total Plan net investment return of 10%.

In January, Borealis Infrastructure announced it had increased its interest in Bruce Power, through an investment of $450 million in Bruce Power B.

On April 1st, Michael Latimer assumed his duties as OMERS President and CEO.

OMERS entered into a co-investment agreement with Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest pension fund, and the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) in March. The first direct outcome of the co-investment agreement was the participation by GPIF and DBJ, at a capital commitment of USD $2.5 billion, in the Global Strategic Investment Alliance (GSIA). Developed by OMERS, the GSIA sets out a framework for participation in a range of investment opportunities that are sourced and actively managed by Borealis Infrastructure.

In May, Borealis officially opened an office in Sydney, recognizing Australia as a strategically significant market.

For the second year in a row, Oxford Properties Group, OMERS real estate arm, was recognized as an industry leader in sustainability by being ranked first in the North American Regional Diversified-Office and Retail category of the 2014 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ('GRESB') survey released in September.

Oxford Properties Group expanded its portfolio in Toronto, Washington, Boston, New York City, Paris and London.

In November, OMERS was named one of Canada’s 50 best employers in an annual list published by Maclean’s magazine.

OMERS announced that pensions will increase by 1.80% as of January 1, 2015. This increase reflects the change in the cost of living as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

OMERS net assets reached $77 billion, with a net investment return of 6.7%.

OMERS Sponsors Corporation and the OMERS Administration Corporation worked together to develop one inclusive, five-year Strategy that sets out OMERS roadmap to 2020.

Oxford Properties received top spot in the benchmark Global Real Estate Sustainability (GRESB) survey, for the third year in a row, as the North American Regional Sector Leader in the Diversified office/retail category. 

Significant progress continues to be made at OMERS New York Hudson Yards project with its partner, Related Companies. Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in the U.S.

OMERS made its first infrastructure investment in Germany with an interest in Tank & Rast, the owner of highway services centres on the country's Autobahn network.

OMERS acquired Ellevio, one of the two largest electricity distribution networks in Sweden, with the country's National Pension Fund System managers AP1, AP3 and Folksam.

OMERS continued its program of value creation with significant renovations and expansions made to Toronto's iconic shopping centre, which will include over 400,000 square feet of new prime retail space by 2017.

OMERS expanded its presence in Boston through the acquisition of a managed interest in three additional downtown office towers, becoming the city’s second-largest commercial office landlord.

OMERS continued to further diversify its real estate portfolio with its acquisition of premier office space in central Paris, a key global business and cultural centre.

OMERS acquired ERM, a market-leading environmental consultancy firm based in the U.K., with co-investment partner AIMCo. This investment is OMERS sixth in the U.K., and brings its capital deployed in Europe to more than $2 billion.

OMERS invested in Brit PLC, a U.K. insurance company, alongside Fairfax Financial as part of OMERS relationship investing program.

OMERS acquired Kenan, North America’s largest provider of liquid bulk transportation services.

Paul Harrietha was appointed CEO of  OMERS Sponsors Corporation. He assumed this position on a full-time basis effective January 1, 2017.

OMERS net assets reached $85.2 billion, with a net investment return of 10.3%.

OMERS made its first investment in Australia with the acquisition of the Port of Melbourne, which is Australia’s largest container, automotive and general cargo port.

OMERS invested in the Chicago Skyway toll road, which is a critical link between downtown Chicago and its south-eastern suburbs.

OMERS opened a 300,000 square foot expansion, with approximately 30 new stores, at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Yorkdale continues to be among the highest sales productivity leaders in the North American retail industry.

For the fourth year in a row, Oxford received the top spot in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark survey (an industry-driven organization committed to assessing the ESG performance of real assets globally) as the North American Regional Sector Leader in the Diversified Office and Retail category.

OMERS net assets reached $95 billion, with a net investment return of 11.5%

OMERS consolidated several Toronto locations into a single office for 1,400 employees at 100 Adelaide St. W.

Announced a new investment office in Singapore to advance OMERS deployment of capital into the higher-growth emerging Asian markets was announced

OMERS entered the South American market with an investment in GNL Quintero (a liquid natural gas regasification business in Chile)

OMERS closed the purchase of Inmar (a supply chain support services company in North America based in the U.S.) Inmar gave the OMERS investment portfolio reach into the rapidly evolving data sciences sec tor.

In partnership with an international investor, OMERS acquired the Sony Center in Berlin – a prime mixed-use, eight-building complex located in the heart of the city. This transaction represented a rare and highly strategic opportunity to acquire a landmark property complex in Berlin, Europe’s fastest growing major city and a key target market for Oxford Properties Group, OMERS real estate company.

Two properties managed by Oxford Properties Group, OMERS real estate company, received best-in-class LEED Platinum Recognition.

OMERS net assets reached $97 billion.

Opened a new investment office in Singapore to support our objective of gradual deployment of capital into higher-growth, Asia-Pacific markets.

Invested in Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, a leading asset owner, operator and developer of wind projects in the U.S. The company plays an important role in the renewable energy future of U.S. power markets.

Invested in ArcTern Ventures, a global, early-stage venture capital company focused on breakthrough clean technologies. The company’s goal is to both help with climate change and to advance the innovation economy.

Oxford Properties, OMERS real estate investing arm, was again named a Sector Leader in the GRESB Real Estate Assessment for outstanding leadership in sustainability, finishing in first place in the diversified office/retail North American (non-listed) group, ranking in the top 3% globally.

OMERS increased its investment in Thames Water Utilities Limited. This increases overall interest in the company to ~32%.

OMERS reported a 2017 investment return of 11.5%. Investments in the year generated almost $10 billion of net investment income, net assets grew to $95 billion and the funded status improved to 94%.

OMERS Infrastructure announced an investment in Leeward Renewable Energy, a leading wind power asset owner, operator and developer of wind projects in the United States.

OMERS Infrastructure announced the sale of Airports Worldwide (AWW). OMERS first invested in AWW in 2009.

OMERS Private Equity reached an agreement to acquire Alexander Mann Solutions, one of the world’s leading talent acquisition and management service providers with an enterprise value of £820m (USD 1.1bn).

OMERS Private Equity completed the acquisition of Premise Health (“Premise” or “The Company”), a leading direct healthcare company in the United States. The Company serves over 275 clients, via more than 600 health and wellness centres.

The OMERS Foundation donated $100,000 in employee-raised funds to support six local charities: Step Stones for Youth, Sherbourne Health Centre, Made by Momma, kids.now, Black Creek Community Farm, and Beat the Streets Toronto. Since the Foundation’s creation in 2016, almost $300,000 had been raised and donated.

OMERS received the Corporate Citizen Award at the 2018 REmmy Awards for keeping 492 tonnes of furniture out of landfills following our office move by to recycling and charitable donations to non-profit organizations in partnership with Green Standards. This is the third award received for this partnership on this project.

Purchased an interest of approximately 24% in Puget Holdings LLC (Puget). The company’s core business is Puget Sound Energy, which is Washington State’s oldest local energy company, providing electric and natural gas service to over 1.8 million customers.

OMERS made its third major investment in U.S. energy infrastructure in 2018 by acquiring a 50% interest in BridgeTex Pipeline Company, LLC. The company owns the BridgeTex pipeline, a key provider of crude oil transportation across the state of Texas.

OMERS Private Equity announced an agreement to acquire Paradigm, a market leading provider of complex and catastrophic medical management in the U.S. workers’ compensation industry.

OMERS Private Equity Announced the sale of Minneapolis-based MatrixCare, an investment first made as part of a larger acquisition in 2010.

An OMERS Infrastructure majority-led consortium, which included Allianz Capital Partners (ACP) and AXA IM - Real Assets, entered into an exclusivity agreement with Altice France to acquire a 49.99% stake in SFR FttH, a company to be formed by Altice France which will hold and further develop their existing fibre-to-the-home business in France.

OMERS Private Equity announced the sale of a majority of Caliber Collision Centers. OMERS first invested in Caliber in 2013.

OMERS announced pensions will increase by 2.29% in 2019. This increase reflects the changes in the cost of living, as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) .

OMERS Ventures announced its expansion into the United States, opening an office in Silicon Valley to continue building a diverse range of assets across the globe.

OMERS welcomed members of the Corporation of the City of York Employee Pension Plan, a pre-OMERS plan previously managed by the City of Toronto.

On February 15, the OMERS Sponsors Corporation amended the Plan to remove the 35-year cap on credited service for members with less than 35 years of credited service and provided the option for paramedics to have a normal retirement the of 60 (NRA 60). Both of these changes will come into effect as of January 1, 2021.

OMERS made its first infrastructure investment in India, acquiring a 22.4% investment in Indlnfravit Trust. IndInfravit holds a portfolio of five operational toll road concessions and is well placed to play a key role in the future of India’s growing economy through further investments to road infrastructure.

OMERS Sponsors Corporation CEO Paul Harrietha announced his retirement, effective April 30, 2019.

Michael Rolland was announced as CEO of OMERS Sponsors Corporation, effective as of April 15, 2019.

OMERS announced a 2.3% return for 2018, a positive net return in a year when all major indices were lower compared to where they were at the beginning of the year. The five-year average net return was 8.1%, and $10 billion had been deployed into new private investments.

OMERS Finance Trust (OFT) successfully completed both USD and CAD term notes.

OMERS became a 25% indirect shareholder in VTG AG, the largest railcar leasing and rail logistics company in Europe. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of approximately 94,000 wagons to a diversified customer base of over 1,000 customers. This marks OMERS’ second infrastructure investment in Germany.

OMERS Growth Equity led a C$150 million Series E funding for TouchBistro with an $85 million investment. TouchBistro is a leading global restaurant technology service provider present in more than 16,000 restaurants in over 100 countries.

OMERS Growth Equity led a successful $227 million in Series F funding for Coveo, a recognized leader in AI-powered search designed to give enterprises the ability to personalize digital experiences for customers.

The Toronto Civic Employees’ Pension Plan, and Metropolitan Police Benefit Fund were both consolidated into OMERS.

OMERS announced that pensions will increase by 1.89% as of January 1, 2020. This increase reflects changes in the cost of living, as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OMERS announced that Blake Hutcheson would become CEO effective June 1, Michael Latimer who announced his retirement.

OMERS net assets reached $109 billion, with a net investment return of 11.9%.

OMERS partnered with EQT Infrastructure to acquire German telecommunications company Deutsche Glasfaser. Deutsche Glasfaser is Germany’s fastest growing fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) internet provider, servicing more than 700,000 households and 5,000 businesses across the country. This marks OMERS first telecom investment in Germany.

OMERS acquired a 19.99% stake in Australian energy company TransGrid. This is OMERS second infrastructure investment in Australia.

OMERS Finance Trust (OFT) successfully completed an offering of EUR term notes, OFTs inaugural offering in Euros.

OMERS Sponsors Corporation unanimously elected Frank Ramagnano as Chair, Barry Brown as Vice-Chair, following the enactment of key governance enhancements.

The Sponsors Corporation Board passed five amendments following the 2020 Plan Review process. The first three – extending leave purchase deadlines, reducing or eliminating the 36-month employment requirement for purchases of periods of reduced pay and permitting temporary layoffs as purchasable service – were considered because of the exceptional circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and were effective immediately. The final two amendments – non-full-time expansion and shared risk indexing – were part of the annual Plan review and are not effective until January 1, 2023.

On May 31, CEO Michael Latimer retired after six years at the helm and more than 20 years at the organization. Under his leadership, OMERS increased its assets from $65 billion to more than $109 billion and achieved an annualized net return of 8.5%.

Blake Hutcheson was appointed OMERS President and CEO. He assumed this new role effective as of June 1, 2020.

OMERS Private Equity Acquired Louisville Kentucky based TurnPoint Services, a leading provider of residential services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”), along with plumbing and electrical.

OMERS Infrastructure announced the sale of its interest in the Detroit River Tunnel Partnership, an investment it first made in 2001.

OMERS announced that pensions will increase by 0.94% as of January 1, 2021, reflecting general changes in the cost of living as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OMERS net assets reach $121 billion, with a net investment return of 15.7% and a funded status of 97%. 

One in every 64 jobs in Ontario is now supported by OMERS. 

OMERS continues to advance its sustainable investing efforts by announcing its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its total portfolio by 2050. 

OMERS announces that pensions will increase by 2.74% as of January 1, 2022, reflecting general changes in the cost of living as measured by the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Reduced the real discount rate used to calculate liabilities by 10 basis points, from 3.85% to 3.75%, moving the rate closer to OMERS long-term target.  

Launched an enhanced Retirement Planner for members' use in retirement preparation. This tool enables members to enter information about their assets, other sources of income and expenses, to provide a more holistic view of their financial health in retirement. 

OMERS announces partnership with Gastro Health, a national, leading U.S. platform supporting medical groups specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, nutrition, and digestive health. 

OMERS Private Equity announces an agreement to acquire a 25% stake in International Schools Partnership (ISP) in a transaction that values ISP at an enterprise value of EUR 1.9 billion. ISP is a leading group of 50 international schools currently spanning 15 countries and serving around 45,000 students globally through multiple curricular options. 

OMERS Capital Markets co-leads a $2.75 billion private placement for Northvolt, to finance further battery cell production capacity and R&D efforts in order to meet the increasing demand of customers engaged in the transition to decarbonized, electric solutions. 

OMERS Infrastructure joins Goldman Sachs Asset Management and AXA IM Alts the signing of an agreement to acquire 100% of amedes Group, a leading provider of medical diagnostics services in Germany, Belgium and Austria. 

OMERS enters a five-year strategic engagement with the Vector Institute are that will see the two organizations collaborate to both benefit the pension plan and contribute to the work of the Canadian artificial intelligence ecosystem. OMERS is the first pension plan in Canada to participate. 

OMERS acquires a 49% invests in Fotowatio Renewable Ventures’ Australian renewable energy platform.  

OMERS Infrastructure announces its fourth renewables deal of 2021, accelerating OMERS sustainable investing momentum with an agreement to acquire 100% of Navisun LLC, an independent, distributed generation solar power producer. Navisun acquires, co-develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates distributed and small utility-scale solar and storage projects throughout the United States. 

OMERS net assets reach $124.2 billion, appreciating in the worst market environment since 2008’s financial crisis. 

Laurie Hutchinson is appointed CEO of OMERS Sponsors Corporation. She assumed this position on a full-time basis effective April 18, 2022. 

OMERS successfully completes first sustainable bond offering under its recently established Sustainable Bond FrameworkOpens new window. The inaugural dual tranche offering comprised USD 600 million of 10-year notes and USD 500 million of 30-year notes, securing strong international investor interest and a two times oversubscription. 

OMERS Capital Markets partners with BMO Financial Group to enter into a debt financing agreement for AGP Group (AGP), providing up to US$250 million in a senior secured term loan facility. AGP is a global leader in the design and production of specialty automotive glazing components. 

OMERS Capital Markets announces investment in Group14 Technologies Alongside Porsche AG. Group14 aims to brings new levels of energy performance to lithium-ion-powered devices and vehicles. 

OMERS Infrastructure announces an agreement to acquire its first Asia-Pacific digital infrastructure asset, signing an agreement to acquire 100% of TPG Telecom Limited’s mobile towers and rooftop portfolio (the Tower Assets) at an enterprise value of A$950m. After the transaction, the Tower Assets, consisting of over 1,230 sites which are concentrated in metro locations across Australia, will become the largest independent tower company in Australia. 

OMERS makes first infrastructure investment in the Netherlands, announcing an agreement to jointly acquire Groendus from NPM Capital alongside APG. Groendus develops, builds and operates energy assets as well as provides a wide portfolio of ancillary services for its customers. 

OMERS announces an agreement to acquire Stilmark, an independent Australian developer, owner and operator of mobile tower assets, in its second tower investment in Australia in 2022. 

OMERS Private Equity announces agreement to acquire Network Plus, a leading utility and infrastructure repair and maintenance service provider in the UK. 

OMERS Private Equity announces the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Bionic, a leading provider of essential energy, insurance, finance and connectivity services to UK small-to-medium enterprises.

OMERS net assets reach $127.4 billion as at June 30, 2023.

Deb Barnes is appointed Chief Risk Officer of OMERS, Ralph Berg is appointed Chief Investment Officer of OMERS and Daniel Fournier is appointed Executive Chair of Oxford Properties Group.

OMERS releases its Climate Action Plan, targeting by 2030 a 50% reduction in portfolio carbon emissions, growing green investments to $30 billion, and seeking credible net zero plans for its top 20 most carbon-intensive portfolio companies.

OMERS announces an indirect stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. MLSE is the parent company of sports teams including the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.