Member of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: November 20, 2014
- Invested on: November 18, 2015
For his contributions to the business and civic sectors in Edmonton, notably as a supporter of a wide variety of community causes.
Cal Nichols has consistently demonstrated outstanding community leadership. An entrepreneur and self-made businessman, he founded Gasland Properties, a chain of retail and fuel outlets in Alberta. Never one to flinch in the face of adversity, when the future of the Oilers was threatened he rallied Edmontonians to support the team and later led efforts to save it by assembling a group of local investors to purchase the franchise. Subsequently, he spearheaded the creation of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, which funds education programs, medical research projects and a wide variety of other community enhancement initiatives.