Wee Wild Ones Daycare to Open Location in University Innovation Quarter, Supporting Calgary’s Growing Research Ecosystem

The daycare will accommodate up to 190 children across its programming, and will begin operating in University Innovation Quarter in July 2025, providing much-needed childcare options to families living, working or commuting in the area.

University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects, is proud to announce its newest tenant, Wee Wild Ones, coming to University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) in July 2025. An established daycare provider with six existing locations across Calgary, Wee Wild Ones is highly anticipated in the area currently proposed to be revitalized as a mixed-use destination focused on research and innovation.

Founded in 2013 by Chloe Dusser, Wee Wild Ones daycare promotes exploration and learning through play, nature and movement. The new location in UIQ will be able to accommodate up to 190 children, aged 12 months to six years, across its programs and will centre its daycare programming on inquiry-based learning guided by children’s questions and interests. Families currently on waitlist for another Wee Wild Ones location will get priority for this newest location, and new families can inquire to join the waitlist.

Says Chloe Dusser, Founder and Owner of Wee Wild Ones, “University Innovation Quarter is a dynamic and growing area, and we look forward to supporting families there for years to come. At Wee Wild Ones, we believe that nurturing curiosity and connection in early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong learning and being part of a community that values innovation, research and collaboration aligns perfectly with our approach to childcare.”

The revitalization of UIQ, formerly University Research Park, will provide added value to Calgary’s innovation sector through job growth, economic diversification, cross-disciplinary collaboration, walkable community design and new residential living spaces. UIQ is currently in the formal approvals process with the City of Calgary reviewing the proposed vision for the area.
Says Novy Cheema, President and CEO for University of Calgary Properties Group, “Welcoming Wee Wild Ones to University Innovation Quarter represents an important step in building a vibrant, complete community within this growing innovation district. Accessible childcare is essential for supporting the people who live, work, research and study in the area. This new location will support UIQ in the vision to become a thriving mixed-use innovation district.”

The new daycare will support increased demand in the neighbourhood, as the proposed development for UIQ becomes realized.

As the first development milestone in UIQ, UCPG recently completed the expansion of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre and welcomed Quantum City, and celebrated its grand opening in March 2025. With its proximity to the Brentwood LRT station, existing bus routes and pathways, UIQ provides easy access to the University of Calgary main campus, the downtown core and its existing innovation ecosystem, and established pillars such as the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre and University District marking it as a promising destination to accelerate innovation.

About University Innovation Quarter

University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is currently under revitalization to become Calgary’s largest urban innovation district located north of the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) main campus. UIQ spans across 76 acres and is anchored by UCalgary’s programmatic agenda housing some of the city’s greatest talents and organizations in entrepreneurship, technology, research, and innovation. In 2020, UIQ lands were transferred to University of Calgary Properties Group to manage and revitalize the area as a dedicated destination for research and innovation. The revitalization of UIQ will accelerate innovation and translate activity and UCalgary research into world solutions through the convergence of people in vibrant places. As a destination where bold ideas and reality collide, UIQ enables economic vitality and global impact. UIQ is innovation brought to life.

For more information about UIQ, visit UIQcalgary.com or connect on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, #UIQCalgary.

About University of Calgary Properties Group

University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. (UCPG) was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects. With a financial model that provides an innovative approach to land development, residual profits from UCPG are directed back to the University to fuel its academic mission. Setting a high standard for sustainable and progressive neighbourhood design, UCPG’s team and board of directors are dedicated to creating, developing and managing premier communities. With the Master Plan for University District underway and portfolio diversification with University Innovation Quarter, UCPG is delivering on creating amazing places where people can thrive.

For more information, visit https://ucpg.ca/

About Wee Wild Ones

Wee Wild Ones provides affordable, high quality childcare in the Calgary region. It serves children from 6 months to 12 years and provides a comprehensive offering of care, including meals, within a learning environment. The organization has been operating for 7 years which has grown to its current six locations providing care for over 900 children. Wee Wild Ones is committed to elevating, continuously innovating and challenging the standards of high-quality childcare for the modern family.

For more information, visit https://www.weewildones-yyc.com/

Media Contacts

Lorna Prediger
Director, Marketing
University of Calgary Properties Group
lprediger@ucpg.ca
(587) 747-5289

Jacqueline Tran
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
University of Calgary Properties Group
jtran@ucpg.ca
(587) 774-4770

Rachel Redmond
For University District
rredmond@worthingtonpr.com
(403) 305-0503