Our
story

Working Together

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. UCPG’s financial model provides an innovative approach to real estate development. It is based on a unique public-private development model. The development will optimize the return on the land for the benefit of the University’s academic mission.

Setting a high standard for sustainable and progressive neighbourhood design, UCPG’s team and 14-member board of directors are dedicated to creating, developing and managing premier communities. The Board of Directors for UCPG is made up of community representatives, students, faculty, University administration, business leaders and development experts.

With the masterplan for University District underway and portfolio diversification with University Innovation Quarter, UCPG is delivering on creating amazing places for people to thrive.

Our Purpose

We reflect the University’s mission in society. We strive to be a thought leader pushing the limits of conventional thinking towards a better quality of life.
We were created as an entrepreneurial demonstration for the University of Calgary and continue to build on our reputation as a dynamic partner. This empowers us with pace, results, and tolerance to explore new opportunities.
We are defined by a bold vision and a commitment to the lands, driven by results that will benefit all in the long-term rather than taking the most direct route to profits.
We recognize the opportunity for large impact in our work and will ensure a thoughtful, people-first approach to everything we do.

Our Vision

A leader in creating amazing places and the trusted developer for the University of Calgary.

Our mission is to create a legacy for the University of Calgary through sustainable real estate development. We’re a benchmark developer that prioritizes thoughtful design, collaboration, inclusiveness, and a proactive approach above all else. Recognizing the impact of our work on our community means we ensure a people-first approach in everything we do.

Through our dedication to our mission and our values of good neighbours, welcoming, imaginative, and establishing roots, University of Calgary Properties Group is adapting with the needs of the market to shape the future of the university and our city.

Our Values

Being a leader in our industry means living our values each and every day. It’s our commitment to these shared values that help us create an open, respectful workplace where we all strive to achieve our vision of making amazing places in Calgary.

Good Neighbours

It starts with listening. We do what we say we’re going to do.

Welcoming

People come first. We treat everyone with respect, ensuring a supportive and considerate environment for all.

Imaginative

Creating tomorrow. We embrace bold new ideas to build community.

Establishing Roots

It’s in our DNA. We believe in nurturing growth and building a strong foundation in everything we do.

Where We've Come From

2011
The Board of Governors creates West Campus Development Trust to develop the University District lands and appoints the inaugural West Campus Development Corporation Board members.
2012
The first employee (President & CEO) is hired and initiates the vision for University District and begins to build the Trust team. The Trust adds staff and initiates the Master Planning process.
2013
The Trust implements a comprehensive engagement program with the surrounding communities and secures independent financing and approval of the Head Lease with the university.
2014
The Trust achieves unanimous approval and support at Calgary City Council for the outlined Plan and Land use, and community vision. The Order in Council receives Ministerial approval. The community is recognized as a Next City demonstration project and gains land use approval in a record time of less than one year. A brand for the community is established, and University District is officially adopted as the new community name, replacing West Campus.
2015
Construction initiates on the site and the Trust establishes a process for selling the prepaid land leases. The Trust receives the inaugural request for expressions of interest with overwhelming industry support and responses. University Chancellors are acknowledged in street naming for their role in contributing to a connection between the Trust, the University of Calgary, and Calgary communities. University District wins the People’s Choice Mayor’s Urban Design Award and the Trust team grows to eight people.
2016
The first residential land leases are initiated, the retail program commences, and construction continues. The Trust chooses the first residential developer partners — Brookfield Residential and Truman home options include condominiums and townhomes. University District begins to gain greater attention with the announcement of LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum certification (LEED-ND Platinum®).
2017
The Discovery Centre, the first building in the community, is constructed and sales initiate for University District. The land lease program moves forward with the second and third phase land leases. The two builders sell product at an unexpected rate and surpass their sales goals within the first four months, triggering the Trust to evaluate an earlier block release for new residential product as well as the Discovery Centre expansion. Agreements are signed with Gracorp for Block 22A which includes a grocer (Save-On-Foods), with The Brenda Strafford Foundation for Block 7 (assisted living/seniors site), and for Block 14 with the Alt Hotel and Homes by Avi. The Trust is awarded three BILD awards in the sales and marketing category for University District; Best Billboard, Best Online Marketing Campaign, and Best Marketing Campaign of the Year.
2018
The first residents move into University District and the completion of the north pond and park spaces establish neighbourhood amenities. Developer partners move forward with construction, creating pronounced activity in University District and the residential lease program expands with Block 3 and 8. The retail program moves forward and additional retail leases are executed. Design work begins on Block 23 and Central Park. BILD announces University District as the BILD Alberta Winner for New Community Development.
2019
The Trust goes to market with five development blocks, including the community's first office development and residential tower. The retail program grows quickly, with stage one fully leased and a second stage introduced to the market. Construction starts on Block 23 and Central Park, the heart of the community.
2020
As we continued to grow and develop as a trusted business partner for the University of Calgary, we made some changes to our organizational structure, to allow for portfolio expansion and diversification. In July we evolved into University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. Then in November we announced that University Innovation Quarter lands, formerly known as University Research Park, would became part of the UCPG portfolio.
2021
The Retail Main Street continues to grow as stage one retail tenants continue to move into U/D. Developer partners sustain a quick pace of residential construction. Construction forges ahead on Block 23 and Central Block. In Block 23, Cineplex opens its VIP Cinemas in November.
2022
University District wins multiple awards including being recognized nationally by the Canadian Home Builders' Association for Canada's Best Growing Community. U/D continues growing with additional retailers, the first office tenants, new builders and the official opening of Central Commons Park. University Innovation Quarter begins public engagement sessions as part of the revitalization plan.
2023
University District receives international recognition as a finalist for best urban design in Fast Company's Innovation by Design Awards. Retail and office tenants continue to open in Block 23 and Central Block along with the launch of Homes by Avi's third residential project. University Innovation Quarter public engagement sessions continue and Land Use Redesignation and Outline Plan Application are submitted to the the City of Calgary for review.

Board of Directors

The 15 members of the Board of Directors are responsible for governance and oversight of UCPG. The Board is a volunteer Board.

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Our Staff

The team at University of Calgary Properties Group is led by the President and CEO who reports to a Board of Directors.