our story
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.
2025
Best Community Feature – University District Fire Features
2025
Best Community Feature – University District Outdoor Rink
2024
Best Community Event U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition
2022
Developer Pinnacle Award
2022
Best Existing Community – University District
2022
Best Community Feature – Northwest Commons Park
2022
Best Growing Community – University District
2018
Universal Design Award –Northwest Commons Park
2017
Best Online Marketing Campaign of the Year – Northwest of Normal
2017
Best Billboard – Northwest of Normal
2017
Best Advertising Campaign of the Year – Northwest of Normal
2015
People’s Choice – University District
2015
Approved or Adopted Design Plans – University District
Through dedication to our mission and values, University of Calgary Properties Group is a benchmark developer that adapts to the needs of the market while shaping the future of the university and our city.
To create a legacy for the University of Calgary through sustainable real estate development.
A leader in creating amazing places and the trusted developer for the University of Calgary.
Retail Main Street flourishes surpassing over 50 businesses. University District is recognized at BILD Alberta receiving Best Community Event award (U/D Night Market – Holiday Edition) and was a finalist for Best Community Feature (Central Commons Park). Magna by Jayman BUILT and GUILD by Crystal Creek Homes launch and begin construction. Gracorp Properties starts construction on a new rental project on Block 22 B/C. The University Innovation Quarter project team works through city comments and submits DTR2 responses.
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 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 City of Calgary for review.
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.
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.
As we continued to grow and develop as a trusted business partner for the University of Calgary, changes are made 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, became part of the UCPG portfolio.
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.
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 sees additional retail leases executed. Design work begins on Block 23 and Central Commons Park. University District is the BILD Alberta Winner for New Community Development.
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. 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 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®).
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.
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. University District is officially adopted as the new community name, replacing West Campus.
The Trust implements a comprehensive engagement program with the surrounding communities and secures independent financing and approval of the Head Lease with the university.
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.
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.
We are creating a legacy for the University of Calgary through sustainable real estate development. As a benchmark developer, UCPG proactively adapts to the needs of the market while shaping the future of the university and the city by prioritizing thoughtful design, collaboration and inclusiveness above all else.
To create a complete, vibrant and sustainable benchmark community that enhances the university experience while harmonizing with surrounding neighbourhoods.
A revitalization is underway to support a thriving community and world-class innovation hub in Calgary, where the full potential of creativity and research can be realized as economic prosperity, local job growth, and world-changing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
University of Calgary Properties Group, formerly West Campus Development Trust, was created by the University of Calgary (UCalgary) to develop the University District community. The Trust is responsible for creation and implementation of the Master Plan, subdivision and land use designation, and the integration of builder partners to develop the land. Beyond that, UCPG will sublease and provide ongoing management of the improvements. University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd. and independent Board, oversees UCPG.
UCPG will be a leader in sustainable real estate development, create legacy communities and optimize value for the University of Calgary.
Board Members are volunteers and do not receive an honorarium or any other compensation for their services. In accordance with financial policies, Board Members are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to their attendance and participation in scheduled meetings.
The team at University of Calgary Properties Group is a group of dynamic change agents who are committed to the people and relationships that create great places to live, work, visit, play and connect.
