Community means something a little different to all of us; whether it’s happiness and well-being, the neighbours that surround us, or a sense of belonging. It could be the location, the familiarity, or the comfort and safety you feel for you and your family.
Recognizing diverse individual needs and wants, we developed University District (U/D) to meet all of those important aspects of community with a people-first philosophy. It’s the people – our residents and neighbours, surrounding business owners, and employees of the institutions – who make the community what it is: a diverse collective of experience, knowledge, values and history that help us create our own new meaning of community.
This philosophy has helped us achieve another amazing milestone this past September by the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Alberta as the New Community Development of the year. Announced during the annual industry awards, our team at West Campus Development Trust (the Trust) is thrilled to share this award with the community, our partners, and Calgarians.
We’re focused on building a place for you to call home. Walkability, accessibility, connectivity, live, work, play – these are all familiar concepts about what a community hopes to be and fundamental values at U/D.We believe it is these values put into action that contributed to U/D receiving this award.
The importance of community connections goes beyond a friendly hello as you pass by your neighbours. Part of University District’s master plan is to inspire our residents to enjoy life together, creating opportunities for you to experience and build relationships with others, no matter what your age is or stage in life. Chat over a coffee, attempt a new physical activity, or participate in the annual community Northwestival, University District is a place where putting down roots and aging-in-place are more than concepts. They are the realities we take seriously and embrace.
The North Pond and urban dog park is one of these great places and the first communal space to open in University District. Residents and neighbours come together regularly with leisurely bike rides, power walks during the lunch hour break, and coffee/doggy meet-ups in front of the fountain – rain or shine!
“Since first being welcomed at the Discovery Centre, the concept of the community and how it is being planned out excited us,” says Laura Mrochuck, new resident of THE IVY by Brookfield Residential.
“At the new urban dog park opening, we even had the chance to meet with some our new neighbours. We’re true advocates of the community because we believe in what it has to offer.”
This is the first of the many thoughtfully designed community spaces and places to come, such as the Northwest Commons park, opened to the public on October 20 (the day the Capella show suite launched). The park is home to more than 8,300 square feet of interactive age-inclusive play space, with play areas for different age groups and special features like a life-size chess set and community ping pong table.
Watch for more updates as we unveil more exciting community places for all to enjoy and enhance the feeling of community.
Parks are more than just a means to get away from screens and into some fresh air. Our Northwest Commons Park will bring people of all ages and abilities together. Learn about our new park here.
From the residential homes to the retail and commercial development, U/D is built to adapt and transition with the current and future needs of the community. What does this mean? Projects like newly announced Capella by Brookfield Residential, and Maple by Truman and Cambridge Manor by Brenda Stafford Foundation, means residents have options to live life well in a smartly designed neighbourhood that has unique features.
“When we talk about University District being an age-in-place community, it means that we’re providing flexibility for residents so they can stay and enjoy the benefits of urban living with home options for the changing stages of life,” says James Robertson, president and CEO of West Campus Development Trust.
“University District is here for every step of your life –- whether that’s starting a new life as an entrepreneur, expanding your multi-generational family under one home, enjoying empty-nest life, or thrive in your retired years — our community is built to meet your needs and be the community unlike any other.”
Calgary communities thrive because of connection. Our vision is to bring Calgarians together at University District so they can create lasting memories. Check out our community vision here.
University District way of life. A deeper connection with the community means having a sense of place, not just belonging somewhere but feeling embraced and trusting where you live.
The people-first philosophy has been a cornerstone for the development of U/D, since the neighbourly engagement meetings even before land development started, to current events and construction changes that might affect our neighbours now. From start to finish, community members help navigate how the community progresses, including the Trust’s commitment to have a dynamic and diverse retail experience readily available early in the development.
From enjoying the central community areas to exploring the neighbouring legacy communities, University District is about making life easy. Easier to leave the car keys at home; walk up one floor to meet with your neighbour; cross the park pathways to visit your grandparents; play outside with family on a weeknight; catch a performance at the Rosza Centre; or simply stroll to nearby businesses with your dearest friend – whatever to make you happy and content in life.
University District truly feels like it’s being built by the community, for the community, and we can’t express how thankful we are for the continued support. We are excited to continue to develop U/D into something great for residents, NW Calgary and the city.
Stop by the Discovery Centre to see even more about what makes U/D the New Community of the year. Also, stay up-to-date on our upcoming events and exciting announcements by signing up for the e-newsletter!
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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