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UCPG continued to grow and evolve over time, which necessitated changes to the organizational structure so it could better reflect these developments. As the portfolio expanded and diversified, West Campus Development Trust became University of Calgary Properties Group Ltd (UCPG) in 2020 to represent the University’s expanded interests.

A Growing Portfolio

In 2020, UCPG announced that University Innovation Quarter (UIQ), located north of the UCalgary, would become part of the UCPG portfolio.

While UCPG operates independently of UCalgary, they are inextricably linked. The institution remains the owner of the land and financially benefits from the unique public-private development model. In the case of UIQ, the development will attract many businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs including businesses that have a relationship with the University. UCalgary is driving the academic and research programming that happens within it.

UIQ spans across 76 acres and features 12 existing buildings predominantly housing laboratory and research tenants. UCPG’s mixed-use redevelopment will support Calgary startup companies as well as science, technology and research organizations. It will be UIQ’s responsibility to produce an active innovation district featuring quantum research, laboratory and advanced manufacturing facilities supported by a range of retail amenities. This innovation hub will allow creativity and research to flourish.

“The intent of UIQ will facilitate the University’s innovation agenda of commercializing creativity, research and ingenuity activity within the University and transition that into economic benefit, particularly creating jobs,” says Jeff Harris, VP Commercial Real Estate.

UIQ is uniquely positioned to support the University of Calgary’s innovation agenda with up to 3.5 million square feet of potential redevelopment which will include uses focused on research and innovation companies.

UCPG will also continue looking for opportunities to expand the current offerings. As there are limited lab facilities remaining, one of the first orders of business will be to create a new building to host labs that is expected to attract a combination of corporate research-oriented tenants as well as startups and next-stage companies to create a thriving ecosystem.

By the end of this year, UCPG will be managing more than 200,000 square feet of retail and office space in U/D and overseeing about 400,000 square feet in UIQ. With such a rapid growth and opportunity, it was time to bring in some exceptional hires to fortify the team.

A Growing Team

Jeff Harris joined UCPG last fall and took on the role of VP of Commercial Real Estate, focusing on the construction and operation of retail, office and other commercial spaces including UIQ’s labs and advanced manufacturing facilities. Coming from WestJet Real Estate Group, Harris’ unique experience complements UCPG’s unique approach to development and he was thrilled to apply that experience to such exciting projects.

“To be part of something from the ground up, UIQ as a new development, was something that attracted me to the organization, and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” says Harris. “It’s going to drive economic growth and attract a lot more companies to Calgary.”

Not only will it drive the economy, Harris predicts that this incredible hub will attract established professionals as well as new UCalgary graduates which will help combat the skilled labour shortage. The team is talking a lot about flexibility and future proofing, as what might be happening in these worldclass labs and offices could be innovations that don’t even exist today.

The design of this unique environment replicates the sense of community and place that’s present throughout U/D, and prospective tenants are eagerly awaiting the chance to move in. UCPG has started design services on the three project – a quantum research facility, an office/ lab building and an advanced manufacturing building –and the team hopes to have shovels in the ground in the beginning of 2024.