the idea
Envisioned as a place that will catalyze innovation to be a job creation engine, creating pathways for enriching and rewarding employment that will meaningfully contribute to Calgary’s economic diversification, growth and resilience.
Innovation brought to life
A thriving community and world-class innovation hub is emerging as a nexus of innovation and the engine that fuels visionaries, entrepreneurs, research, and forward thinking. University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) will offer a complete ecosystem of networks from businesses, offices, research labs, collision spaces, residential development, and retail amenities to foster and support the process of innovation in the heart of Northwest Calgary.
UIQ is positioned to become a destination where the full potential of creativity and research can be realized as economic prosperity, local job growth, and world-changing solutions.
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UIQ is positioned to become a destination where the full potential of creativity and research can be realized as economic prosperity, local job growth, and world-changing solutions.
a hub for bold ideas
explore the vision
about
University Innovation Quarter (UIQ), formerly known as the University Research Park, will become the latest reimagined mixed-use innovation district in Calgary, sustainably designed to cultivate the brightest minds that are spearheading cutting-edge advancements in science research and programming. The area sits adjacent to the University of Calgary campus and spans across 76 acres acting as a nucleus for the various science, technology, and research companies within.
UIQ will become a driving force for Calgary’s economic growth and academic prosperity where ingenuity and creativity flourish and world solutions are brought to the forefront. The space enables innovation by fabricating a diverse and rich ecosystem for connectivity, convenience, and collaboration.
This is where bold ideas and reality collide – where innovation is brought to life.
master plan
The Master Plan will reimagine the potential to accommodate a mix of office space, labs, research, retail, and residential development in an integrated, future focused and sustainable way. UIQ will energize the University of Calgary’s innovation agenda, creating an impactful destination and enhancing the existing region. The revitalized transformation is expected to create 6,300 new jobs.
the place
Located in the second largest employment hub outside of Calgary’s downtown core, UIQ is next to world-class education, medical and research facilities creating an ideal intersection of ideas and unmatched accessibility.
the process
The UIQ Master Plan will be a harmonized long-range vision that transforms the area to realize the true social, economic and environmental potential for UCalgary research and beyond.
Proposed Vision
What is the University Innovation Quarter (UIQ)?
Formerly University Research Park, ownership was transferred from the Province of Alberta to the University of Calgary in 2020, with the intent to transform and establish a new innovation and research district.
Why is UIQ being redeveloped?
The existing area has significant capacity for growth, connectivity, and densification to accommodate a rich ecosystem of research, industry, innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
What is the role of University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG)?
UCPG was created by the University of Calgary in 2011 to oversee the development and management of university land projects. As the trusted developer and Trustee for UIQ, UCPG will work in collaboration with UCalgary, Innovate Calgary and community stakeholders to create a Master Plan that realizes the vision.
What is Innovate Calgary?
As a business incubation centre for the University, Innovate Calgary provides services to enable emerging entrepreneurs to commercialize their research. Services can include market feasibility, business planning, legal services and networks to private capital.
What is the benefit to the surrounding region?
UIQ will be a mixed-use community offering new retail amenities, unique open spaces, housing options, transit access and employment opportunities, adding much needed improvements to the neighbourhood.
Community Engagement
When does the engagement start?
Community conversation is just beginning. Our process has four phases, the second of which is now under way. Get involved by signing up here.
How can I participate/voice my comments or questions?
Our project feedback form can be found here. We can also be reached directly at info@ucpg.ca. Check the website for project updates and future events. We will post notifications, host on-site events, and have signage for public information. Alternatively, you can sign up to our e-newsletter to stay connected.
What’s on the table for discussion?
Through the engagement process, the project team will identify FLEX AREAS of the emerging Master Plan concepts that are open for community input and SET AREAS which are not open to change due to policy or financial consideration.
How will my feedback be used?
We are committed to providing clear, concise, transparent and accurate information about the project as we progress. We will request and listen to your feedback on the project and will broadly share what we have heard including our team’s response to it.
If I’m a current tenant in UIQ, who can I contact for more information about the plan?
Our project feedback form can be found here or we can also be reached directly at info@ucpg.ca .
Timeline
How long is the public engagement process for the Master Plan?
UCPG will be taking on a series of concurrent tasks. This includes reaching out to existing tenants and key stakeholders from the surrounding area to better understand the site conditions and determine how the site can be transformed. UCPG is moving forward with stakeholder outreach and engagement in Q1 and Q2 of 2022, with a finalized Master Plan concept and formal land use redesignation applications anticipated in Q4 of 2022.
When will this go to City Council for decision?
Land use redesignation applications of this scale would likely take a year from submission to reach the decision-making stages at a public hearing of Council.
When would construction start?
UIQ development will proceed in a staged process across a 10-20 year time frame. Market forces and economic conditions will drive the pace of development.
innovate now
Enabling innovation is in the University of Calgary’s DNA. As a Top 5 research university, innovators looking to move discovery into impact can access an ecosystem of resources to support their journey. Innovation@UCalgary fosters a culture of entrepreneurial thinking for trailblazers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Innovation@UCalgary is the network that advances research into community impact.
UCalgary is where discovery becomes a solution.
make the move
Are you an innovation-focused start-up or established company that’s ready to become part of a dynamic community right now? Within the current infrastructure of UIQ, leasing opportunities exist to start or relocate your organization. Lead the way as the transformation is taking place.
explore the location
A transformation of 76 acres is set to unfold in NW Calgary.
contact us
Do you have a question about UIQ or need to get in touch with one of our team members? With a bit of information, we can direct your inquiry to the appropriate team member to assist.