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The GIID Global Network of Innovation Districts
University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) has teamed up with an ambitious group of innovation districts worldwide to advance one of the most promising models for 21st century innovation, work and urban living.
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in the news
December 11, 2024
The GIID Global Network of Innovation Districts
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August 20, 2024
Calgary’s University Innovation Quarter Joins The Global Institute on Innovation District
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January 12, 2024
new president, ceo to head up university of calgary properties group
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Proposed Vision
How was University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) formed?
UIQ was formerly the University Research Park. Ownership was transferred from the Province of Alberta to the University of Calgary in 2020, with the intent to revitalize the area as a Calgary innovation hub 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 for UIQ, UCPG will work in collaboration with UCalgary, Innovate Calgary, and community stakeholders to create a Master Plan that realizes the projected vision for UIQ.
What is Innovate Calgary?
As a business incubation centre for the University, Innovate Calgary provides services that 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 has the potential to be a mixed-use community offering new retail amenities, unique open spaces, housing options, transit access, and employment opportunities —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 underway. Learn more here.
How can I participate/voice my comments or questions?
The next public engagement session will be held on Sept 27, 28, and 29. We can also be reached directly at info@ucpg.ca. 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 that 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 broadly share what we have heard and our team’s response to it.
If I’m a current tenant in UIQ, who can I contact for more information about the plan?
We can 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 the City Council for a decision?
Land use redesignation applications of this scale take approximately one year after 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.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
What is UIQ?
UIQ stands for University of Innovation Quarter and is an innovation and research cluster that will help drive innovation in the Calgary region by providing space for companies and startups to interact and work alongside University of Calgary students and researchers.
What is UCPG?
University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) is the trusted developer for UIQ.
Where is the community located?
University Innovation Quarter is located in the northwest quadrant of the City of Calgary, due north of the University of Calgary (UCalgary) main campus.
How big is UIQ?
UIQ spans across 76 acres with 4.5M ft2 of potential development.
What is the current state of development?
There is an existing ecosystem in University Innovation Quarter with outdated infrastructure. A master plan will be developed and submitted to the City of Calgary before new development can begin.
When can I move in or set up a business?
Leasing opportunities are available. More information can be found on the Commercial Inquiry page.
What if I simply want to receive news and updates about the community?
Stay informed by signing up for our newsletter here.
Will there be safe and active transportation within and around the development including bike and pedestrian paths?
The existing UIQ ecosystem currently has access to the Brentwood LRT transit system and bike and pedestrian pathways. The Master Plan will outline the vision for the revitalization of UIQ to strengthen these connections throughout the area.
Will the existing pond/park be retained?
The pond/park located in the NW corner of UIQ by 40th Ave NW is a public city park owned and operated by the City of Calgary. There are no plans to remove this feature at this time.