Success fuels momentum for University District

At University District, we are fortunate to celebrate success in 2018, measured by a number of milestones that our team reflects upon and shares with you proudly — our residents, partners and neighbouring communities — as we wrap up the year.  The family of builders and retailers, new residents we’ve welcomed, and many more Calgarians, have joined us on a fantastic journey that sets a positive foundation for 2019.

Achieving consistent success this past year has been fueled by the behind-the-scenes efforts of our passionate, innovative and dedicated team at West Campus Development Trust, with mindful planning for the future that starts with a people-first philosophy. From end-to-end, the community has come together because of the engagement, vision, culture and understanding of how we can work together to better the lives of the residents and communities that surround us.

The 2018 milestones resulted from listening, understanding, and applying the feedback we’ve received to help make University District a vibrant and active hub that inspires everyone now and for the future. This community has been built with purpose, focused on how we live our best lives. It presents opportunities to build connections with neighbours and enhance overall well-being no matter what age, ability, or lifestyle.

Our team is eager to share our top favourite moments of the year — milestones that all of you have helped make possible by embracing our vision and approach.

James Robertson

President and CEO, West Campus Development Trust

What does community engagement look like? This year we co-hosted a panel discussion called The Importance of Home, Community and Care as We Age. Led by our team and partnering institutions, we explored concepts, challenges and innovative methods that help older adults and seniors age-in-place. We listened to the audiences’ concerns for Calgary’s aging population and experiences that they see or experience daily. Take a look at our recap to learn more about the key takeaways. 

Relationships  = Community

At the core of University District, one of the values always present and top-of-mind is how to develop relationships with others, from future residents to builders, to the city and the Northwest legacy communities that surround us. It means that our connections are built on trust and respect, and the community has come together because our partners share that value.

This year, we built momentum for the community with each new housing option announced: from the August by Avi Urban debut in Spring to news of the Cambridge Manor state-of-the-art seniors living facility (in partnership with the Brenda Strafford Foundation) to the unveiling of the seniors independent living development called Maple by Truman.  We’ve broken ground on all three projects! What’s more, we’ve welcomed the first residents of University District at Brookfield Residential’s The IVY, and Truman’s Noble developments. Recently, we announced Brookfield’s latest project, the Capella, featuring two distinctive and impeccably designed styles: a collection of contemporary condos and a luxurious selection of single-level residences – a unique offering rarely seen in Calgary.

So what does this all mean?

“From the beginning, University District was designed to support people of all ages and life-stages, so we are offering housing options with size, space and flexibility in a more compact form. It’s really creating that urban village, so it’s a key component to not only have multi-family living but also the retail integration. People are interested in a different type of living, where their family can grow with them.”

Emily Allert-House

Communications and Community Engagement Lead

As an age-in-place community, University District offers flexibility for residents to stay and enjoy the benefits of urban living, with ease of accessibility and without having to compromise or wait for development. Our relationships with new retailers brings a new dynamic to community building, where amenities will be available into the second phase of development.

Retail Excitement, Present and Future

The vision for University District retail district is the heart of the community, the hub where everyone will come together to shop, eat, explore, and social. For 2018, this vision is in arm’s reach as we’re well on our way to building for the near future, with fantastic retail partners like hyper-local small businesses Analog Coffee and Market Wines, and Canadian-based powerhouse brand Alt Hotels by Group Germain Hotels. To end the year off with a bang, we recently announced in partnership with Cineplex to open a VIP Cinemas theatre, one of two Cineplex theatres in the country dedicated exclusively to adult movie-goers.

“The lifestyle offered at U/D is simple. With innovative and premium experiences for everyone in the community and most during the early stages of development, life is easy as soon as you move in. What’s better than moving into a new community with everyday amenities at-the-ready, and within walking or biking distance from home? Community retail is important because it means less commuting and less traffic, and more quality time spent on the things you enjoy most.”  

Adam Thurston
Digital Marketing Specialist

The feedback from the community? Enthusiasm and anticipation for life at University District!

Residents have already planned out their days, from their morning coffees after a leisurely stroll and a quick stop-over for a bottle of wine after work near the University to weekend outings at the theatre and coffee meet-ups. Better yet, on the radar is grocery partner Save-on-Foods to be opened in 2020 – a hub of its own where shoppers tend to trade recipes, see familiar faces or grab a sandwich at the cafe on their way to enjoy an evening at U/D’s urban dog park.

We sat down with Russ and Chris Prefontaine from the Analog Coffee team to speak about their latest retail addition to University District. Click here to see what they had to say!

Inspiring Open Spaces – North Pond and Urban Dog Park

The benefits of parks and play spaces are far-reaching for a community, whether for people to socialize, to be active, or feel like a safe space to walk through during an evening stroll. Part of University District’s master plan incorporates a 12km path system where all quadrants of the community can connect. The very first U/D park opening this past July was a day to remember —  the North Pond and Urban Dog Park opened to welcome residents and neighbours, and many Calgarians who were excited to take part in a unique experience.

“The two-acre multi-purpose park space was built so people could get together, meet for a coffee, plan a day out with the dogs, or just enjoy outdoorsy living in an urban neighbourhood. From our engagement sessions and taking a look at exemplary urban villages in North America, we knew that this was highly valued as an amenity for the community. Our park spaces integrated with specific features like the fenced, off-leash areas, show that we appreciate, acknowledge and value what’s needed and wanted for a better lifestyle.”

Travis Oberg

Senior Development Manager

Since the opening, the park is recognized and used as a local destination that is simply a great gathering place. Its presence in such an early stage of development for the community has really helped new residents embrace the neighbourhood and the outdoors, whether with family and friends, or quick walks to nearby communities and shopping centres.

Did you miss out on the opening day of the North Pond and Urban Dog Park? Take a look here to see how excited dogs, dog owners, and event-goers were to participate in all of the activities, including the best in dog show and a treasure map tour of the entire park and local NW vendors. 

Time to Play

Planning mindfully has been a part of University District from the beginning — it helps shape the community through innovation, identify opportunities, and find solutions to challenges. As an age-inclusive, multi-family community, U/D was designed for people to be able to enjoy life, including staying active, focusing on their well-being and spending time with loved ones. It’s the reason why the Northwest Commons Park urban themed playground with more than 8,300 square feet of interactive age-inclusive play space was an important amenity incorporated in plans.

The all-purpose recreational area is a unique concept, called a Playcore National Demonstration Site, built to be an inclusive, fair, smart, independent, safe, active and comfortable play space for everyone!

“We were committed to creating a play space that is inclusive, despite abilities or age. Everyone has the urge to play and the Northwest Commons Park doesn’t limit anyone from participating. It’s a great reason for people to stay active, whether or not they have children, and get out into the community to get to know their neighbours. Our common spaces are built so block parties and barbecues, play dates, or a round of flag football can happen at anytime.

The best part about the playground is that it’s wheelchair accessible, features mobility and sensory touch points, and provides easy connections. It’s representative of the overall plan for University District.”

Josh Delannoy

Development Coordinator

Want to learn more about Northwest Commons Park and what a Playcore National Demonstration Site is? Keep reading to learn more about the multi-age and multi-ability features!

Community of the Year

In September we were awarded New Community Development of the year by the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Alberta. The annual industry awards is a testament to how University District is a unique, diverse collective of experience, knowledge, values and history that help us create our own new meaning of community.

Through constant engagement with community members, partners, and stakeholders, the community has been built to integrate wants and needs for services and amenities, walkability, accessibility, and connectivity. Listening to this feedback has truly helped us develop long-term, lasting relationships that demonstrate we’re trying to be a good neighbour and provider so you can lead the best life possible in this community.

“U/D is a community like no other and we want everyone who is a part of it to feel that they are helping shape it to be a one-of-a-kind place to visit and call home in Alberta. Winning the award this year isn’t just a proud moment for our team, but it validates the grassroots efforts and values that motivate and drive our residents to be proud ambassadors for us because they were involved.”

Maureen Henderson

Director of Marketing and Communications

From our humble beginnings only five years ago to now, it has been a remarkable journey to take with our team, all of our supporters — builders and partners — the current and future residents of U/D, and the greater NW. Thank you everyone for your collaboration, your trust and your encouragement.

2019 is an exciting look-ahead for University District because there will be more announcements, amenities and residents to welcome. Stay tuned as we prepare for the next phase of our urban village!

U/D partners, friends and neighbours share their holiday memories

Memories – that’s what the holiday season is all about. From recollecting those cozy nights with loved ones in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate in hand to creating new memories with friends, family and neighbours at Northwestival, our annual winter celebration.

At U/D we love bringing community together and our feel-good annual community festival was our brightest yet! With classic holiday activities like roasting s’mores and holiday hayrides, Northwestival was the perfect winter outing to get together with our nearest and dearest, make new seasonal memories and share the holiday cheer!

In celebration of Northwestival, we are sharing our favourite photos capturing winter memories and traditions from our partners, friends and neighbours of University District. Let’s take a look!

CONTEST Alert! Get into the holiday spirit and share a photo or video that shows your fondest and warmest winter memories. From holiday party traditions and sipping eggnog or wine with friends to baking holiday confections with the family. Share these moments with us and be entered into our Northwestival contest! You could win our Warmest Memories prize pack worth $250 with delights from Analog Coffee, including a coffee grinder, Aeropress, three bags of coffee, reusable cup and a $50 gift card! Contest ends December 21st. Share those photos before it’s too late! Get contest details here. 

Eat, Drink and be Merry

Our charity for Northwestival 2018 is I Can for Kids providing Calgary kids with healthy meals during the summer months. For 14-year-old Calgarian and founder of I Can for Kids, Sutton Garner reminisces of cold winter days donning her favourite apron, pulling out her favourite recipes and baking up a storm with her mom.

“When it’s cold outside, we love staying indoors and baking for the holidays. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies and pastries. Sometimes the baking actually lasts long enough to see Christmas Day… unless it’s chocolate chip cookies!”

– Sutton Garner, I Can for Kids

Sleigh Bells Ring

The exhilaration as you dash through the snow. The wisps of breaths floating in the crisp winter air. The peacefulness that blankets the forest, interrupted only by the thunder of paws. For Jenna and her husband, dogsledding has become a favourite but cherished winter moment.

“Dogsledding with my husband is becoming a tradition. This has been our favourite outdoor activity as we love dogs and the mountains. We are hoping to go every year.”

– Jenna, Brookfield Residential

Did you know? For the past two years, we have partnered with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours for Northwestival? They are a fan-favourite and we understand why. Their adorable, furry friends are so cute, the sight stops everyone in their tracks!

Dashing Through the Snow

Ready, set, go! The wind in your face as you race down the hill to be first to cross the finish line. Tobogganing is a favourite pastime for many, including Travis. Every year he looks forward to sunny Calgary winter days where he can capture precious moments with his kids as they speed down the hill laughing, smiling and full of joy.

“My fondest winter memories are those winter days where the sun is shining and the sky is blue. It’s the perfect day to go to the nearby Toboggan Hill with my family and have some fun in the snow.”

– Travis, West Campus Development Trust

Making Spirits Bright

The holidays are a magical time of year which is why our neighbour and friend, the Ronald McDonald House does their best to give the gift of holiday magic to families whose children are receiving treatment at the nearby Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“It’s about capturing those enchanted moments. Each year, we kick off the holiday season with our Light the House festivities, which includes refreshments, carolers, and crafts. We always get a helping hand from the Calgary Fire Department to put up our lights, and this year our thanks go to Engine 17 and Aerial 11. Inside the House, our Elf on the Shelf ‘Twinkle’ visits each December, and families get a special visit from Santa himself! On Christmas morning, through our generous donors and volunteers, our Santa Sacks program provides special gifts tailored to each family. And most importantly, during a difficult time in their lives, our families get the gift of being able to stay together at the Ronald McDonald House.”

– Ronald McDonald House

We sat down with Jason Evanson, CEO for Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern and Central Alberta, to speak about Northwest Calgary’s community spirit and sense of volunteering, and what it’s like having U/D as a neighbour. Click here to see what he had to say! 

Ho Ho Ho

From plates of treats and unwrapping toys to trimming the tree, the holiday season isn’t complete if our furry friends aren’t part of the festivities. For Sara, the winter holidays without her cat Parker just wouldn’t be the same!

“One of my warmest winter memories was the first Christmas with our cat, Parker. We always knew he was a big cat, but when we took this picture in front of our Christmas tree, we realized just how big he was  – so big that he made the tree look small! This December will mark his 3rd Christmas with us.”

– Sara, Truman

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

Bundled up in a mountain cabin next to a crackling wood burning fireplace. Festive tunes filing the room. The scent of smoking cedar, the sparkling lights of holiday decorations and the picturesque view of snow-covered pines. Warming up to the holidays in a cabin is an long-lasting tradition for many families. For Josh, it’s become a recent tradition they’re planning to keep for years to come.

“My family is pretty low key, but a recent tradition has been time at our family cabin in Montana. Together, we snowshoe, hang out by the fire, play board games and enjoy the fresh snow with our dog Jaxx!”

– Josh, West Campus Development Trust

A Winter Wonderland

Holiday traditions are a wonderful way to anchor family members, humans and four-legged companions, providing a sense of unity and belonging. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or are carrying on a 10-year tradition, it’s the memories that remain with you. For Jillian, last winter was a year of starting new traditions that she hopes to celebrate for years to come.

“In the winter we spend a lot of time in the mountains – last year was our first with our puppy and had a blast snowshoeing and playing in the snow. It was also my first holiday season joining my boyfriends family in their annual tradition of skiing on Christmas day in Fernie. It was soooo cold but beautiful!”

– Jillian, Brookfield Residential

Photo credits: Leigh–Anne Hazard Photography

Happy Holidays!

At University District, we believe the cornerstone to a healthy community is to build new connections, relationships and create long lasting memories. This is what makes a community feel like home.

This year has been a year marked with firsts and new traditions. From breaking ground on our senior’s complex with our partner Brenda Strafford Foundation and welcoming our first residents of U/D to celebrating Calgary’s winter season with community at the second annual Northwestival, we’re creating memories that will be cherished not only by our team, but by those who have been a part of our journey. Thank you for an incredible 2018.

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and warm wishes for 2019!

Impassioned community member leads with neighbourly spirit

The first residents of University District were welcomed this past summer and what a celebration it was! In a short period of time, U/D went from a vision of a master-plan community to a livable, walkable, mindfully-made neighbourhood where residents like Sam Lau, long-time Northwest resident, University of Calgary alumni and passionate community member, could call home.

In our first instalment of U/D Block Talk, a series that introduces residents and neighbours, Sam offers insights and a community perspective into life at U/D. Keep reading to learn more about his views on downsizing and starting fresh in U/D, being neighbourly and what he loves most about living in our age-inclusive community.

Whether you’re a new resident at U/D, a Northwest neighbour, or Calgarian looking to learn more about the community, we have a great Northwest guide that will let you shop, play, eat and explore! 

Living in a single-family home for the past 20 years, why did you choose to downsize?

I was born in Hong Kong but raised in Calgary and have lived here for most of my life. When I was accepted to the University of Calgary, I moved to a home in Dalhousie and called it home until now.

The house lacked an open concept, which I love, and was fairly large. With that came a lot of unused space that was neglected or filled up with clutter. It was time to scale down to simplify my life, control the clutter and pare down my possessions. At one point I had three tents!

Moving to a smaller home would be more convenient and cost-effective for maintenance. And, I could finally have the open concept floor plan I’ve been longing for. One of the goals of downsizing into this home was to be able to welcome and entertain more people in my home. The way I have furnished it, there are several gathering areas for friends, family and neighbours to sit and chat or share a meal together – it’s a smaller space but one that is more functional!

Making the right residential move is important. After all, your home is the foundation for your daily life. Whether you’re ready to make the move from a house to a condo or are simply curious about the upside of condos and multi-family homes, explore our Homeowner’s guide to buying: Moving from a house to a condo. 

Downsizing is a life-changing event for many. Do you have any tips to share with others on downsizing and making life easier? What are your suggestions to maximize space and storage?

In my experience, start a year in advance – it will alleviate a lot of stress and save you time! Plan ahead so you can make the most of your new living space and ease into the process of downsizing.

Moving from a single-family home to a compact yet open townhome made me assess what I did and didn’t need. Purge the belongings that you haven’t used in years! It is an incredible feeling and has allowed me to move into my new home clutter-free.

Compact spaces can feel small but using cabinets, shelving and stackable totes can help create open and closed storage for all of your essentials. Putting shelves on garage walls or using overhead ceiling racks add much-needed storage space without impacting parking space for your vehicles.

If you are reusing furniture – measure, measure, measure! Taking furniture and space measurements will help you plan the layout of your home. For me, I didn’t want to move 20-year-old furniture into a brand new modern home so I worked with a designer and bought all new furnishings. It was, admittedly, the best experience of the home buying process.

The Northwest is home to some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary.  What drew you to University District?

Calling University District home is a natural fit. It is great being part of a vibrant neighbourhood – one that is redefining community and connectivity.

U/D reminds me of what I fell in love with a number of years ago when I travelled to cities like New York and San Francisco. For example, in Manhattan people would stop by the grocery story and pick up the daily special on their way home. I said to myself, “wow, I would love that”!

Living at U/D affords me that lifestyle. I can explore by foot or bike to find hidden gems. I can walk to the nearby local coffee shop (Analog Coffee opening in 2019) on the way to Market Mall for an afternoon of shopping. During the mad holiday rush, I don’t have to contend with parking. As I’m riding my bike home from downtown, I can stop at the grocery store next door (Save-on-Foods opening in 2020), or the upcoming retailers where I can stroll through shops at my leisure. I relish in the experience of what I feel community should be.

At U/D, we’re focused on building a place for you to call home. Our fundamental values – walkability, accessibility, connectivity, life, work and play, are what we believe will help bring Calgarians together at U/D so they can create lasting memories. Click here to learn how we’re building a community like no other, where residents and neighbours can thrive. 

Why do you believe getting to know your neighbours is the cornerstone of building a healthy community?

Getting to know your neighbours — whether it is the person who lives next door or down the block in the building next to you — is a great way to build relationships, friendships and ultimately, community. Everyone needs a sense of community in order to feel truly at home in their neighbourhood and it is the reason why I chose to start a group chat in my building.

Aside from the social aspect, knowing your neighbours is practical and helps build those connections that are often missing as you age. You start to have friendly conversations and we share tips about what we’re doing with and in our new homes, from different appliances to use to recipes we’re testing. We’re even starting to host get-togethers! It’s nice to call on someone nearby if you need help, whether it’s borrowing a cup of sugar or collecting mail, which is already happening in my building.

As we get to know one another and build trust, we’re creating a richer and more exciting neighbourly experience. The group chat helped break the ice. It has been so successful that I’ve helped launch a group chat for the neighbouring building!

If you had to narrow down your list of what you love most about U/D, what would be your top three?

University District is more than just a community or “destination” if you will. It truly is a lifestyle.

From the community concept built on togetherness and connectivity to green spaces and innovative designs like the new Northwest Commons Park, there’s so much to love about U/D. Here are my top three picks:

• Walkability: U/D will have 12 km of walking paths and trails. It is incredible for a community of this size and is one of the reasons why I love it. It is a paradise for alternative transportation, meaning it encourages residents and neighbours to get outside and connect! I look forward to driving less, walking more and riding my bike around the community with my family, friends and neighbours.

• My home and its surroundings: As a resident of The IVY by Brookfield Residential, I’ll have access to a stunning community garden plan. With the friendliness of my neighbours, I can see us gardening together and enjoying the fruits of our labour when we harvest the garden with a summer BBQ at my place.

• Great neighbours: Getting to know my neighbours, I’ve learned that we have a lot of things in common. In fact, U/D’s focus on connectivity and all of the incredible community features is what drew most of us here. We share that commonality.

In a few short weeks, friendships are forming and bonds are being made. That sense of community and being a good neighbour is alive and well in U/D! It makes coming home worth it when you have a beautiful home and friends to entertain with.

University District warms hearts with its annual winter festival

Ice skating and hot cocoa in Bowness, walks through the Festival of Lights at Confederation Park, the freshly fallen snow crunching beneath your fat-bike tires along the Nose Hill trails – what’s not to love about winter in Calgary?

There are ample quintessential winter activities in NW Calgary. But there is one winter event not to be missed.

Northwestival is December 9 from 1 pm to 6 pm and all are welcome.

At University District, we’re excited to share another winter season with our community, neighbours and Calgarians, and ready to take on the festive holidays in the crisp white snow.

Join us for an afternoon full of holiday surprises that will delight all ages and give Calgarians a winter experience unlike any other. The feel-good annual community festival will feature a wide range of unique local artisans, performers and vendors, such as BATL, Heritage Roasting Co., Dumpling Hero, Family Fry Guy and Indigo Circus.

This winter warm-up event is a Calgary first and expresses U/D’s signature community style and people-first philosophy. We love bringing everyone together to build a community with true relationships, connections, experiences and beautiful memories at heart.

Together, let’s take traditional holiday giving one step further to warm hearts and minds by making a difference. Our charity for Northwestival 2018 is I Can for Kids, a local charity that’s helping end child hunger in Calgary. Admission is by donation, so get into the spirit of giving and donate a jar of peanut butter! Not only is it a great cause, it’s a wonderful way to give back to the community and youths in need.  

How can you inspire change? Learn more about I Can For Kids and how 15-year-old Sutton Garner is showing Calgarians firsthand how to make a difference in our city. Learn more about her incredible story here. 

Get Your Winter Fun On!

Bring family, friends, neighbours and four-legged loved ones to Northwestival and create some new winter memories together!  A lively lineup of holiday surprises are planned for this year’s event. Check out our list of what you can expect at Northwestival 2018;

• Live music, roaming performers and entertainment
• Calgary food trucks for any appetite
• Get crafty with DIY winter workshops
• A magic music tree
• S’mores and cabane a’ sucre stations
• Toasty fire pits and warm holiday drinks
• Sled dogs and holiday hayrides
• Snow shoes and fat bikes
• A holiday card photo booth
• Log sawing and axe throwing

Meanwhile, take a peek at photos from last year’s event.

Mark your calendars to join us on December 9, from 1 pm to 6 pm for an epic winter festival that will delight all ages. Grab friends and family and meet us at U/D! Learn more about Northwestival at northwestival.ca. 

Snap: Share Your Warm Winter Memories!

Family. Friends. Holidays. They go together like marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate! What better time to get together with your nearest and dearest than the upcoming season filled with cozy fires, family meals, holiday traditions and creating special memories.

This holiday season, get into the spirit and share a photo or video that shows your fondest and warmest winter memories. Whether it’s a family tradition passed on from one generation to the next like baking great-great grandma’s holiday sugar cookies and confectionaries (with plenty of eating to go with it!), or the warm feelings of roasting marshmallows over the fireplace, share them with us and be entered into our Northwestival contest.

How to enter:

• Share a photo or video that shows your best winter memory from Nov. 10 to Dec. 21
• Tag University District in your post (a must to be entered!)
• Hit ‘share’ or ‘post’ and be entered for a chance to win our incredible Warmest Memories prize pack, with delights from Analog Coffee
• Like and follow us

Local wine shop is marching to the beat of its own grapes

Whether enjoying a bottle during date night, saluting an achievement, finding refuge after a hard day’s work, or toasting the holidays, wine tastes best when shared.  Great wine, good food, amazing company creates the ultimate trifecta! Just ask Kevin McLean, general manager and wine buyer with University District’s retailer, Market Wines.

“Nothing brings people together quite like wine, and while we all have our favourites, the holiday season presents a great time to try something new and mix things up a bit. Traditions and classics are loved for a reason – they hold memories! But that doesn’t mean you can’t spice things up with a few new flavours that you and your guests likely haven’t tried before.”

Perhaps it’s time to break with tradition. Get a little ‘wild’ and change up the rules. The outcome could be happily surprising. Take a tip or two from Kevin’s guide to stepping outside the box and freshening up your holiday entertaining game this season.

Five Wines You Need to Try This Holiday Season

1.  Think Big

The holidays are about sharing, so it’s nice when everyone is enjoying the same wine together. Consider a 750ml bottle of Bouland Morgon from Beaujolais ($75 for 1.5L). It’s juicy and fun with just the right spicy notes to bring out the best flavour in your turkey.

2.  Think Pink

Rosé is an absolute must for the holiday season. Much like a fresh, tart cranberry sauce makes the perfect foil for turkey, so does a lovely dry rosé. Give the Leitz Pinot Noir Rosé ($21.95) a try this season. It’s fresh and bright with lovely hints of wild strawberry and cranberry. Not only does it complement stuffing and sweet potatoes — for the more adventurous — it pairs perfectly with other poultry like goose, pheasant or quail. 

3.  Think Bubbles

The holidays are the perfect time to pop open a sparkling wine. This is the time to try something new and festive, after all. So why not the Rolet Rosé Brut ($31.95) from the Jura in France? Nothing says holidays like a sparkling pink wine and don’t worry, this one is dry, as in no sugar. Serve a simple gougère (a homemade cheese puff) with this wine and it will wake up everyone’s palate.

4.  Think Sweet

Both the Les Lys Vouvray ($24.95) and the Willi Haag Riesling ($21.95) with their ripe stone fruit flavours, make them the ideal match for turkey or ham.  Another tip – turn that leftover turkey into a flavourful Asian soup. Add a little heat with some sriracha and these off dry wines make an ideal companion to the spicy turkey soup!

5.  Think Light

Are you forgoing the traditional turkey and opting for red meat instead? Give those Cabernets, Malbecs and Shiraz varieties the night off. Lighten up by venturing to regions you might not think of at other times like the Jura, Beaujolais, Italy’s deep north or an adventurous red from Sicily. 

Looking for wine tips suited to budgets and tastes of all kinds? Check out these essential tips from J.Webb Market Wines. 

A Fine Wine Experience

University District announced in 2017 that Market Wines would be welcomed to the community’s anticipated, evolving retail mix. The local favourite wine shop is bringing its unique perspectives and wine selections to NW Calgary residents in 2020.

Residents and the surrounding communities will be treated to a wine shop like no other in the city, offering organic, sustainable, affordable and niche products. 

“It’s simple – we love what we do and our goal is to source our wines from small, independent, family-run wineries so we can offer the best of the best whether you’re interested in a glass of wine or bottle to share,” Kevin says.

At Market Wines, shopping becomes an experience for the avid wine connoisseur, the leisurely wine enthusiasts, and new wine tasters with its welcoming environment.

“Our locations are a gathering place for friends and neighbours who share our passion for quality wine,” says Kevin. “We get to know our customers by name, answer every question that we can, and sit down with them to teach them about flavours and pairings.  That is what our community is about.”

Have a favourite locally owned business in NW Calgary that you’d love for us to profile? Share with us in the comments below— at U/D we’re always on the lookout for new neighbours, friends and partners! 

Park of the NW Community

When you enter Market Wines, you’re greeted by a smiling face, knowledgeable staff and a team that wants to get to know you. The team finds out about your preference in wine, the occasion you’re planning for, or who you’re looking to impress.  You can also sample the latest international finds to leave with the perfect wine to match your needs. 

Building connections with its customers is key to Market Wines success, matching a cornerstone of the University District’s values. This people-first philosophy helps build the opportunities for people to gather and enjoy other’s company. Making new friends and meeting neighbours is where creating a stronger community starts.

“We encourage everyone to come by and pay us a visit. Truly becoming part of the communities we serve makes Market Wines unique. Not only is it an enjoyable experience for shoppers, but it’s a pleasure for our us. It feels like we’re building a relationship around your life milestones and helping create memories.”

During the holidays, visit Kevin and the Market Wines team at their various locations across the city for a personalized experience where navigating the wine aisle is an education and a joy. And come by our annual winter festival –Northwestival — on December 9 when Market Wines will help enliven the afternoon of holiday surprises.  See below for details and we hope to celebrate the winter season together!

U/D’s new commonground: Northwest Commons Park

Remember the days of playing outdoors, feeling free and on top of the world? The wind through your hair as you rush down a slide or soar on the swings, dizzying cartwheels and somersaults on the grass?

Perhaps the pace is slower and the risks taken are fewer, but the joys of play need not be distant memories.

Here at University District, we believe in the importance of play for all ages and abilities and the excitement and magic that comes along with it. Beyond fun staying active at any age is important for overall health — body and mind.

Our Northwest Commons Park — which opened October 20, 2018 — is ready to welcome and inspire a new concept of outdoor play. The diverse space includes features to attract and delight fun-seekers of all ages and abilities. It’s also a Playcore National Demonstration Site, which gives recognition to our park for being an inclusive, fair, smart, independent, safe, active and comfortable play space that brings children and families together through play.

Our partners and friends at IBI Group, Park n’ Play Design, Wilco Contractors and Level Playing Field have made it possible to bring this unique play space to life, capturing our commitment to play and recreation while telling our U/D story around the benefits of play.

From play areas for different age groups to sensory areas and special features like a community ping pong table, there are playful opportunities for everyone! Hear what our partners have to say about the features that give this new park that special Northwest of Normal–U/D touch.

Playing outdoors can and should be for all ages. Come visit our Northwest Commons park or check out our guide to Northwest Calgary playgrounds for all ages. 

Urban Green Spaces Aplenty

More than just any ordinary park, the new urban play space is a destination sure to make any park goer feel more connected to community with plenty of creative and engaging play structures and flexible areas to use your imagination. Find a central lawn — the perfect size for a small soccer game, fitness boot camps or tossing a football with friends — to lush plantings, open spaces, trees and elevated seating. You can cheer your friends from the sidelines with a coffee and pastry in hand as they play a good ol’ game of flag football. Site lighting creates a comfortable atmosphere and even includes multi-tiered lit bench walls.

Wouldn’t it be great to meet people in your community and get a chance to go for a bike ride or leisurely stroll? Learn how PlayCity makes it possible! 

Photo credit: Leigh–Anne Hazard Photography

Everyone’s a Player

It’s hard to find another playground like this in the city! The playground is wheelchair-accessible and includes a range of structures like monkey bars, slides and climbing apparatus specifically designed with wide-ramp access.  Universal play matters to University District, so our inclusive outdoor activity space encourages all types of play for all types of people.

From ample connections and resting spots to poured-in-place rubber surfaces, made from recycled car tires, and a series of ramps and transfer points on the playground, our outdoor play space gives kids, youths, adults and the young-at-heart access to the most fun or intriguing parts of the playground.  That’s not all! Our playground will include a number of forward thinking features, such as:

• A giant custom net with transfer platforms for people who rely on mobility devices

• Widened community pathways for ease and comfort

• Expression swings that will give people of all abilities the opportunity to swing together

• A roller slide offers a different sensory stimulation combined with the classic thrill-of-the-slide

• Sensory wave climbers with sensory gadgets for people with visual and hearing impairments

• A Rock N Raft that allows children of all abilities to experience a swinging motion along with all their friends

• Overhead monkey bars made easy to reach for children with mobility devices

Building connections at University District is key, and dogs truly do it best. Grab your four-legged sidekick and check out our north ponds and urban dog park. 

Making Community Play Fun Again

Whether you feel like upping your table tennis skills or testing your mental aptitude with a round of mega-sized chess, U/D offers a range of whimsical activities that will unite the residents and neighbouring communities, and bring together children, youths, parents and grandparents through play. This is what University District is about: creating memories that will last a lifetime, building new and current relationships through imaginative experiences, and staying active in a variety of different ways.

University District awarded New Community Development of the year

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.

A Community Built on Connections

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.

Designed for Life

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. 

A People-First Community

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.

Local Calgarian and Inspiring Youth Tackles Child Hunger

Inspiring stories spark change, and 14-year-old Calgarian Sutton Garner is no stranger to making a difference in our city. In 2015, watching a Good Morning America segment about childhood summer hunger in the United States got the young changemaker thinking:

“My mother and I watched this interview and we wondered if there were similar challenges in Calgary,” she said. “Nothing prepared us when we realized how much it was an issue.

Nobody should have to go without food, yet there are so many kids in the city, the city I call home, who don’t know where they will find their next meal. We knew we had to do something to help so we started from square one and let our imaginations do the rest.”

This led to the creation of I Can for Kids Foundation, providing Calgarian kids with healthy meals. West Campus Development Trust is thrilled to announce this local initiative as its 2018 charity for the annual Northwestival event, held this year on December 9.

Giving back to the community is part of the Trust and University District’s values, whether it’s volunteering time at a nearby charity or collecting cans to donate to a local food bank. Giving back makes a big difference and often the little things make the most impact.

“We believe that part of building a best-in-class community stems from awareness and concern for the well-being of neighbours,” says Emily Allert-House, communications and community engagement lead at West Campus Development Trust. “We’re honoured to support I Can for Kids through during Northwestival this year, spreading the word that child and youth hunger can be prevented.

All year round we see how important it is for Calgarians to be there for one another. It’s part of our commitment to give back to community.”

The season of giving is one that we can all participate in. Learn how you can volunteer in Calgary over the holidays with our Gift of Giving: How to Volunteer in Calgary Guide. 

Healthy Connections

From shovelling a neighbours sidewalk to lending that much-needed cup of sugar, a helping hand is what University District encourages to be a great neighbour.

Connecting and supporting the people around you, helps make a community whole.

It’s what inspired Sutton and her mom, Bobbi Turko, to reach out to their neighbours including University District’s grocery partner, Save-on-Foods. The grocer now runs an annual spring fundraising campaign in support of I Can for Kids.

Today, the foundation does 10 weeks of deliveries, from late June to end of August. This past summer, over 20,000 food packs were delivered, each containing three meals and snacks for children in need.

“The support from Calgarians makes our initiatives possible,” says Sutton. “We’re so excited to partner up with West Campus Development Trust this Northwestival. It’s a great local event that creates a strong sense of community and fun.”

There’s something about the power of community that comes alive in Northwest Calgary. Learn how Ronald McDonald House Charities is helping to keep families close. Take a read here.

Northwestival – Mark Your Calendar

Throughout the year, giving back and being a good neighbour deserves top-of-mind importance. In fact, I Can For Kids is already planning ahead for next summer

As part of the Trust’s values and focus — to elevate awareness and giving back to the local community — aligning with I Can for Kids is a natural choice and our annual Northwestival event is the perfect time. There are thousands of families that continue to struggle with food insecurity, and Northwestival is one of the best platforms we can use to help share that story and bring people together to support a program that helps provide quality, nutritious food to those in need.

During Northwestival, I Can for Kids and the Trust will hold a peanut butter drive and we encourage everyone to participate by bringing a jar along with you to the event. So mark your calendars and bring the whole family this December to help make a difference in the lives of friends and neighbours while enjoying a day of winter fun, holiday surprises and all things that make the Northwest the best.

Calgary’s Northwest offers an incredible range of opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in their community. Put your skills to great use. Check out our guide to 5 places to volunteer in NW Calgary. 

4 Ways You Can Give Back to I Can For Kids

1.  Join us at Northwestival and contribute to our peanut butter drive by bringing an unopened jar with you!

2.  Make an online donation or monthly recurring gift

3.  Host an I Can for Kids FUNdraising event

4.  Consider I Can for Kids as the beneficiary of your community or corporate fundraising event