About the  Night Market 

May 31 marked the first U/D Night Market of 2023! Launched last year, the market has returned due to popular demand. In partnership with MarketSpot, U/D Night Market is proud to host more than 30 local vendors for guests to shop and support monthly throughout the summer months. 

This year, the market has expanded into Central Commons Park to offer even more space to mingle, browse and enjoy all the Night Market has to offer.  The U/D Night Market is free to attend and runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month between May and September. With everything from candles to dog treats, there is something for everyone at this community event!

We sat down with some of our vendors to ask them about what it’s like to be a small business owner in Calgary and why it’s important to shop local. 

Gentle Monster Mud 

Sha Agostini, owner and artist behind Gentle Monster Mud ceramics creates all her products at home. Her unique designs are influenced by Asian culture and her cat. She sells both functional and decorative handmade ceramics to spark joy in your inner child. 

What makes your products unique? 

“Every artist is really trying to find their own way while creating. So for me I always had this urge to create when I see something and get inspired. My focus is on the eyes. Eyes are the expression and window to our soul so I put a little emotion in every little thing that I create. Everything has eyes, even a simple little pin because it really captures the inner expression.” 

What is so special about being a local business owner in Calgary?

“One is the uniqueness and the second part is how you connect with your community- like here. I probably come here twice per week to eat ice cream and walk around with my kids so I really feel like a part of the community. You can be here and show your work and I’m very proud to be here. I don’t have a kiln, a kiln is something we use to fire the pottery, I don’t have it at home so I go to the Arts Centre here in Calgary which is another community that I go to.” 

What can people do to continue to support local businesses? 

“I think events like this! On a nice day people can come out and chat and seeing all the faces makes me happy. All of the compliments are encouragement for me, so when there’s times you’re out of inspiration you can come out to see people which keeps my inspiration and creative spirit going.”

The Honey Merchants 

Katie Merchant is the creator and owner of The Honey Merchants. A beekeeper of five years, Merchant decided to turn her love of bees into a business after a dare from her husband to sell 10,000 jars of honey. The Honey Merchants specialize in making flavour infused honey using high quality ingredients that are ethically sourced. They also sell an assortment of local goods including natural honey soap and Alberta specific native pollinator seed packs to encourage the growth of Alberta’s bee population.

What is the story behind your products? 

“I actually had a lady by the name of Deb about four years ago ask me for a lemon honey and I thought Deb – you’re crazy – honey is perfect, but I’ll try it. So I tried it and it was horrible, and so I kept trying and trying and now I’m on recipe 18 for the lemon specifically and I’ve nailed it. Every product has its own little story.”

What makes your products unique? 

“I think it’s unique because I’m also the beekeeper. We do source some of our honey from just outside of Brooks but it’s all specifically Alberta honey. Anything that flavours our honey is as organic and as natural as possible. The cinnamon, for example, is from Sri Lanka because that’s where cinnamon originated from. The vanilla we get from a lady in Calgary who runs a business called Tribal Vanilla where she ethically sources it herself from Ecuador. There’s a story behind every single flavor that’s involved and because I know that bees only make seven drops of honey in their entire life I have so much respect for the honey, and I know the ingredients have to be really good. We hand stir and hand jar every single jar which is a lot because 10,000 jars in a year is not easy to sell and not easy to hand jar. I am truly farm to jar.”

How important is a “shop local” perspective for you as a vendor? 

“I think people are trying really hard to do what they love instead of doing what they are told to do. For someone like me, I love bees and I thought I would turn this into a little business. Everyone has a different talent that they are trying to expand on, and I think that if we shop local we are supporting people and what they’re good at.”

Lot Forty-Six Design Co.

Dean Jackson is the creator of Lot Forty-Six Design Company. Jackson sells handcrafted leather goods made in his garage in Bowness. He took up leather work during COVID and now sells a wide assortment of leather bags, belts, backpacks, and even custom orders. Each item is made out of high-quality leather sourced from Calgary. 

What is the story behind your products? 

“My name is Lot for my daughter Charlotte and forty-six for the year my dad was born. I primarily wanted to start making furniture because my dad is a master furniture maker but it’s really loud and really dirty with sawdust and power tools and all that stuff.  So, this is a lot quieter and very zen and peaceful” 

How important is a “shop local” perspective for you as a vendor? 

“I live and work out of Bowness , which is a community that supports local businesses. Coming to these markets is such an important thing because you are supporting local and we are all supporting each other so it really gives you that sense of community.”

What can people do to continue to support local businesses? 

“Coming to markets is always a great starting off point and getting involved in your communities. Going to your community associations, finding out what’s happening, who does what, and just asking questions.”

What’s Coming Up? 

The U/D Night Market runs on the last Wednesday of the month from May to September, so keep an eye out for Gentle Monster Mud, The Honey Merchants, Lot Forty-Six Design Co., and many more amazing vendors at our upcoming dates:  

• June 28 
• July 26 
• August 30 
• September 27 

Alt University District by Le Germain Hôtels is officially open, giving the community a new hotel facility for visiting family, friends and guests. The Alt Hotel has been thoughtfully designed by Le Germain Hôtels to reflect the unique and modern style of University District, and offers floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of Calgary’s downtown and the Canadian Rockies, as well as easy access to all of U/D’s amenities and nearby facilities such as UCalgary, the Alberta Childrens’ Hospital and more. 

The hotel offers 155 guest rooms with a starting price point of $129 CAD per night (pending availability). The hotel offers pet friendly rooms, and all hotel guest rooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, HD televisions and Chromecast devices for easy viewing, as well as free, unlimited WI-FI access. Further, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center for guests and underground heated parking for easy access. 

Says Nadia Gravel, General Manager of Alt Hotel University District, “We look forward to welcoming friends, family and visitors to enjoy the convenient location of our latest hotel offering in University District, providing quick access to the university, nearby medical facilities, and a quick escape to the mountains west of the city.”

The new Alt Hotel also has seven meeting rooms that can accommodate anywhere from two to 150 people and an additional two rooms perfectly suited for board meetings that can accommodate up to 16 people. The hotel will also be launching a restaurant and coffee shop later this year, stay tuned for the exciting details. We can’t wait to see what they have in store!

Not a detail was spared in the design and construction of the hotel. It is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, a global recognition of sustainability achievement and leadership. 

“At Le Germain, we do our very best to provide guests with the most attentive service and bring personalized touches to make everyone feel welcome throughout their stay,” continues Gravel. “Whether they’re celebrating a milestone, visiting family or friends or coming for a concert or event, we love to go above and beyond for each guest to ensure staying with us is always a special experience.”

Did you know that University of Calgary Properties Group, the developer of University District, was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects? U/D has a close connection to UCalgary, both geographically and in terms of community experience! 

As summer rapidly approaches, it’s a great time to take advantage of the services, events, programs, and amenities offered by University District’s vibrant neighbour- UCalgary! From paragliding lessons to continuing education, University District’s campus connection brings a wealth of lifestyle options to you and your family.

UCalgary’s Outdoor Centre 

The UCalgary Outdoor Centre has provided gear rental, outdoor programming, and ski and bike repair services to Calgarians for more than 45 years. Conveniently located in the Kinesiology Building, with an additional branch at Bowness Park, UCalgary makes it easy to gain the knowledge, skills and access to the right equipment to create your own outdoor adventures safely. 

UCalgary Outdoor Centre offers a broad range of summer programs including canoeing, climbing/bouldering, hang gliding/paragliding, hiking/backpacking, leadership/navigation, mountaineering/glacier hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, repair and tuning, whitewater kayaking, and wilderness first aid/swiftwater rescue. 

Learn more about summer programs here.

UCalgary offers a variety of outdoor paths running through Main Campus.

Olympic Oval 

The Oval has been dubbed Canada’s Medal Factory having accumulated 36 Olympic medals since 1988. Along with boasting a world-class speed-skating and training facility the Olympic Oval also functions as a public space to serve the community. Public skating and running is offered from September through April and Ice-out events are hosted throughout the summer. 

April 13th marked the kickoff of ice-out events at the Olympic Oval. For those looking for event space, bookings are now open for the remainder of 2023. The venue features Calgary’s largest indoor unobstructed event space. Scheduled ice-out events include major sporting events, car shows, science fairs, and exhibitions. 

University Theatre/Rozsa Theatre 

Enjoy a broad variety of entertainment and educational programming, both in-person and online, offered through UCalgary’s University Theatre and Rozsa Theatre. Discover music, dance, theatre, art as well as informational sessions and expert advice. 

The School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) at UCalgary also offers a full season of performances and is home to a number of impressive alumni, including multiple members of the award winning acapella quartet, the Heebee-jeebees. 

Enjoying the arts is now easier than ever, enjoy 10% off UCalgary School of Creative and Performing Arts performances using the promo code SCPA10. Visit the SCPA website for a full list of eligible performances. 

University Theatre is located at 230 University Court N, and Rozsa Theatre located at 230 University Court NW. 

UCalgary Continuing Education 

Continuing Education was established at the University of Calgary in the 1960’s. It focuses on providing high quality education to lifelong learners, regionally and globally. Popular program areas range from cloud computing to human resource management. Continuing Education programs are designed to fit your life with part-time learners in mind. A wide range of designations are available whether it be a digital badge, certificate of completion, professional certificate, or a professional diploma. 

Continuing Education provides flexible learning both online and on campus.

UCalgary Sports Medicine Centre 

The sport medicine centre is available to the students, staff, and community. The centre conducts sport medicine services, specialty clinics, and research. The UCalgary Sport Medicine Centre has been at the centre of evidence-based research and clinical practice since 1988. 

A variety of services including massage therapy, physiotherapy, and orthopaedic surgeons are available. There are also four specialty clinics (Acute Knee Injury Clinic, Acute Sport Concussion Clinic, Knee Osteoarthritis Clinic, Shoulder Clinic, and an Acute Sport Injury Clinic) and counselling therapy accessible in-house. 

The Sport Medicine Centre operates within the Faculty of Kinesiology, which is the No. 1 sport science school in North America.

UCalgary Summer Events 

UCalgary Summer Camps are a great way for kids to learn, play and have fun! The university offers summer camps for kids of all ages. From Dino sports camps to veterinarian camps, children are able to find something that builds on their interests and passions. Summer Camp Before Care and Summer Camp After Care are also offered to accommodate different schedules. 

You can register for summer camps here. 

For adults, UCalgary offers workshops, seminars, and events throughout the summer. The schedule for these public events are available through the University of Calgary website. 

The thoughtful builder partners of University District design residential units to be functional, and Staples at University District has everything you need to customize your space to your needs – all close at hand. 

We sat down with Louis Duncan-He Designs and the U/D Staples team to hear their perspectives on functional design. Read on to learn more about how you can bring functional tips to the spaces where you live, work and play!

Photo courtesy of Louis Duncan-He

Louis Duncan-He Designs is the mastermind team behind the beautiful Rohit Communities Dean’s Landing in U/D. Check out their top pieces of advice for building a functionally-furnished space.

Small Spaces Do Not Mean Small Furniture
Don’t let your space diminish your furniture dreams. Says Louis Duncan-He,  “The biggest mistake by far with a small space is to automatically buy small furniture – this is not the answer. When designing your space, look at the room as a whole – what do you want the room to be? Think about ways to add design value outside of furniture (e.g. walls, ceiling, drapery, light fixtures, panel details + millwork) – because if you are just relying on furniture, things can start to look crowded and busy.”

Invest in Customized Pieces
Customized pieces are an investment, but having a piece you will cherish for a long time can add a lot of value to your space. Continues Duncan-He: “With smaller spaces, one of the key factors to consider is scale. Having a sofa created at the perfect custom size will do wonders in making it seem like the room was thoughtfully designed. Consider what key pieces you’re able to spend a bit more money on to ensure it fits your space perfectly. You really want to try and limit the amount of dead space, so if there is an extra one foot of space on either side of your sofa, maximize that space because it will not serve any other use. It will also create the illusion of more flow and openness.”

Buy Functional Furniture 

When you’re working in a smaller space, there’s an opportunity to bring in pieces that can have multiple purposes. Duncan-He explains, “Ottomans and other pieces of furniture with dual purpose storage are great for smaller spaces! A smaller ottoman with a lid can serve as an extra seat and a foot rest and can be used to store extra blankets and pillows. This is key when designing a smaller space, think about multi-purpose pieces.”

The transition to hybrid and work from home work models means many of us are using our at-home offices more than ever. The U/D Staples team has some great advice on getting started on small space organization and customizing your office to fit your needs.

What “staple” products help organize and upgrade small spaces?

Staples: “We have a lot of great choices, but our most sought after is always any of the Poppin products! The colourful pieces brighten up any space and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and functions to suit any desk or office!”

Another key product Staples offers is ergonomically friendly chairs and sit-stand desks which are sleek and functional design options, making any desk work supportive and comfortable.

How can someone with a small space use your products to make it organized, functional and beautiful? 

Staples: “Our biggest tip for any of our customers is to always declutter. Less is more when you’re working with a small space. Add some verticality to your desk with a Poppin monitor riser to keep paperwork/keyboards out of your workspace if it isn’t needed, or keep your pens and pencils in a Poppin pencil cup! We all know clutter can lead to unnecessary stress, and there’s a lot of ways our assortment of Staples products can keep you stress-free while adding a bit of colour to life! If you don’t know where to start, our experts from Staples Professional can work with you to design your home office from the ground up and bring your vision to reality.”

Pet owners know the importance of designing a routine to ensure their pets have a happy and meaningful life. At University District, the ample amenities and offerings to support people with furry friends does just that for its residents and frequent visitors. Whether it’s strolling to the community’s urban dog park, visiting pet-friendly stores along the Retail Main Street or meeting fellow furry neighbours for a playdate, University District is the perfect community for pets (and their owners). 

U/D makes pet ownership simple for its residents

We connected with three dogs and their owners in University District to share why they feel the community supports their lifestyle. Reagan Boucher, resident of Truman Noble Townhomes in University District and dog-mom to her rough collie, Sully, shared why the community is so perfect for their lifestyle. 

“The best part about living in University District is being so close to the dog park. We love to pop over there after a long day and I specifically appreciate not having to drive anywhere to access it,” said Boucher. “We also love all of the pet-friendly retail options. It is great being able to include Sully in my daily activities around the community.”

University District is home to many parks and green spaces. The north urban dog park offers a completely contained off-leash dog area that is perfect for letting your dog play, meet others and socialize, while putting your mind at ease that your beloved pets are safe. With a future south dog park in the plans there will be even more places to explore. University District also has many on-leash walking paths including the green spine that connects the north and south ends of the community. 

Se’era Anstruther, a resident of Truman’s Esquire apartments, shared that the walkability of the community makes U/D the perfect fit for anyone with energetic dogs. Says Se’era, “My dog Milo requires a lot of exercise and having many options for walking routes in the area is perfect for us to change things up. You’ll never get bored being a pet owner in this community because there is so much to do that can include your pets.” 

Another resident, Louise Retobis, shared why University District is a great fit for her and her two pups, Teddy and Sonny. “My partner and I moved to the neighborhood last year and have enjoyed all of the amenities. We love being able to walk to pet friendly restaurants, patios, pet stores and enjoy all of the nearby  green space ready to be explored.” 

The best ways to promote a happy life for your pup in a condo-living environment

Condo living with pets is not always simple, but U/D’s thoughtful design makes owning a dog convenient and comfortable. There are many ways that dog owners can implement habits and training methods to ensure their dogs are safe and happy while living in a condo. 

It’s vital to think about the kind of owners we are to our dogs so that we may prepare them for success rather than merely surviving our training and expectations on them. Cat Harbord, Dip.CBST, a certified dog behavior consultant and director of ImPAWSible Possible Inc. shared a few ways that dog owners can change their habits to make the best life for their pups in a condo living environment.

“Your dog will be exposed to a variety of nearby sounds and sights when living in a condo setting, and a dog’s coping mechanisms are quite similar to our own,” she explains. “Taking things slowly and recognizing fear, anxiety or other forms of stress may be present and equipping your dog with strategies to manage the day to day stressors and ‘big feelings’ as soon as they arise will help your dog learn that the world is not so scary when it changes.”

Visitors of U/D enjoy the many offerings for their furry friends

University District is not only great for residents with pets, but also visitors from other local neighbourhoods who like to spend time in the community. One frequent visitor of University District is Gizmo, an adorable celebrity corgi. Gizmo’s human companion, Ilsa, shared why Gizmo is such a fan of University District year round. “The heated underground parking makes for easy access for walks in the winter. Gizmo loves to visit on colder days and hang out by the fire while watching the skaters. In the summer, we enjoy popping over to Village Ice Cream for a pup cup or spending a few hours at the dog-friendly patio at The Canadian Brewhouse,” said Ilsa. 

Similarly, Jasper the golden retriever loves to visit University District where his grandma lives when his ‘pawrents’ are away. Jasper’s favourite things to do in the area are socializing with other friendly pups at the nearby off-leash dog park, checking out the ever-changing new developments and walking down Retail Main Street for a visit to the dog-friendly local retail stores. 

Whether you are a resident of University District or live in a nearby northwest community and love to be part of the action, the U/D community is perfect for humans and their canine companions to take a walk and visit local retail offerings or meet other local residents with pups to socialize. 

Summer is on the way and U/D’s summer schedule is shaping up to be one to remember. We can’t wait to once again connect with residents and the surrounding communities over the coming months. Read on for more details on amazing events and activities in U/D to fill your calendar with fun this summer. 

U/D Night Market 

U/D is again partnering with MarketSpot to host the U/D Night Market, a community market featuring over 30 local food, drink, art, jewellery, games and clothing artisans, accompanied by live music, entertainment and activities the whole family can enjoy. Join us as we kick off the Night Market season on May 31, 2023, from 5 – 9 p.m.

All summer long, the Night Market will take place on the last Wednesday of May, June, July, August and September from 5 – 9 p.m.

Support local vendors and enjoy live music at this season’s U/D Night Markets.

This year U/D is expanding the event to be in both the U/D Central Plaza and the new Central Commons Park! Allowing us to showcase even more local vendors! So bring some lawn chairs and a blanket because this year there will be plenty of room for friends and family to gather, shop, play and enjoy an evening of fun. Admission is free and you won’t want to miss out on the chance to buy from our one-of-a-kind local vendors.

Here is a sneak peek into a few of the vendors you will see at the Night Market:

• Big Buns Club: Locally baked buns made with almond milk, no eggs and all locally sourced ingredients.
• Citrus & Spice YYC: Cocktail kits including specialty ingredients to sip on summer from the comfort of your home.
• Sandi Randi: Handmade local jewelry with everything from trendy everyday pieces to statement bridal jewelry.
• Skin by Lena: Skincare and wellness products made with healthy and toxin-free ingredients curated by a trained chemist.

Click here to stay up to date on all vendors, musicians and update announcements.

Tails & Treasures

Calling all dog lovers! Join us for a tail-wagging highlight of the summer with the annual Tails & Treasures event on Sunday, June 18. This dog-friendly outdoor event will feature the one and only Global Pet Foods SuperDogs™, who will showcase their skills in fast-paced fun-filled show. Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a “super” dog? Enter this year’s Amateur Dog Show where you and your best four-legged friend can showcase your best tricks and skills. 

Don’t miss out on Tails & Treasures on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 1-5 p.m.

In addition to the furry talent, the Tails & Treasures will include music, a ‘smooch your pooch’ photo booth, a puppy pool party and many more activities for an afternoon of fun in the sun the entire family can enjoy!

Anytime Activities at Central Commons Park

Communal BBQ and Patio at University District. 

Central Commons Park is the perfect place for a summer day. With open green space, picnic tables and BBQ’s what better place to enjoy a summer day. Gather your loved ones together for a classic summer pastime by organizing a BBQ in the park. Bask in the sunshine and summer breeze while indulging in some tasty grilled delicacies and reconnecting with the people you love. With University District’s help, you can easily plan the ultimate BBQ experience where we bring the flame and you bring the flavour and fun!

For additional information on how-to-use and safety when grilling at U/D, click here.

Splash pad at University District. 

Beat the heat by splashing into summer at U/D’s splash pad! Located in University District’s Central Plaza,  the splash pad is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., from June through early September. If time in the splash pad isn’t enough to escape the summer heat head on over to nearby Village Ice Cream for a scoop or two! 

For more information about rules and safety at the splash pad, click here.

Stay tuned for details on the U/D Block Party returning Sunday, September 17, 2023, where retailers and community members bring our Retail Main Street to life.

A viewing of the film Golden: Ageism Awareness, recently screened at multiple age-friendly communities across Canada, including Cambridge Manor in University District. The film centered around the growing global movement to end biases against an aging population and to remind people about the joys of getting older. A lively discussion followed, with an overarching theme suggesting that seniors often feel invisible, sent to the edges of society to live out their days. During the event we had the opportunity to chat with two residents from Maple to get their thoughts on the screening. 

A lively discussion on the real challenges of ageism was held recently at Cambridge Manor in U/D.

Garth Toombs, an attendee at the screening, recently experienced this bias firsthand. “Interestingly, because my bike was stolen, I went on a hunt for a new one,” said Toombs. “One of my sons accompanied me, and we engaged with a salesman making it abundantly clear that I was the purchaser, and my son was just along with me. The salesman directed all his attention towards my son, turned his back to me at times and 90% of the time made eye contact with my son. My son and I had quite the discussion about this afterwards, because it was such a blatant example of ageism, we both thought.”

Maple’s Residents Garth and Ann Toombs attend the screening of Golden: Ageism Awareness.

Despite our denial, we’re all old people in training, but for the most part ageism seems to be a socially accepted prejudice. Maple resident and self proclaimed age activist Rose Norris thinks that despite the bias, it’s up to everyone to change that perspective. 

She says, “When I am confronted with ageism comments, I respectfully push back by presenting facts and examples to support my argument. A positive attitude is a contributing factor to happiness and it’s energizing as opposed to the fatigue caused by negativity. Creating a positive attitude is a personal responsibility, therefore a skill that can be learned. This is a good time for us to learn and to act.”

Your day-to-day life is an incredibly powerful influence on your positivity; where you call home sets you up for a fulfilling and vibrant life. University District has intentionally designed the community to consider inclusiveness and multi-generational needs, welcoming residents spanning young professionals to empty nesters, homes and spaces for people in all stages of their life.

Norris explains how U/D is a viable and great option for seniors. She says, “I recently participated in a Senior Housing zoom and among the essentials identified: having access to amenities i.e. food, entertainment, transportation, opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, issues of safety and access to Primary Health Care. U/D ticked all the boxes.” 

Norris was asked what she enjoyed most about living in this community and she was enthusiastic in her response. “A modern community in the heart of the city. A multigenerational community that includes all the elements aforementioned. Cambridge Manor next door would offer a comfortable transition if or when my needs changed. All the boxes I ticked have come to full fruition,” said Norris. 

Age in Place: Stay where you are 

U/D has given thought to what it looks like to age and specifically to age-in-place. Shifting needs and priorities are a reality when getting older and U/D wants the transitions that take place to be as mindful and minimally disruptive as possible. 

Maple is a seniors’ independent living facility and is distinct because of its livable and age-friendly design features, including wider doors, larger more accessible bathrooms and a commitment to elevated fit and finish.

At Cambridge Manor, an ‘age-in-place’ philosophy is embraced with assisted, enhanced and memory care offerings which means a resident does not need to move again, even if their care needs change over time. The concept is integral to the people-first approach to seniors’ wellness, practiced by The Brenda Strafford Foundation, which takes care of operations at Cambridge Manor.

Gathering and relaxing common area space at Cambridge Manor in U/D.

“I often hear from persons who made the move into a seniors’ residence, only to find they have to move all over again because the community they chose is not set up to provide the care they need,” said Harold Shand, Senior Leasing Advisor at Cambridge Manor. “Aging in Place is intended to provide for a wide range of care needs, wherein residents do not endure the stress and disruption of having to move to a different community if their care needs change with age.”

“It is heartwarming to see the new friendships formed and residents’ quality of life rejuvenated as they actively participate in the range of recreational activities and events offered by our compassionate team,” noted Shand. “Many families express a sense of gratitude and relief at how well things have worked out following their loved one’s transition to life at Cambridge Manor.”

We see you and meet you where you are

University District’s design is focused on walkability, connectivity, and inclusivity. Whether you want to engage with others or you’re looking to access amenities, we can all agree being close to people, places and spaces important to us, improves the quality of our day. As we age it becomes even more important to access those freedoms. Strolling over to Save-On-Foods for groceries, meeting a relative at Monogram coffee, gathering friends for nibbles and cocktails at Canadian Brewhouse, watching the grandchildren run in Northwest Commons Park, all of these seemingly random activities, quietly contribute to the quality of living. 

Says Shand “It is not uncommon to see residents of Cambridge Manor out for a daily stroll through the neighbourhood. Residents and their families love the close proximity to the great shops and services and the walkability of University District’s pedestrian friendly design.”

Even though urban amenities abound, U/D has intentionally designed and created access to green spaces, pathways, parks, biking paths, and ways to be outside, exploring and connecting in nature.

Golden: Ageism Awareness Film Synopsis:   

Golden is a 2021 documentary about the phenomenon of ageism in Canadian society and the activists working to bring it to an end. Among them is Margaret Gillis, who is working to bring about a UN convention on the rights of older persons, the activist and writer Julia Moulden, whose focus is ageism in the workplace, Dr. Samir Sinha from Mt Sinai in Toronto who is working on ageism in the health care system and Laura Tamblyn Watts who is our voice about ageism in media. There are also a handful of first person narratives in the film, anecdotes from people who have experienced ageism in their lives directly. Golden: The End of Ageism explores this new frontier in civil rights.

Watch the film trailer here.

Exciting news! Homes by Avi has announced its third development in University District. The latest residential building, Autumn, will be located at the corner of University Avenue and McCaig Street NW. Homes by Avi has two existing residential projects in University District, Argyle and August. The third and newest development will match the chic and vibrant theme of the neighbourhood with a beautiful design and thoughtful execution. 

Proposed design for the common space in Homes by Avi’s new development, Autumn, at University District.

Autumn will be a six-floor residential building consisting of 162 units and offering 18 various floorplans, all located above a retail podium. Providing choice and selection across a wide variety of unit types reflects Avi’s understanding that their buyers are discerning and have specific desires when it comes to a new home. Amenities in Autumn feature an A/C in each unit and up to 10’ ceilings (unit specific), plus amazing outdoor social space, including an owners’ terrace on the top floor with barbeques, seating, fire tables and garden for residents to enjoy.

Autumn’s exterior design was divided into three sections to create smaller volumes. Two interior courtyards were creatively designed to help to bring light into all of the units.

The building will also offer a fitness centre, co-work/entertainment lounge, storage units for every floor, heated underground parking, bike storage and a bike washing station for residents to enjoy. These amenities help amplify the lifestyle offering in University District, with quick access more than 30 shops on the retail main street, nearby medical facilities along with dedicated pathways and park spaces. Including an ideal location just steps away from the 3-acre Central Commons Park and a 5 min walk to UCalgary’s main campus. 

Homes by Avi’s existing projects in University District have been very well received by buyers . Their first residential building, August and their most recent project Argyle have sold out due to high demand. 

Rendering of the rooftop courtyard in the new Autumn development.

 “Homes by Avi is very excited regarding the upcoming launch of our third and most spectacular mixed use development, Autumn.” says Charron Ungar, CEO of Homes by Avi. “University District has evolved into one of our nation’s premier urban communities and we are honoured to have been a part of bringing to life the vision of UCPG and setting such a high bar for what urban planning and execution could and should be.”

Interior rendering provided by Homes by Avi. 

Recently nominated for BILD Calgary’s new community of the year, University District is thoughtfully designed for Calgarians of any age and stage of life to live, work and play.   

Ungar adds, “In celebrating our 45th year, we recognize the trust our homeowners have put in us to deliver better value by design and we look forward to proving once again why Autumn will be an exceptional development located in one of Canada’s most exclusive urban communities.” 

Visit University District’s Discovery Centre on May 6 for the launch of Autumn by Homes by Avi.

Fall in love with all that Autumn has to offer! The Autumn launch event takes place on May 6, 2023 from 12 – 5 p.m. at the University District Discovery Centre. Meet the builder, enjoy a guided tour of their new show suite, and enjoy light refreshments and music. Make sure to mark your calendar!