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Celebrating Our Legacy -Building Your Future
The Foundation of Qualico
For 75 years, Qualico has played an important role in shaping communities and advancing real estate development across Western Canada and beyond. The company’s story began in Winnipeg in 1951, when David and Katherine Friesen established the foundation of what would become one of the most respected and influential development companies in the industry.
From its early beginnings, Qualico was built on a vision of creating homes and communities with lasting value. That vision helped guide the company through decades of growth, allowing it to expand its reach, strengthen its reputation, and evolve into a major presence across multiple markets.
Today, Qualico operates in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Vancouver, and in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Its continued growth reflects not only the strength of the business, but also the enduring values on which it was founded.
Qualico Communities Calgary: Building Momentum
As Qualico expanded its operations over the decades, the growth of the company led to the development of specialized business units dedicated to different parts of the real estate process. From that evolution came Qualico Communities, the land development arm of the organization, established to lead the planning and development of complete neighbourhoods from the ground up. As a developer, our focus is on creating places of the highest standard; communities that not only meet industry expectations, but exceed them. Through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to quality, we help create places where people can put down roots, build memories, and thrive.
In Calgary, Qualico Communities has been contributing to the city’s growth since 1954, helping transform land into thoughtfully designed communities that support long-term growth and livability. Over time, its role has grown alongside the city itself, with Qualico Communities Calgary developing more than 30 neighbourhoods across the region. Today, as one of more than 40 business units within Qualico, it continues to play an important role in shaping Calgary’s future.
Communities Taking Shape
Qualico Communities’ vision comes to life every day across Calgary and the surrounding region through thoughtfully planned communities designed for connection, convenience, and long-term livability.
Within Calgary, communities such as Ambleton , Ambleridge , Hotchkiss , and Vermilion Hill offer welcoming neighbourhoods for growing families, with access to schools, retail, parks, and pathways. In SW Calgary, Vermilion Hill stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility, featuring scenic gathering spaces and stunning views of both the mountains and downtown skyline.
Beyond the city limits, Qualico Communities continues to shape vibrant places to live. In Chestermere, Bridgeport and Dawson’s Landing balance lake-living with everyday convenience, offering parks, ponds, school sites, commercial amenities, and family-oriented housing options. Dawson’s Landing also offers a newly opened dog park and an upcoming 24-acre Eco Park that supports an active and connected lifestyle.
In Rocky View County, Harmony – an nine-time award-winning community –offers an exceptional lifestyle with standouts amenities such as Mickelson National Golf Club, a private beach, and a skate park. The community continues to evolve with the much-anticipated addition of the Everwild Spa and Hotel in the community’s Harmony Harbour.
Other communities across the region further reflect this vision. Painted Sky in Langdon, is designed to support growth and small-town living in a warm, welcoming setting. In Cochrane, Southbow Landing offers a strong connection to nature through parks, pathways, and its proximity to the mountains, while Vantage Rise in Airdrie brings together a connected, amenity-rich community where homeowners can live, work, and play.
Qualico continues to expand its portfolio every year and is excited to welcome Bellwether , a new community in East Calgary. Bellwether will carry forward the same commitment to connection, livability, and enduring community design.
Together, these communities represent Qualico Communities’ dedication to creating vibrant places where people can truly feel at home.
Qualico’s Past, Present and Future
As Qualico celebrates its 75th anniversary, this milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the present, and look ahead to the future.
The past is rooted in a strong foundation built by David and Katherine Friesen — one shaped by hard work, vision, and a commitment to creating places where people could build their lives. Those values continue to influence the company today.
In the present, Qualico remains a trusted leader in development and community building. Its reputation has been built through experience, scale, quality, and the strength of the people and partnerships behind the business. Across regions and business units, the company continues to create communities that respond to changing needs while maintaining a high standard of excellence.
Looking ahead, Qualico Communities Calgary remains focused on helping shape a stronger future for Calgary and its surrounding areas. That means continuing to invest in communities designed to stand the test of time, strengthening partnerships, and building with long-term purpose. As the city continues to grow, our role is to help create places that support that growth in meaningful and lasting ways.
For 75 years, Qualico has demonstrated that scale and excellence can go hand in hand. We believe success is not defined by being the biggest or the best, but by being both. That belief continues to guide us as we build for the future.
oin us for Qualico Communities’ Parade of Showhomes on April 25 – 26, 2026 as Qualico celebrates 75 years of building vibrant communities.
For more information, click here: Qualico's Parade of Showhomes