Calgary, AB – Qualico Communities Calgary and Tsuut’ina Nation are moving forward with a major land development partnership on Qualico-owned lands in Rocky View County, north of the Nation’s reserve, along the Highway 8 corridor west of Calgary.

The land holdings include approximately 900 acres and have been part of Qualico Communities’ portfolio for several years. After exploring development options with the county, the business unit approached Tsuut’ina Nation to discuss a potential partnership.

Thilo Kaufmann, Vice-President, Qualico Communities Calgary, said the agreement to jointly develop the land grew out of a working relationship built over several years, including through Qualico Communities’ work on Vermilion Hill, a community in the city’s southwest, also bordering Tsuut’ina Nation to the south.

During planning for Vermilion Hill, Qualico Communities worked with the community to better understand the local context and consider how a large residential development could affect nearby Nation residents, helping shape design decisions intended to respect nearby residents and support a good-neighbour approach.

“From there, the relationship expanded,” Thilo said. “We started asking whether there was an opportunity to do something together that could create economic benefits for the Nation and also allow Qualico to bring its development experience to the table.”

The idea has since developed into a proposed partnership built around distinct but complementary roles.

A long-term vision

Qualico Communities will contribute planning, infrastructure, and development management expertise gained through more than seven decades of community building in Alberta. Tsuut’ina Nation will guide the long-term vision for the lands and become the approving authority for development much like the City of Calgary.

Once developed, the project will support new housing, retail opportunities, cultural spaces, and critical infrastructure, while improving connections between the Nation, Calgary, and the surrounding region. The initiative is intended to diversify the Nation’s economy and create long-term opportunities for future generations.

“Building on the success of past economic initiatives, the Nation is securing long-term economic opportunities by expanding our land base,” said Xakiji Ellery Starlight, Major Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation. “Through collaborations built on mutual respect with Qualico and our partners, we will ensure the lasting prosperity, self-determination, and strength of our Nation.”

Looking ahead

The initiative is in the early due diligence stage. Qualico has engaged Aubin Consulting to assist us with the engagement of Nation citizens, regional neighbours, and other stakeholders to inform future planning.

Development work is expected to begin once consultation, approvals, and planning work are complete, as early as 2028.