Qualico Properties and Qualico Communities Calgary Team Up to Develop Bridgeport Commercial District

Chestermere, AB – Qualico Properties and Qualico Communities Calgary are collaborating to construct essential roads into the Bridgeport Commercial District – the first key step in developing the commercial area on the west side of Chestermere, AB.

Bridgeport Commercial District will be a huge draw for people looking to purchase a home in the community of Dawson’s Landing and the surrounding areas. The first phase of the Town Centre is a 10-acre neighbourhood shopping centre with 112,000 sq. ft. of building area that will include a mix of commercial opportunities such as retail, office, and institutional, as well as a 30,000 sq. ft. pet-oriented wellness facility.

Future phases of the Town Centre will have a High Street, providing residents and visitors with lifestyle, shopping, and employment opportunities, captured within a small-town-feel and pedestrian-oriented design. The first common road for this development is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year.

Qualico Communities Calgary supported Qualico Properties’ development of Merganser Drive and Dawson Drive, which will open two new entrances into the commercial area and community from the north and east. The two business units also collaborated with the City of Chestermere on a major intersection that was changed to a traffic circle, according to Thilo Kaufmann, Vice-President, Qualico Communities Calgary.

“Working closely with Qualico Properties has been important to ensure the infrastructure for both Bridgeport Commercial and the community of Dawson’s Landing is beneficial to all those living and visiting the area,” said Thilo.

Qualico Properties and Qualico Communities Calgary anticipate this collaboration will continue as Qualico Properties starts deep utilities in the commercial area. This will impact current irrigation for the Dawson’s Landing Stormwater Kidney™ in Phase 1 of the community.

Joel Mercer, Director, Planning and Development, Qualico Properties Calgary, described the relationship between commercial and community development, such as that seen at Bridgeport Commercial District, as interdependent – a situation where neither one can thrive without the other.

“Commercial growth relies on the support of the local community as customers, employees, and advocates, and in turn, we must understand and tailor services to community needs,” said Joel. “A thriving commercial district often invests in their communities through sponsorships and donations, and as a result fosters a stronger connection between one another.”

The Bridgeport Commercial District has generated strong interest from retailers, service providers, and amenity-based tenants, according to Byron Guss, Senior Director, Business Development Leasing, Qualico Properties Calgary. A grocery store anchor tenant is in the final stages of lease completion, and the team is negotiating deals and has offers from food service, drugstore, liquor, financial, medical/professional, and pet supply businesses.

“We’re looking to obtain a good mix and variety of tenants for the district,” Byron said. “We hope to balance the tenant mix with a selection of local and national groups to provide variety and opportunities for local entrepreneurs and national chains.”

By the end of 2023, close to 500 families will be living in Dawson’s Landing. They will likely be spending time at the Bridgeport Commercial District, according to Emily Smith, Director, Marketing & Customer Care, Qualico Communities Calgary.

Phases 3 and 4 of the community are now selling, and Phase 7 at the southern end of the community is currently under construction. Both Phases 4 and 7 include a new double-front garage duplex product, which is a more affordable large home option for families. Amenities in the community are also coming along.

“Our Phase 3 playground is now complete and open to the public,” said Emily. “Finishing touches on the second Stormwater Kidney™ include a beautiful gazebo and colourful art water feature. Next will be the final Phases 5 and 6, and construction on the large EcoPark will also commence at that time.”

With the upcoming influx of new families into the area, the Bridgeport Commercial District will be an integral part of day-to-day life in the community, and the collaboration between Qualico Properties and Qualico Communities Calgary to ensure access to the commercial district will contribute to its long-term success.