Varsity Courts Frequently Asked Questions

The land in which VC is located is held by University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG). UCPG will be developing this land in the next 5-10 years.

Decommissioning of Phase II courts will start in June 2024.

• Tenants will be given the option to move to another unit in a different court within Varsity Courts.
• If their lease comes up prior to May 2024, they can renew a short-term fixed lease for their current unit until May 2024.
• Tenants may leave at any time prior to May 2024 with no penalty when submitting a vacating notice.

Tenants in phase II will need to have completed their move out by May 31, 2024. Tenants in other phases will be informed at least prior to when they will be required to be moved-out.

If you wish to move to another unit, we can process a unit transfer once you contact the housing@ucalgary.ca requesting a transfer. We will work with tenants to make sure they have sufficient time to complete their transfer.

We will continue to accept applications to live in Varsity Courts. Application cutoffs will be decided as Phase III is scheduled for decommissioning.

No, occupancy has steadily decreased over the last couple of years for family housing. The current trends show that families are choosing to live off campus. It will not be viable for the University to offer family housing once Varsity Courts is decommissioned.

No, the single student housing buildings are not conducive for families. We do have units that are suitable for couples. 

We will reach out to the community resources for Newcomers and Calgary Immigrant society and the University of Calgary International Student Services to understand how we can support newly arriving international students with families.

Tenants are responsible for their own moving expenses. 

• We will work with tenants that are vacating units being decommissioned to have their damage deposit refunded.
• Damage deposit policy will continue to apply to those units that are not set to be decommissioned within the year.

• You don’t have to clean the units that are being decommissioned. However, all appliances need to be left intact without any damages
• Damage deposit policy will continue to apply to those units that are not set to be decommissioned within the year.

Parking spots may be relocated to other areas in VC. 

No, the playground area will not be affected during phase II decommissioning.

• We will continue to have a Community Ambassador program in Varsity Courts 
• A programming plan to support transitioning families is being put together in collaboration with the student leader team. 

We are planning a Townhall in January that will include representatives from Residence Services and University District and other resources prior to decommissioning. An e-mail invite will be sent to tenants.

• Yes, proper fencing will be in place to secure the construction site and signage will be posted around the area.
• Areas that have a safety concern due to decommissioning will be fenced. We will also work with Security Services and Residence Staff to ensure that vacant areas are still being monitored. 

Tenants facing the road and construction site may experience construction noise. University Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) will follow Calgary noise bylaw regulations 

If there is noise outside of these hours or for any complaints about construction, please call the construction hotline at 1-855-400-5556

The area will be fenced, but as extra measure, we will also work with Security Services and Residence Staff and Student Leaders to ensure that vacant areas are still being monitored. 

Residents should send any questions and concerns to the Campus Service Centre at campusservicecentre@ucalgary.ca (CSC).

Yes. Student and family safety is paramount to the university. As Health Canada states, “if the asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a compound, there is no significant health risk.”

These materials are tightly bound in the Family Housing units and therefore, your units are safe.

Asbestos was a common part of certain building materials during the construction of many of the buildings in Calgary prior to 1990. 

A baseline inventory assessment was completed for the University of Calgary including Varsity Courts. The baseline inventory indicated that many buildings at the University have asbestos-containing materials.

The University conducts planned asbestos abatement projects in conjunction with renovation/decommissioning projects. Planned asbestos abatement projects are also completed for pre-determined priority areas. 

Abatement work is completed by pre-qualified and certified asbestos abatement contractors.  Air monitoring and site inspections are completed by a third-party consultant.

Abatement of asbestos-containing materials is completed as part of an on-going process to remove potentially hazardous materials, and to continue to improve the health and safety of those at the University. 

All of our units are safe to live in.

Health Canada has stated that “if the asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a compound, there is no significant health risk.”

If there is damage to your unit and you would like to have someone assess it, you can submit a work request and arrangements will be made to fix any issues.

Many people live in houses built in Calgary prior to 1990 that potentially have asbestos-containing materials

The university conducted a baseline study in 2006/2007

The short answer is No. The asbestos content in the drywall joint compound is low.

It is important to understand that the asbestos is located in the joint compound and not in the drywall material.

We would recommend you seek out medical advice from your family physician.

• As with anytime you are feeling unwell, I recommend you seek medical advice from your family doctor or visit the Health and Wellness Centre.

You can submit a work request and arrangements will be made to fix any issues

Do not disturb the drywall by tearing it down, drilling, sanding or cutting into it.