Varsity Courts Frequently Asked Questions

Updated August 26, 2024

What to expect during decommision questions:

Decommissioning of Phase II courts will start in June 2024 with asbestos abatement that was completed on Aug. 15. Teardown of the units is set to begin after September long weekend. This process will take six weeks:

  • 3 - 4 weeks for the buildings
  • 2 - 3 weeks for pipes and utilities

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.

No. The road, Jackson Place, will be extending into 32 Ave. N.W., which will take up half of each court. Critical water lines to these courts will need to be removed.

There are no current plans, but we will continue to assess the feasibility of future family housing possibilities.

There are no current plans, but we will continue to assess the feasibility of future family housing possibilities.

Please reach out to the community resources for Newcomers and Calgary Immigrant Society, and the University of Calgary International Student Services to understand what supports are available for newly arriving international students with families.

Resources available to support seeking of-campus housing:

Off-Campus Housing | International Student Services | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca)

 ‘Go To’ person for support and follow-up for off-campus housing support + access and guidance on resources listed in the above website: 

Justin Orthner
Off-Campus Housing and Transition Coordinator
International Student Services & Residence Services - University of Calgary
275 MacEwan Student Centre
2500 University Drive N.W. | Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
justin.orthner@ucalgary.ca

Financial support/resources: 

No, the playground and small hill area in 600 court will not be affected during phase II decommissioning. Proper fencing is in place in those areas for safety.

  • 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 continue to work with Security Services and Residence Staff to ensure that vacant areas are still being monitored.
  • Red: electrical/power
  • Yellow: gas
  • Blue: water
  • Orange: telecom
  • White: general marks for our contractors

Tenants facing the road and construction site may experience construction noise. University Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) will follow Calgary noise bylaw regulations. City of Calgary construction hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday and holidays). Construction activity is expected to run between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on most days. 

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

In early October, the bus stop will be relocated to 39th. There will be an asphalt pathway added for safe and easy access to the bus stop.

  • Road closures from early October 2024 to mid-Novemeber 2024 at 39th Street to Jackson Place.
  • Main entrance to Varsity Courts on 39th St will be closed  early October 2024. Detours will be in place for a temporary vehicle access point on University Avenue and Warren Street to Jackson Place. Main entrance on 39th Street will reopen in mid-November 2024. 

Parking spots may be relocated to other areas in VC.

Townhall sessions took place on Aug. 13 and 15, which included representatives from Residence Services and University District before decommissioning. An e-mail invite was sent to tenants.

For responses to questions and concerns about safety and construction in University District 24 hours a day, please call the Construction Hotline at 1-855-400-5556.

Questions regarding Residence, please email the Campus Service Centre at campusservicecentre@ucalgary.ca (CSC).

Reach out to your CA for a space on campus conducive to quiet study and work while construction noise is happening during construction hours.

General information questions:

As of June 17, 2024, Residence Services is no longer accepting applications for Family Housing.

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.
  • 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. 

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

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.

Residents in the remaining courts (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000) will be required to move out on/by Friday, July 31, 2026.