The University of Alberta was created at the birthplace of the city and the province, on land that had been a gathering place for centuries. “Uplifting the whole people” was its founding mission, and it continues to guide the university as it remains a steward of its assets in Alberta.

Over the years, the U of A has acquired land through its own resources and thanks to generous donors. The South Campus land, which the university purchased in 1930 and 1941, is an example of that history.

Since the 1980s the university has respectfully and responsibly consulted with its neighbours, with the municipal and provincial governments, and with universities across the country on potential development opportunities. A land trust is a proven and common way to transform university-owned land into financial endowments that will benefit teaching, research, and citizenship for generations to come.

The University of Alberta Properties Trust  was incorporated in 2015 to manage land and development on behalf of the university, and to transfer all net revenues to the UofA Board of Governors.

Volunteer members of the trust are individuals with deep business and community experience committed to serve the university through a clear mandate from the university’s Board of Governors. Our master plan, our land use designations, and our development will move in harmony with the long range development plan of the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton. The work of the trust will abide by smart growth design principles, embracing social, environmental, architectural and economic goals.