Qualico Celebrates 75 Years of Building Communities and Homes
Third-generation family-run company reflects on growth, legacy and the future of community building in Alberta and beyond.
The true value of a home transcends a transaction. It can be described as a feeling, a memory and a place to hang your hat. That philosophy has guided Qualico since its founding in 1951. Now recognized as one of Western Canada’s largest fully integrated real estate companies, Qualico is celebrating 75 years of building homes, developing neighbourhoods and giving back to their communities, as they continue to welcome families home across North America.
“We’re really proud of the fact that we’re 75 years old,” says Brad Armstrong, regional vice-president for Northern Alberta. “It really is something to celebrate and I know a lot of my peers and colleagues would echo that sentiment.”
For Kevin Van, president and CEO and part of the company’s third generation of leadership, the milestone represents more than longevity. “It’s a testament to the people who have shaped the company over the years — our employees, partners, homeowners and the communities we’re proud to create,” Van says. “This anniversary is a chance to reflect on our history and the purpose that has guided us throughout it: creating places where people can put down roots, raise families and build their futures.”
Built by Family, for Families
Originally founded as Quality Construction by Dr. David Friesen and Katherine Friesen in Winnipeg, the company expanded into Calgary in 1954 and Edmonton a year later, building 20 homes in Edmonton during its first year. “In 1955, there were six home plans, expanding to 15 with three exterior elevations by 1965,” says Thilo Kaufmann, vice-president of Qualico Communities in Calgary. “The company wanted to offer affordable pricing and focused on prefabricated home construction.”
In 1972, the company officially became Qualico, later transitioning to second-generation leadership under Ruth Friesen and Brian Hastings. Despite decades of expansion across North America, company leaders say the core philosophy has remained unchanged: building better cities and communities where people feel connected. “When the Friesens created Qualico, they focused on designing spaces within cities that strengthen connections between people, services and businesses while supporting longevity and sustainability in those communities that build a legacy future generations are proud to continue,” Kaufmann says.
Armstrong explains that this mantra remains their mission today. “We take a lot of pride and ownership in our work as we continue to build neighbourhoods and communities that we ourselves would want to live in,” Armstrong says. “They all need a sense of arrival, purpose and identity that resonates with the people who live there.”
Calgary and Edmonton Continue to Evolve
According to the City of Calgary Archives, Calgary experienced rapid economic growth during the 1950s following the discovery of oil in Leduc and the postwar population boom. It was suddenly one of the fastest growing economies in Canada. Qualico’s growth paralleled this expansion, and today the company continues to shape communities in both cities and beyond, with a focus on thoughtful design and long-term value for residents.
