At Qualico Communities, we’re always looking for smart, sustainable ways to reduce waste.
As part of our ongoing commitment to building responsibly, our team continues to find opportunities to reuse materials during the construction of new communities. Whether it’s concrete, stone or recycled wood, we’re giving these resources a second life in thoughtful, community-focused ways.
Reusing what we uncover
During construction, large boulders and stones often emerge when we dig stormwater retention basins or prepare lots for homebuilding. Instead of hauling this material away, we repurpose it for landscaping features in parks, roundabouts and along trails. You’ll find examples of this throughout our communities and areas connected to them—including École Dieppe, where reclaimed boulders now enhance the school’s outdoor space.
We’ve also reused materials like alabaster and limestone in creative ways—from sculptures by local artists to community entry signs. In RidgeWood West, alabaster uncovered during stormwater basin excavation was provided by the contractor to a local Indigenous artist. The artist transformed the reclaimed stone into two unique sculptures, which are displayed at our office in Sage Creek.
More recently, reclaimed limestone from a nearby construction site was donated and used to landscape the Welcome to Charleswood sign—a gateway to a neighbourhood closely tied to RidgeWood West. By reusing stone from the surrounding area, the sign reflects the natural identity and character of the land it stands on.
Recycled wood with a story
When select trees must be removed during development, we look for ways to reuse the wood rather than discard it. Some of the hybrid poplars from Bison Run, for example, have been milled and set aside for benches, picnic furniture and shade structures in future phases. It’s a simple way to honour the past while building for the future.
Looking ahead
At Qualico Communities, we’ll continue building sustainably by rethinking how materials can be reused—and how our communities can benefit in the process.
Want to see some of these features for yourself? Take a walk through RidgeWood West, Sage Creek, Oak Bluff West, Taylor Farm or Bison Run to see how reused materials are helping shape the communities we live in.