{
  "id": 8384463,
  "title": "Qualico celebrates 75-year milestone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/qualico-celebrates-75-year-milestone",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-19T05:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/09/19/qualico-celebrates-75-year-milestone"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This year, Qualico, a Winnipeg-based company, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Throughout its long history, the company has built more than 75,000 homes and contributed to the growth of cities across Western Canada and the United States. Founded in 1951 by Dr. David Friesen and Katherine Friesen, Qualico initially constructed 13 homes and has since evolved into one of the largest integrated real estate companies in the region.\n\nKevin Van, Qualico's president and CEO, reflects on the company's milestone, stating, \"Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone for any company — and, for Qualico, it’s an opportunity to reflect on where we began, what we’ve built together and where we’re headed next.\" The company has been dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, focusing on sustainability, mixed-use development, housing diversity, and long-term planning.\n\nQualico has also achieved a significant milestone by being a certified net-zero homebuilder in every Canadian province where it operates. Bryan Ward, the company's regional vice-president for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, expresses excitement about the company's continued growth and its role in shaping the future of the housing industry. Ward emphasizes the importance of innovation and long-term vision in achieving such success.\n\nAs part of its anniversary celebrations, Qualico has set goals for two employee-driven programs: the Qualico Volunteer Day program and the Acts of Kindness campaign. Through these initiatives, employees can dedicate time to volunteering and donate to causes they are passionate about. Since 2016, Qualico employees have donated over $500,000 to various charitable organizations.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Qualico celebrates 75-year milestone as Winnipeg-based company",
    "Founded in 1951, built over 75,000 homes across Western Canada and US",
    "Recognized as certified net-zero homebuilder in all Canadian provinces"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Qualico's 75-year milestone solidifies its position as a leader in Western Canada and US real estate, marking a legacy of community growth and commitment to sustainability and philanthropy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}