Taza Development: Indigenous-Led Design Creates New Community Model in Calgary
Taza Development Corporation, one of North America's most significant Indigenous-led urban developments, is establishing a groundbreaking approach to community design that prioritizes cultural authenticity, environmental sustainability, and meaningful connection to the land.
A Vision Rooted in Cultural Principles
Situated on 1,200 acres of Tsuut'ina Nation territory adjacent to southwest Calgary, near Weaselhead Flats and North Glenmore Park, Taza represents more than conventional real estate development. "This development is about much more than a collection of housing; it's a place that is shaped by intention, stories and connection to the land," explains Bryce Starlight, vice-president of business development for Taza Development Corp. and a member of the Tsuut'ina Nation.
The development emerges from a partnership between the Tsuut'ina Nation and Canadian real estate developer Canderel, creating a unique collaboration that blends Indigenous wisdom with contemporary urban planning.
Three Distinct Villages, One Unified Vision
Taza comprises three interconnected yet distinct community villages:
- Taza Park: A 470-acre master-planned development featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces
- Buffalo Run: An active retail, office, and tourism destination already operational within the development
- Taza Crossing: A future residential village planned for later phases of the project
These three villages connect through the Tsuut'ina Trail and share infrastructure developed through collaboration between the Tsuut'ina Nation and the City of Calgary.
Cultural Foundations Guiding Design
The community's development guidelines rest on four central pillars deeply rooted in Tsuut'ina cultural values:
- Community and connectivity that fosters meaningful relationships
- Cultural influences that honor Indigenous heritage and traditions
- Nature and connection to the land that prioritizes environmental stewardship
- Economic diversity that supports sustainable growth and opportunity
"Values and philosophical ideas influence design," Starlight emphasizes. "I see this as an opportunity for cultures to come together and to start bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people."
Design Inspired by Landscape and Tradition
Throughout Taza, design decisions emerge from careful observation of the natural environment rather than imposing artificial structures. "Taza is inspired by the landscape that the land sits on. We worked with the land and the gifts that it gave us, instead of fighting against nature," Starlight notes.
This approach manifests in practical design elements including:
- Integration of natural water crossings and drainage systems rather than conventional stormwater ponds
- An award-winning reservoir designed by Zeidler Architecture in collaboration with Tsuut'ina elders, featuring a conical shape reflecting tipi forms and beaver dam inspiration
- Street names presented in both English and Tsuut'ina language (Dene)
- Public art and murals created with Tsuut'ina artists that bring cultural stories to life
A Model for Future Development
Taza represents more than a local Calgary development—it offers a tangible example of how Indigenous-led planning can transform community development approaches across Canada. The project demonstrates how cultural principles can translate into practical design decisions that create spaces fostering connection, safety, and cultural exchange.
"This is about intentional design that brings people together, where they can feel that it is a safe place to share ideas and share cultures," Starlight concludes. "A micro-ecosystem that is going to allow these positive collaborations to happen and evolve."
As Taza continues to develop, it stands as a significant case study in how Indigenous knowledge systems can inform sustainable, culturally-rich urban environments that honor both tradition and contemporary community needs.
