Building a master-planned development through a shared commitment to collaboration, culture and long-term community stewardship
SUMMARY
- Understand the unique roles of Taza Development Corp., Tsuut’ina Nation, Tsuut’ina Development Authority, the Tsuut’ina–Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group and Taza Township
- Discover how each partner is working collaboratively to move Taza’s vision forward
- Hear different partners’ perspectives on how collaboration is the foundation of the development
Building a community with a vision as ambitious as Taza’s takes more than planning and development expertise. It requires strong relationships, clearly defined responsibilities and a shared commitment to Tsuut’ina Nation values, culture and connection to the land.
Grounded in a 50/50 partnership between Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel, Taza has grown through years of listening, relationship-building and collaborative planning.
Today, several key partners are helping write the next chapter of this story. Tsuut’ina Nation, the Tsuut’ina-Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group, the Tsuut’ina Development Authority (TDA), Taza Development Corp. (TDC) and Taza Township Inc. (TTI) each bring a distinct perspective and responsibility to the development.
Their roles may differ, but their work is connected by a shared purpose: to create complete, vibrant community villages that reflect Tsuut’ina culture, honour the land and build opportunities for generations to come. Read on to understand the role of each partner, and how they’re propelling Taza forward.
Tsuut’ina Nation: Landowner, Partner and Guiding Vision
Taza is being built on Tsuut’ina Nation land, just west of southwest Calgary, and the Nation’s values and culture shape every stage of the development.
Tsuut’ina Nation holds a 50/50 partnership in Taza with Canderel. The Nation’s leadership sets the direction its partners carry forward, and the Nation’s language, culture and connection to the land inform decisions at every level of the development, from the master plan to the names on the streets.
Tsuut’ina Nation also delivers the services that keep the community safe. Emergency services come from the Nation through Tosguna, the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, Tsuut’ina Nation Fire and Rescue, the Peace Officer program and Emergency Management.
As Taza grows, it creates new opportunities for Nation members through employment, contracting and business development.
The Tsuut’ina-Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group: Guiding the Respectful Inclusion of Language, Traditions and Protocols
Development on Tsuut’ina Nation land carries a responsibility to include the Nation’s language, traditions and protocols with respect and meaning.
The Tsuut’ina-Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group brings together Taza Development Corp. representatives, members of the Tsuut’ina Language and Culture portfolio, Elders and knowledge holders to guide this work.
The group’s guidance has influenced cultural training, street names, public art, and murals. This process helps ensure Tsuut’ina culture is considered throughout the development journey rather than added after plans are complete.
Tsuut’ina Development Authority: Overseer of Construction Activities
As plans move into construction, the Tsuut’ina Development Authority (TDA) ensures that development proceeds according to the Nation’s standards and expectations.
Established in 2018 under the direction of the Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief and Minor Chiefs, TDA oversees construction activities within Taza. It reviews development and building permit applications and ensures engineering, planning, construction, operations and maintenance comply with Taza Infrastructure Standards and Specifications.
TDA also provides essential services, including inspections, utility services and billing, community asset maintenance, and waste collection and recycling. TDA’s office is now located next door to Taza Development Corp. on the second floor of the Sales & Marketing Centre, allowing the teams to communicate regularly and address questions efficiently as the development grows.
Taza Development Corp.: Bringing the Vision Together and Setting the Bar
Taza Development Corp. (TDC) is the team that brings the pieces together. TDC leads the master planning and delivery of the community villages, coordinates the partners around a single vision and brings ideas to the table for the Nation and its partners to help shape.
That role shows up most clearly in the standards TDC sets for what gets built. With guidance from Tsuut’ina Elders and the Tsuut’ina-Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group, TDC created the Village Development Guidelines for Taza Park, which set the expectations for design, materials, landscaping and cultural expression that every builder follows.
TDC works closely with its builder partners to hold that bar and to extend the benefits of construction to Nation members. That work includes letting Tsuut’ina members know when builder bids open, supporting Tsuut’ina contractors and suppliers on site, and setting Tsuut’ina hiring targets with the contractors building in the community.
Taza Township Inc.: A Steward for the Taza Community Villages
Taza’s community villages, Taza Park, Buffalo Run and the Crossing, share public spaces, infrastructure and community assets that need thoughtful, long-term stewardship as they grow.
Established under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Taza Township is a community governance organization that delivers civic-like services through its oversight of contracts with Tsuut’ina Nation and TDA. As the public-facing organization for the community villages, Taza Township manages daily operations and infrastructure upkeep, and stays financially accountable to the taxpayers it serves.
This unique model is designed to promote transparency and accountability while ensuring the communities remain aligned with the long-term vision, culture and future of Tsuut’ina Nation.
Meaningful Collaboration in Pursuit of a Shared Vision
Although each organization has a different purpose, their work is connected by a shared commitment to Taza’s future.
The Tsuut’ina-Taza Cultural Advisory Working Group provides cultural guidance. TDA oversees development activities and regulatory compliance. Taza Development Corp. plans and delivers the community villages, and Taza Township supports the long-term stewardship and governance of the community. Tsuut’ina Nation’s vision and values remain central to all of them.
Through ongoing communication, shared decision-making and mutual respect, Taza and its partners bring different perspectives and areas of expertise to the planning process.
Discover the Future of Taza: A Story Worth Sharing
Taza is being built through a vision generations in the making and the coordinated efforts of the partners entrusted with carrying it forward.
Explore Taza’s story and vision, and learn more about the principles and people guiding its development:
