Major development moves forward on First Nation southwest of Calgary

It’s the start of one of the largest Indigenous-led real estate developments in North America.

Named Taza Park, the development on Tsuut’ina Nation, just southwest of Calgary near Glenmore Reservoir and the city’s ring road, is a partnership between the First Nation and real estate developer Canderel, that will see people be able to buy homes on the reserve through a leasehold ownership, where homeowners own their homes, but not the land that it sits on.

“We are doing what we can as a community, as a community builder, to ensure that we are not just creating division we are actually bridging gaps, we are trying to ensure that people don’t see that there is a barrier between us and them,” said Bryce Starlight, vice president development at Taza Development Corporation.

Homes by Avi, Brookfield Residential, and Crystal Creek Homes, are the first three builders set to build market-rate homes at Taza Park.

Over 6,500 residential units will be built, part of one of three community villages in a broader mixed-use development of 1,200 acres of land on Tsuut’ina Nation.

“We have a variety of three different housing types that hit different price points and really reflect the needs of different people and different demographics,” explained James Robertson, president and CEO, Taza Development Corporation.

The development team says they are looking to announce more on the plans for purpose-built rentals in the summer.

The overall development of the three community villages is expected to take 15 to 20 years.

“Growing up, we didn’t even have access to a 7-Eleven, unless we crossed the border, because of the fact that it was difficult to do development within a reserve,” Starlight said. “For us, it isn’t just about creating an economy this actually about providing goods and services and amenities to our community.”

Home sales for Taza Park are expected to begin in May, with construction beginning as early as June, according to the development team.