Taza Park is making waves in Calgary’s retail scene, with ongoing developments and big plans on the horizon.
James Robertson, President of Taza, recently provided Retail Insider an update on the rapidly growing retail landscape in the area, shedding light on the exciting expansion at both the Shops at Buffalo Run and Taza Park itself.
Currently, the Shops at Buffalo Run is 85-90% leased, with over 50 businesses already up and running at the 278,000 square foot shopping centre. Robertson is optimistic about the remaining space, explaining, “Opportunities are starting to become fewer, but overall, we’re very excited about how it’s gone. The tenants are all doing well, and we look forward to the next phase of development.”
One key factor in the shopping centre’s success is its proximity to Costco, which Robertson believes drives a lot of foot traffic to the area. “The adjacency to Costco creates a traffic pattern that benefits the retailers,” he said. “We’ve noticed that a lot of the retailers have their own audiences, like Petfinity and Gold’s Gym, which are independent of Costco.”
However, Robertson also emphasizes that the Shops at Buffalo Run is much more than just a Costco-adjacent shopping centre. “The Shops at Buffalo Run are a destination in themselves,” he added, noting that despite certain retailers benefiting from Costco’s presence, the centre is a key draw on its own.
As for Taza Park, the focus is on creating a comprehensive mixed-use community with a retail heart. Robertson provided a detailed update on the ongoing construction in the area, noting that the first permanent building has already been completed, which will become the main street of Taza Park.
“The building houses our marketing centre and retail on the main floor, with office space on the second,” said Robertson. “We’ve taken up about half the office space and are in talks with other tenants for both office and retail space.”
Robertson said the buildings on the main street will range from one and two storeys to four and five storeys. But predominantly, there will be one and two-storey buildings. Overall, about 150,000 square feet of retail space will be available. It will be more of a community-level retail centre—bigger than a neighbourhood centre but not as large as a regional one. It will be home to up to 30 retailers.
“We’ve already completed our first building. We hope to start the second building next year. The intent is to keep going with the retail program and develop the main street. We believe the main street is a cornerstone for any new neighborhood, offering essential services and amenities like coffee shops, fitness centres, and quick-service food options. We want to make sure residents have what they need on a day-to-day basis,” added Robertson.
The expansion of Taza Park isn’t stopping with the opening of new buildings. A major component of the park’s growth involves the introduction of additional auto dealerships. Currently, two dealerships are open at Taza Park, and a third, Taza Park Volkswagen, is opening soon. “We’re planning to add two or three more dealerships, though the brands haven’t been announced yet,” said Robertson.
While the dealerships are a major part of the development, Robertson revealed that Taza Park will feature a diverse retail offering, including both essential services and lifestyle-focused amenities. Retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, pet stores, and hair salons will make up the foundational component of the retail mix. Additionally, quick-service food outlets, coffee shops, and boutique fitness centres will also be part of the lineup.
“The goal is to provide a well-rounded mix of retailers that people both need and want,” said Robertson. He anticipates around 30 retailers will ultimately set up shop on the main street. “It will be a community-level retail centre—bigger than a neighbourhood centre but smaller than a regional one.”
Taza Park is also planning for future residential developments. “We’ve already announced residential builders, and they’re launching on May 24th,” said Robertson. More announcements are expected throughout the summer regarding the types of retailers that will fill the remaining spaces.
The vision for Taza Park’s retail landscape is clear: create a vibrant, walkable community where residents can access everything they need, from groceries to fitness centres, all within the confines of their neighbourhood.
Recently, Taza announced a partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel, and its first three residential builders for Taza Park: Brookfield Residential, Crystal Creek Homes, and Homes by Avi. This milestone marks an important step in the development of Taza Park, a transformative community designed to accommodate approximately 12,000 residents within a 470-acre, master-planned development.
The development is strategically located near Weaselhead Flats and North Glenmore Park, offering residents access to beautiful natural surroundings. Taza Park itself will feature more than 20 acres of green space, including ponds, wetlands, parks, and four dedicated dog parks. This combination of green spaces and outdoor amenities is designed to create a vibrant, nature-connected community that promotes both relaxation and recreation for all residents, said the company.
“The selection of Brookfield Residential, Crystal Creek Homes, and Homes by Avi marks an exciting chapter in the Taza development journey,” said Robertson. “These builders bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community values that align with our vision for Taza Park.”
Construction of essential infrastructure to support the development of Taza Park is already underway, including roadways, underground services, utilities, and a water reservoir.
“Taza is one of the largest Indigenous-led real estate developments in North America. The residential launch in Taza Park, the first of the three villages to offer residential living and the second to be developed, marks a historic moment in community-building on Tsuut’ina Nation. This project represents a unique opportunity for residents to live in a community that combines modern urban amenities with the rich culture of the Tsuut’ina Nation. The development seamlessly integrates residential, retail, commercial, and natural spaces, exemplifying a forward-thinking approach to sustainable growth and economic self-determination,” it said.
Related Retail Insider stories:
- Taza Development to Welcome Real Canadian Superstore at Buffalo Run on Tsuut’ina Nation in Historic Indigenous Partnership
- Massive First Nations Taza Project in Suburban Calgary Adding Retailers with More Phases Being Planned [Interview]
